Second Annual Battle of the Brave set for Nov. 8 at Huntsville Ice Sports Forum

HUNTSVILLE – The second annual Battle of the Brave, featuring military veteran hockey players, is set for Nov. 8 at the Huntsville Ice Sports Center. The charitable event benefits Still Serving Veterans.

Face-off for Trigger Happy vs. Unconventional Warfare is at 2:30 p.m. General admission is $10, $5 for veterans.

“This is absolutely an annual event based on the support we’ve received from the community,” said organizer Steve Dermer, a retired U.S. Army veteran who will be among 34 players with a combined 550 years of service.

Last year’s inaugural event generated about $10,000 for the organization that supports veterans and their families through career and transitional support. This year’s goal is to double that amount.

“This is what we call a joint force,” said Richard Landolt, a retired rear admiral and current president of Still Serving Veterans.

Veteran-owned businesses Vali Inc. and Ware Welding are major sponsors with owners Steve Smith and Heath Ware planning to play in the game. Smith did not play last year but spent the past year in the ice center’s adult hockey development program while Ware is a longtime local hockey player.

“I wasn’t ready (last year),” said Smith, Dermer’s friend who last year dropped the puck for the opening faceoff. “I had just learned how to skate. (Now) I feel like I’m part of the team, just one of the guys.”

“It’ll be fun,” Ware added. “Our main goal is to support the vets.”

On Oct. 29 at the ice center’s Zambrewskis Tavern, Huntsville Havoc mascots Chaos and Ruckus displayed the jerseys for this year’s game.

“This is not only a jersey reveal. It’s really our time to say thanks,” Dermer said.

The Havoc is supportive of the event with players set to coach the teams. The Procopio brothers — defenseman Dom and Gio, a forward — are the head coaches.

“For me, it’s part of being in the community here,” said Dom, now in his fifth season skating for the Havoc and third year as the team captain. “It’s just kind of giving back.”

Several Havoc players served as referees last year in a game won 6-4 by Trigger Happy.