The Salute to Service team store opens soon. Check back here for the link.
Countdown to puck dropPine Creek Eagles vs. Grandview Wolves · Varsity · Fri., Jan. 15 · 6:00 PM
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Puck has dropped. Go Wolves!
3rd Annual · Grandview Wolves Hockey · Jan. 15, 2027
Salute to Service Night
One night on the ice to honor the men and women who serve, and the families who serve alongside them.
Date
Friday, Jan. 15, 2027
Rink
Big Bear Ice RinkHome game
Varsity · 6:00 PM
Pine Creek Eagles vs. Grandview Wolves
JV · 8:15 PM
Monarch Coyotes vs. Grandview Wolves
Jan. 9, 2026 · National anthem
Amanda Hawkins sang as both teams stood in their Salute to Service jerseys.
About the night
Battle tested. Game ready.
Salute to Service Night is the Wolves' yearly game dedicated to our military community. Players take the ice in special-edition jerseys, veterans and active-duty guests are recognized between periods, and the stands fill with families, alumni and neighbors who come out to say thank you.
The night is organized by the Salute to Service Night Committee, made up of Wolves families from both Varsity and JV. Money raised from sponsorships and the silent auction is split between that year's benefactor and Grandview Hockey.
Now in its third year, the night has become one of the biggest games on the Wolves' calendar.
Order of battle
Reception & Silent AuctionRuns until 8:15 PM. Food, refreshments and photos in the lobby.
Varsity Game Warm-Ups
Starting Lineups & National Anthem
Ceremonial Puck Drop
Varsity: Pine Creek Eagles vs. Grandview WolvesSalute to Service jerseys on the ice.
JV Warm-Ups
JV Starting Lineups & National Anthem
JV Ceremonial Puck Drop
JV: Monarch Coyotes vs. Grandview WolvesSecond game of the night.
We honor every branch
Six branches. One team.
Tap a branch to see the Wolves players and coaches whose families served in it.
The tradition
IIIThis seasonThe third annual game, and our biggest yet.
Get involved
Three ways to stand with us
Corporate sponsorships
Stand behind the bench
Sponsors make Salute to Service Night possible. Every level puts your company logo in the Salute to Service Night brochure and on the Wolves A.H.C. website, in front of the players, families and veterans we honor on Jan. 15.
Stick & Puck
$400
Company logo in the Salute to Service Night brochure
Tap the button under your level. Our secure donation page opens in a new tab.
Enter your level's amount, and write your company name and sponsorship level in the comments (for example, “Acme Co. · Power Play”). We'll match your gift to your level and follow up to confirm.
Email your logo to Angie Pacheco at Angie.pacheco@comcast.net so we can add you to the brochure and this site.
Or scan to give from your phone
Tax deductible. All donors receive a tax donation letter from the Wolves A.H.C., a 501(c)(3), for tax purposes.
Compare levels
Benefit
Stick & Puck $400
Power Play $1,000
Hat-Trick $2,000
Logo in Salute to Service Night brochure
Yes
Yes
Yes
Logo on Wolves A.H.C. website
Yes
Yes
Yes
VIP area access
Yes
Yes
Yes
Seating for 4 in the VIP area
–
Yes
Yes
Live broadcast recognition
–
Intermission logo & shoutout
Period sponsorship & shoutout
Game jersey with company name
–
Yes
Yes
Salute to Service gear
–
Hat
Hat & Nike sweatshirt
You'll be in good company
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors and donors
Interested in a different amount?
We're glad to put together a sponsorship of a different denomination. Contact Angie Pacheco and we'll work it out together.
Sponsorship contactAngie Pacheco
(720) 231-6973
Angie.pacheco@comcast.net
Auctions · Jan. 15, 2027
Two ways to bid
Every bid supports this year's benefactor and Grandview Hockey. Bid early in the silent auction, then join us at Big Bear Ice Rink for the live auction on game night.
Ceremonial puck drop · Nominations due Jan. 1, 2027
Nominate an honoree
Each year the Wolves choose two service members to drop the ceremonial puck, one before the varsity game and one before JV. Know someone who deserves it? Any player or parent in the program can nominate them. The nominee doesn't need to fill anything out.
Prefer email?grandviewicehockey@gmail.comSend the same details listed below.
Nominees must attend in person. The honoree needs to be at Big Bear Ice Rink on Friday, Jan. 15, 2027 to drop the puck. Please check with them before nominating.
The nomination form opens soon. Check back here for the link.
Varsity5:55 PMBefore Pine Creek Eagles vs. Grandview Wolves
JV8:10 PMBefore Monarch Coyotes vs. Grandview Wolves
How it works
Nominate
Fill out the short form: who they are, how they served, how they're connected to a Wolves player, and why they deserve the honor.
Captains and board vote
After nominations close on Jan. 1, the team captains and the Wolves Association Hockey Club board vote on the honorees.
Honorees are invited
We'll personally contact the selected honoree and their family to share the news and plan every detail of their ceremonial puck drop.
What the form asks
Nominee's name
BranchArmy, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard
Rank
Connection to a Wolves playerFor example, “Uncle of Jacob Yant, #46, JV”
Why they deserve to be the honoreeA few sentences about their service and what they mean to your family
Can they attend in person on Jan. 15?Honorees must be present to drop the puck
Good to know
Nominations are private. Only the Salute to Service Night committee sees them, and nothing is posted on this site until an honoree and their family agree.
Nominations must be in by Jan. 1, 2027, through the form or by email to grandviewicehockey@gmail.com. Questions go to the same address.
Past honorees
Gallery · From the rink
Battle tested. Game ready.
Moments from Salute to Service Night on the ice at Big Bear. Tap any photo to see it full size.
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Benefactors
Who the night supports
Each year the Salute to Service Night Committee chooses a benefactor: an organization that serves our military and veteran community. Money raised on game night is split between the benefactor and Grandview Hockey.
2027 · 3rd Annual
This year's benefactor will be announced soon
Check back here for this year's benefactor and how proceeds will be shared.
Past benefactors
Jan. 9, 2026 · 2nd Annual
Freedom Service Dogs of America
Freedom Service Dogs empowers individuals with disabilities by providing purpose-bred service dogs and custom training. Representatives attended Salute to Service Night along with one of their service dogs.
60% Freedom Service Dogs40% Grandview Hockey
Freedom Service Dogs (60%)
$1,588.83
Grandview Hockey (40%)
$1,059.22
Total raised
$2,648.05
Presented by the Wolves Association Hockey Club after the game, thanks to the generosity of Wolves families and supporters.
Last year, corporate partners sponsored every jersey, brochure and event material, so no WAHC funds were used to host the night. All proceeds went directly to our benefactor and Grandview Hockey.
grandviewicehockey@gmail.com
Archives
Past games
Every year of Wolves military night, from the first Military Appreciation Night to today's Salute to Service Night.
A look back at last year's night: the schedule, the guests, our benefactor, and the service members our players and coaches skated for.
Varsity · 6:20 PMPueblo vs. Grandview
JV · 8:45 PMStandley Lake vs. Grandview
2026 order of battle
Reception & Silent AuctionRuns until 8:45 PM.
Varsity Game Warm-Ups
Starting Lineups & National Anthem
Ceremonial Puck DropJeremy Jenkins, U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne.
Varsity: Pueblo vs. Grandview
JV Warm-Ups
JV Starting Lineups & National Anthem
JV Ceremonial Puck DropSteve Yant, U.S. Navy Submarine Service.
JV: Standley Lake vs. Grandview
A word from Grandview Hockey
40Athletes across Varsity & JV
41+Service members connected to our team
16+Families with a story of service
Mitch McPhersonVarsity Head CoachNick LeClaireJV Head Coach
With 40 athletes across our Varsity and Junior Varsity programs, we were moved to learn that our Wolves family is connected to more than 41 service members, representing at least 16 families whose stories stretch across generations, branches, and experiences.
In many ways, the heart of our club reflects the same principles our honorees live out through their service: grit, honor, perseverance, and an unwavering sense of duty to others. At Grandview Hockey, we strive not only to teach the game, but to shape young people who compete with integrity, lead with character, and excel both on the ice and in the classroom.
Special guest · Varsity national anthem
Amanda Hawkins
Grandview High School, Class of 2006. The voice of the national anthem before Colorado Avalanche games.
Amanda is well known for her music career, and her powerful vocals have become a strong presence in the Denver music scene. On Jan. 9, 2026, she came home to Grandview to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Filmed rinkside as both teams stood for the anthem, the Wolves in their Salute to Service jerseys. Turn your sound on.
Special guests
Public address announcer
Tanis Tracy
A senior at Legend High School with a lifelong dedication to ice hockey. A former left wing, Tanis played competitively for 10 years before injuries turned his focus from player to official. He has since become a Level 4 USA Hockey official, working more than 250 games, and plans to study sports broadcasting in college.
Ceremonial puck drops · Chosen by vote
Dropping the first puck
Every year the Wolves vote on who drops the ceremonial puck before each game.
Steve YantMT1/SS, U.S. Navy
JV ceremonial puck drop · 8:40 PM
Steve Yant
Branch
U.S. Navy Submarine Service
Served
1984–1995 · 11 years
Rank
MT1/SS
Honored by
Nephew Jacob Yant, #46, JV
MT1/SS: Missile Technician 1st Class, Submarine Service qualified.
In Steve's words
My primary duty was maintenance and upkeep on the submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system, and to prepare for and be ready to launch the missile upon receipt of authorization to do so. Thankfully, I never had to launch a real one.
The best part about being in the Navy was the camaraderie and the lifelong friends, and also realizing I could do hard things.
I now enjoy spending time with family, fixing up my house and watching NHL, NFL and NASCAR.
In Jake's words
I would describe my uncle Steve as a great person who loves his family and friends. He would help anyone at any time. He is married to my Aunt Carolyn; they met after he left the Navy, and they have four kids. They're all older than me.
He is a leader in his church, and he and his family love to hike and go on adventures. He loves sports and NASCAR and of course hockey! I'm so proud of my Uncle Steve and the things he has done. He is a great man!
Jeremy JenkinsSergeant (E-5), U.S. Army
Varsity ceremonial puck drop · 6:15 PM
Jeremy Jenkins
Branch
U.S. Army · 82nd Airborne & Army Reserve
Served
1996–2004
Rank
Sergeant (E-5)
Deployments
Kosovo 1999 · Iraq 2003–04
Honored by
Branoch Sylvester, #4, Varsity
In his words
I enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1996, at 19, during my freshman year of college. After boot camp and jump school, I joined D Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment in the 82nd Airborne Division, and deployed with them to Kosovo in 1999.
When my enlistment ended later that year, I came home to Colorado and moved to the Individual Ready Reserve. After the 9/11 attacks, I volunteered for the Army Reserve and joined the 324th Psychological Operations Company. As a sergeant, I served as assistant team leader of a tactical psyops team. Our unit was attached to the 2nd Infantry Division and deployed to Iraq in 2003. I came home in June 2004.
In 2006 I joined the Aurora Police Department, where I've now served for 19 years in many different assignments.
2026 beneficiary
Freedom Service Dogs of America
Freedom Service Dogs provides custom-trained service dogs to veterans and first responders living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and loss of limbs or mobility from combat-related injuries.
Their dogs wake veterans from nightmares, interrupt flashbacks, create space in public places to reduce anxiety, and help with everyday tasks like turning on lights, opening doors and retrieving dropped items. The organization is certified Veteran Ready by PsychArmor Institute.
Donated by the Wolves$1,588.8360% of the $2,648.05 raised that night. The other 40%, $1,059.22, went to Grandview Hockey.
Game honorees
Driven by Service
Each Wolves player and coach skated in honor of family members who served.
Varsity
Junior Varsity
Coaching staff
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors and donors
1st Annual · 2024–25 season · Military Appreciation Night
The 2025 Military Appreciation Night
Where the tradition started. Wolves Hockey held its first Military Appreciation Night in the 2024–25 season, and both teams' military honorees topped 35.
JV · 3:45 PMCastleview vs. Grandview
Varsity · 5:30 PMDakota Ridge vs. Grandview
Frank “Chip” William Meyers IIILieutenant, U.S. Navy
Tonight's games are in honor of
Frank “Chip” William Meyers III
Chip was born May 19, 1946, in Abilene, Texas, and passed away on October 4, 2024, at the age of 78. In 1968 he joined the Navy, serving for nine years and completing two tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Oriskany, flying F-8 Crusader single-seat fighter jets and earning the rank of Lieutenant.
Chip liked nothing more than wearing his VF-191 F-8 Crusader ballcap and striking up a conversation with fellow veterans to reminisce and share a story. Family was very important to him, and nothing was more precious than time at the Meyers family cabin near Creede, Colorado. Chip was an integral part of the growth and support of the HAVS program and its yearly fishing trip to Creede.
2025 order of battle
Military ReceptionRefreshments, raffle and silent auction until 7:00 PM.
JV Honorary Puck Drop
JV: Castleview vs. Grandview
Varsity Warm-Ups, Starting Lineup & National AnthemAnthem by Vanessa Obat of Smoky Hill High School.
Honorary Puck DropDavid Meyers, brother of Frank William Meyers III.
Varsity: Dakota Ridge vs. Grandview
Accountability. Hard work. Excellence. Teamwork.
On behalf of Varsity Head Coach Josh Shaffer and Junior Varsity Head Coach Adam Frances, we are honored to welcome you to the 1st Annual Wolves Military Appreciation Night. With 40 rostered players, it was amazing to see that both teams' military honorees exceeded 35. The values of the Wolves Association Hockey Club reflect many of the characteristics noted in your honorees and their service.
Our mission is to foster a love for the game of hockey, while developing the skills, discipline and character of student-athletes.
A cause close to Chip's heart
About HAVS
HAVS is an organization dedicated to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of active duty military and veterans with disabilities through the therapeutic benefits of fly fishing. Chip was an integral part of the HAVS program and its yearly fishing trip to Creede.
Coaches who served
Josh Shaffer
Varsity Head Coach · Air Force
A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training, stationed in Del Rio, Texas; Clovis, New Mexico; and Denver. In 12 years of active duty he logged 3,000 flight hours and 1,200 combat hours in more than 100 countries.
CJ Reuschlein
Varsity Assistant Coach · Army
Attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, then served five years of active duty in the Army at Schofield Barracks on Oahu, Hawaii.
Brad Sellers
Varsity Assistant Coach · Air Force
Played four years of Division I hockey for the Air Force Academy, helping win three Atlantic Hockey championships, then served eight years of active duty as a space operations officer.
Military Appreciation Night honorees 2025
Our honorees
Family members honored by Wolves players and coaches, grouped by branch.
Team captains
"Establishing the 1st Annual Military Night under our leadership is not only an incredible honor, but truly exemplifies our commitment to honoring and recognizing others and the future of the team."
Varsity
Evan Stellino, Captain
Kyle Golas, Captain
Andrew Alfieri, Alternate Captain
Dylan Kukic, Alternate Captain
Junior Varsity
Jamie Frank, Captain
Caelan Weeber, Alternate Captain
Holden O'Brien, Alternate Captain
Evening MC
Sean O'Grady
Born into a New England hockey family, Sean had skates before he could walk. He stays active in the local hockey community, skating in rec leagues and supporting the South Metro Professional Fire Fighters Foundation's annual tournament.
