Veterans take the ice on the Midstate hockey team

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – There is a hockey program in Midstate designed for veterans.

Puchong, which stands for players who use competition to help others grow, started in 2014. The team currently has 25 players on its roster, mostly veterans from all branches of the military.

For some of the players, it is the first time they have fastened their skates and got on the ice.

The program provides the opportunity to meet other veterans with shared experiences, but also provides players with physical, mental, and emotional therapy.

“They share what they want they have seen and sometimes people want to talk about it and sometimes they don’t and if they want to talk about it everyone is here to listen. If you don’t want to talk about it, don’t talk about it. It’s truly a bonding experience, ”said Puchog President Jon Jones.

The team practices at Twin Ponds East in Harrisburg and is always looking for new members to join. Click here to see more about how you can get involved.