Kandahar Dispatches

Nothing like seeing our wonderful troops in a faraway land watching hockey and wearing Team Canada or Senators jerseys. Thank-you's go to the Ottawa senators for sending $50,000 worth of equipment over to Afghanistan for the troops and the NHLer's who shared their time in bringing a little bit of home over.
The Troops are doing a marvelous job and we are all behind you and what your doing.
So who listens to politicians anyway? Not Shane Doan!

Anyone know how I could get one of those hockey sweaters? Would the proceeds go towards supporting the troops?
Thanks

This has been the best day of my 5 months of being at KAF! Instead of sleeping after my nightshift, I stayed up to watch Team Canada play ball hockey at an outdoor arena in the middle of a war zone. I got to touch the Stanley Cup, meet the CDS and several NHL players, tape an intro for Hockey Night in Canada, and take pictures that will be cherished memories for years to come. I want to thank the CDS who provided a day that swept me away from the realities of my everday life here at KAF, the NHL alumni who travelled 11,000 kms to show their support for me and thousands of other troops and everyone elso who made this day possible. Special thanks also to Terry Kelly for his rich voice in the singing of "Oh Canada" and for his ongoing support of the men and women of the military. This was a very special day. Thank you all!

As a survivor of WWII (I was in the Philippine Islands) (7 yrs old) I know how much the men fighting overseas means. My stepfather was a prisoner of war. I came to the US in 1945 (10 yrs old). Without the men fighting I would not be alive today. My thoughts and hearts and prayers are always with the men and women fighting overseas for the freedom we enjoy in our country. God Bless all of you.

I am the child of a retired Canadian officer, and I must say I am so proud of the contribution that our military is making to Afghanistan's future. I am so saddened by negative reports of the mission there, but stories like this are really encouraging. Thank you to all of the men and women who are there and have been there! We have been so blessed with our lives in North America, so shouldn't we be sharing those blessings with the people of Afghanistan? The work there is hard, but in the end, it will be worth it.

Things like this are why I'm proud to be a Canadian. I am very happy to see the Canadian Forces try to improve the troops quality of life while they work hard to make life better for others.
Our men and women overseas do not get the appreciation or respect that they deserve back home. I would like to say for one that there are many people here who support what you are doing. We know that Canadians aren't fighting and dying for anything other than to help a struggling people advance.
From me and many others....THANK YOU!

This was a great event and the soldiers deserved a short break and a chance to meet some ex-NHLers. I'm sure everyone had a great time and it provided a morale boost.

Mark Napier's comment about hearing alot of negative things about the military back in Canada is absolutely right. We need to remember that despite the difficulties in Afghanistan there are also positive things happening. For example, I saw a report recently that infant mortality in Afghanistan has declined by 30 percent in the last 5 years since the fall of the Taliban. This is a huge story that deserves more attention (I didn't see any reference to it in the Canadian media). More of these stories need to be reported and may lead to a better appreciation for the work that the Canadian military and others are doing in that country.

Back to hockey, I'm sure the ration of two beers per person after the game was popular in the 40 degree heat!

I think it is absolutely fabulous what the NHL players accomplished. There must be more ways that our troops in Afganistan can be validized at what they are accomplishing over there. Sometimes I think our politicians have too many negative agendas to serve. These soldiers (boys) are putting their lives on the line to make a difference in other people's lives. It doesn't matter what country they are in, when people need help we should respond. We just should be more supportive when we do.

It's nice to see the arm forces get a break for a few moments. With all the hardships and hard work they have been doing, it is well desired. They have my support and most Canadians, even if we don't agree with the mission or want to see our men and women at risk. Thanks for all your good work and the honour you bring to Canada.

I hope CBC will have a full length feature of this event.I and I'm sure a lot of Canadians out there will prefer to see more of this kind of things to break the cycle of depressing war stories. Dedicate an hour to this, not just a 3,5 minute feature on the news...they deserve it.

To see our troops enjoying for a day or two in this mission for who knows how long, deserves a salute. For the families to see that their love ones deployed in Afghanistan well and having fun I'm sure is gratifying and reassuring.

Keep up the good work guys and we are praying for all your safe return home.

What a great thing to do for the men and women who are serving in Afghanistan. The Stanley Cup is a symbol of achievement. It is apt that the cup was brought to them.

This story makes everyone proud to be a canadian.

Make sure you don't put the 'C' on the wrong jersey over there! That story makes nobody proud to be a canadian.

Wow, way to go guys. Who wore the 'C' for the former NHL'ers? Was it a french canadian?

Maybe you should send this story to Mr. Layton and the rest of the get-along-gang bloc-quebecois members to read about NHL'ers. They should've sent him over to play in net for Team Task Force and let Probert and Tiger near the crease.

Thank God for sanity and rational,sensible behaviour.Kudos and thanks to our Hockey Greats and our wonderful Service people(indeed National Treasures)You are thought of always and appreciated and thanked daily for what you do for us.We pray for your safety and know that you are the greatest representatives/ambassadors this country could hope to have.
The Buffoons who are supposed to be running this country could learn a lot from you good people (if they could recover their heads from their rectums)and concentrate on what is really important and not on being perpetually offended

Cheers and God Speed to all

This is good for everyone and makes me proud of the soldiers from across CANADA. Hope nobody made any lewd remarks to the referee or linesmen. Hockey has to be Politically Correct to make it work so I be told by Ottawa? Taking the Stanely Cup was a fantastic idea.

9linesmen These days hockey has to be politically correct. Taking the Stanely Cup was a fantastic idea.

This is good for everyone and makes me proud of the soldiers from across CANADA. Hope nobody made any lewd remarks to the referee or linesmen. Hockey has to be Politically Correct to make it work so I be told by Ottawa? Taking the Stanely Cup was a fantastic idea.

9linesmen These days hockey has to be politically correct. Taking the Stanely Cup was a fantastic idea.

As a retired militay person I am extremely pleased that our soldiers are being supported the way they are. The moral boost our soldiers get when a little money and time are spent to show them their fellow Canadians support them in their mission is emmence.

These young people put their lives on the line every day because they chose to and each has their personal reasons for wearing the uniform of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Every day at my workplace my co-workers know I support our troops because they see the "SUPPORT OUR TROOPS" pins and stickers and the red shirt on Fridays.

In conclusion, I am proud of the attitude of the Canadian people in the way they are supporting our troops even though some are against them being there and our government's stance on some issues.

UBIQUE

What a great diversion for the military people in Afghanistan and kudos to the NHL'ers for organizing this event. I do disagree with Mark Napier's comment though, "back home you hear so many negative things about the military". I read, see, and hear nothing but postives about the work the military is doing in Afghanistan. Where theree is contention is on the political side and that is how it should be. This is not a black and white mission, there is lots of room for debate and disagreement about the mission, but that's a political decision. There is much debate about handing over detainees, the military are only following established agreements which are political agreements. Its important to make the distinction. The soldiers have done their job in Afghanistan with distinction, it'll be a lot longer before we know whether the politicians have and let the debate continue.

My son, Joe, is in the U.S. Air Force and is currently serving in Afghanistan. Around 1:30 AM this morning, he called to tell us about his hockey game against the NHL players who were there to support the Canadian military. Do you have any pictures of the game involving the NHL and the Americans? I think it's wonderful that the NHL supports the military over in Afghanistan. My son had his picture taken with the Stanley Cup and was just thrilled to have taken part in this game.

This is such a great story. Our game is such a great diversion and tension breaker. Just look back to the Men's and Women's 2002 Ice Hockey Olympic Gold Medals, we were a nation united, everything else just didn't matter. Hockey unites. Gerard, I agree with you. JFK said it best "A border makes us neighbours, history makes us friends". Our countries are so much like siblings. We may argue, we may push each other's buttons, but at the end of the day we've got each other's backs. To all North American (and all peacekeeping) Troops...my love and thanks! You make me VERY proud.
Lee Ann

A soldier does what he or she is told and always to the best of thier ability. The young people of todays military are indeed very strong and brave. They offer everything and expect nothing in return.

The average Canadian has no idea of the type of work they do now or have done in the past. That is to be expected though as soldiers are a close knit bunch and consider things just another days work. The best way I can put it is those that don't go don't know.

No matter where you sit with the issues of Afganistan please remember that decicions are made by politicians. The soldiers simply do as they are told and deploy thier skills as required and as asked.

Show your support for these fine people who are doing the risky work so that others don't have to.

To the troups..

Stay Well, Stay Safe, and be careful!

Best of Luck and wishes.

CHIMO

Doug Burden

It is wonderful to see everyone chipping in to help our troops overseas. We can't all be there, but we can sure do our part to support them. Keep up the good work out there. We are all thinking of you!

As I sit comfortably here in my computer room, reading about recent efforts of the former NHLers to engage men and women in our armed forces in a game of ball hockey, I feel a sadness that our politicians back in Canada are nattering about minute issues such as what Shane Doan 'might' have said to a hockey referree several years ago, or that the Afghan gov't 'may' be abusing prisoners handed over to them by Canadian Forces. I am saddened most by the focus of elected members on such small, non-important matters, while our sons and daughters are over in a foreign country trying to bring some sort of security to a country to whom we owe nothing. Stay the course Tiger and Bob (Probert) and others, it makes news in Canada look fittingly small.

It is a shame we need to spend tax dollars boosting morale for soldiers in Afghanastan. If they were doing the right thing they wouldn't be having morale problems. I don't see the Stanley cup being brought around to cheer the many Canadian development workers who are striving to bring peace without weapons in many corners of this world. We'd happily have those tax dollars to feed a few more of our neighbours and forego the show.

At first thought"what a waste of taxpaying dollars to have a war,to put people of canada at such risk,what a waste of life.I am a big fan of hockey because the game of hockey brings the game of life to everybody here and abroad and hearing the news of hockey heroes and soldiers playing on the concrete in a country in war teaches life is a game,be a part of the team and do your part in turning this planet's woes into something exciting to dream about at night when you sleep and happy to wake to in the morning.thank you players and soldiers--john--ps this is all I will remember about the war in iraq.

hey boys 7-1 is not that bad keep up the good job over there were all proud

Absolutely fantastic!! when I first read about the NHL players heading over with the stanley cup, I thought, what a great morale booster, but to have a chance to play a game of ball hockey with these guys, what dream come true for most any canadian, and to have "The" cup there to boot,hehehe.
To all who were in the organizing of this event, Cudo's to ya's, I can only imagine how this little diversion from the day to day operations over there could really feel.
Gen. Hillier and the rest of the crew, keep up the great work, never mind the idiots on capital hill, and soldier on, get the job done and stay safe, the country is proud of you all.

Thanks to all the ex-NHLers and those who organized this great visit to our troops. Thank you to all of our troops for representing Canada and for helping the Afghans. As an ex-army brat, (RCHA) I am proud of all of you and the wonderful courage that you show on a daily basis.
A few of my Doctor buds have come over from Nanaimo to volunteer and several more will be coming.
They speak very well of all of you.

Please come home soon - and safe.

GLAD TO SEE THE NHLers IN AFGHANISTAN WITH THE TROOPS AND WHAT MARK NAPIERS COMMENTS RE: WHAT HE HEARS AND READS IN CANADA AND WHAT IS ACTUALLY GOING ON IN THE WAR ZONE DON'T JIVE.
HOW ABOUT REPORTING THE POSITIVE EVENTS THAT ARE GOING ON IN THE COUNTRY.

ALSO LIKE TO SAY DITTO TO THE COMMENTS BY GERARD FINERTY IN MICHIGAN, WE SHOULD BE SUPPORTING ALL OF OUR TROOPS (CANADIAN/AMERICAN) IN THEIR FIGHT WITH THE TERRORISTS. ALL POLITICAL PARTIES SHOULD BE BEHIND THEIR COUNTRIES TROOPS AND NOT GRANDSTANDING FOR THEIR OWN POLITICAL SURVIVAL, GET THE BAD GUYS OUT OF THE WAY, HELP THE PEOPLE OVER THERE AND BRING THE TROOPS HOME. EH

To see our soldiers play hockey in 40 degree heat against former NHL players with the Stanley Cup nearby, was a truly wonderful sight.

I saw something that I thought had died in our country, the Canadian Spirit shown by the former NHL players and especially our brave young men and women in Afghanistan.

I had the priviledge of coordinating then escorting "Tiger" Williams, Kirk McLean & Cassie Campbell to Bosnia, Persian Gulf & Afghanistan in December 2003, part of Operation HOCKEY HEROES. As you can see, Tiger is over again, he is usually the "Marquis" player at NHL Old Timer games for charity and volunteers his time for numerous charity & community events. He still holds the NHL record for the Most PIM's in the NHL being one of the best at protecting Star players on the Maple Leafs & Canucks. So can you tell me why Tiger is not considered for the Hockey Hall of Fame? Maybe we need another category to ackowledge "Unique Contributions" like Tigers.
Signed Major Johnny

To all my brothers. Although I never been in a situation as tough as yours, I still experienced first hand the sequels of war when I served in Ismalia, Egypt. It's easy for people to talk without proper knowledge. Don't listen to them, know in your hearts that you are doing what God sent you to do, because it is your calling. I hurt every time I hear about one of you not making it home. Thinking of you. MCpl M. Couture CD (Ret'd)

17 NHL players travelled to Afganistan to support our troops.Thank you to all seventeen players who gave their time to do this. Their presence supports and inspires our troops, and it's somethng they do not have to do. I'd like to know who the seventeen are. All SEVENTEEN need to be recognized. Thanks

It does my heart good to see leadership like that of our current CDS and celebrities on missions like this one. Our men and women put themselves on the line everyday in Afghanistan and the least we can do is give them a taste of home and heritage. I'm thankful for those leaders that see through the political dung, remember that our troops are the good guys and recognize them accordingly for their efforts. Keep up the good work, you do your country and fellow citizens proud.

Long may your big jib draw.

Good to see that Canadian values are still live and well in Afghanistan. Its important to remember that what ever someones point of view is on the war, that the support is for the soldiers over there, not the politics.

Hockey is the one thing that bonds Canadians, despite one's arguement for or against this war over there. I do not support this war, but I overwelmingly support our men and women, doing what they were trained to do. This game, and the fact they have "this rink" is a proud tribute to their country, their fortitude, and the relief required , to continue this incredible difficult task.
My hat off to you, you make my family and myself very proud.

Those of us at home can never be fully aware of the situation over in Afghanistan or Iraq, nor can we believe everything the reports tell us. But I think it is very sad that we as Canadians are so ready to buy into the negative slant & slag our own country. Whether we agree or not with the part Canada is playing in the Middle East, it is our duty, & we should be honoured, to support the men & women who are willing to risk their lives for our safety. Kudos to the NHLers for showing support & offering a chance for the soldiers to have some fun.

This is a great boost of moral for all the soldiers that are risking their life for Canada. I can say that I am proud to be canadian.

Keep up the great work you are all doing. Its too bad we can't trade our people in the media and politics as quickly as hockey players. Keep your heads upover there and come home safe.Infantry all the way

To our troops out in Afganistan,

you guys are amazing and continue to amaze us Canadians everyday.

On the same page we have news of Shane Doan being roasted by politicians trying to score points, and then we have ex-NHLers, French and English Canadians alike, playing our troops in a friendly during a war. I know which Canada I want to be a part of.

I would like to thank General Hillier and everyone that made this event happen for our men and women in uniform. I know that I would have felt much like Maj. Bassindale and relished every moment playing with those guys. Good luck and safe return.

Hello All,

First off I would like to thank everyone for their support of the Armed Forces. I have been a member for 6 years and of which currently with the Reserves. Many of our young men and women have taken the task to protect our freedom and protect Canadian intrests. I for one marched in TORONTO for the opening of the War Memorial at Queens Park. Many people attended last year at which time people were clapping. Brought tears to my eyes and I for one and happy to serve our country. I hope everyone wears RED on FRIDAYS and seing more and more SUPPORT OUR TROOPS ribbons on peoples cars is greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much to the CBC and the NHLers for doing this thing and to Gen.Rick Hillier( A tough Newfie) you have made us all awear of what our beloved men and women are doing over there and the hard job they are doing to keep peace in this troubled world....CVarry on smiling guys and gals we love you...

Thanks to our heroes in military uniforms and the jerseys of the NHL. Come home safe!

I'm sure this was an encouraging event for the men and women who serve our country in that region. Great idea!
GO CANUCKS GO!

To all the troops and staff over in Afghanistan, you deserve more than this little game, but I am thrilled to know that you are all not ever forgotten!! Have fun, and show the NHL who the real pros are. ;-) Our prayers and thoughts are always with you.

Retired air force, I am proud to see that support. As Canadians we should be real proud of our troops,and maybe show it more, don't be shy. We have the best country in the world and we are free because of the men and women serving.

I wonder if Lord Stanley would have ever imagined his cup being in over 40° weather in Afghanistan? But I'm sure he would be glad to know that true deserving Canadians would be playing for it. From British Columbia I hope you lads enjoy yourselves and come home safe.

When I was a kid my dad was in the airforce and he was always away from home. So while it's good that there are men & women who protect & serve our country.. Those men and women have families at home. So with that said, I don't think that our governments should send our people across seas with the possibilities of them dying over there!

We have been fortunate not having a vast amount of deaths in this war.

It's always nice to know though that it's not all work. They work very hard and having a little bit of fun time with ex-NHL players must have been an awesome treat for them.

Because when my dad was in the airforce he mostly did peace keeping (I think) and always brought us home gifts, so we knew that he wasn't being worked so hard.

Bring our people home :)

Good on the NHL players to go over there. I simply wonder why some of the brass (owners) don't show a bit more support during the playoffs as well!

The Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan make me proud to be a part of our great country. Your service in a war-torn nation, fighting and suffering for the people there to protect their freedom shows true commitment during adversity. That true commitment from each of you to this mission is an example to all of us back home as to how each and every one of us needs to dedicate ourselves to making this world a better place.

Thank you to all of the Canadian Forces who join us in the fight for our freedom. The men and women of our Armed Forces (both American and Canadian) deserve all the support and respect we can give them. While we may not agree on issues such as Iraq and Afghanistan, we should be thankful to have each other as neighbors on this crazy planet.