More than a game

Staff Sgt. John Stanz loves hockey, his hometown Buffalo Sabres, and the United States of America. Last year, after previous tours in Africa and Iraq, he left upstate New York for the third time, this time to serve his country in Afghanistan.

On August 15, 2009, an improvised explosive device blew up near Staff Sgt. Stanz during a terrorist ambush, leaving him badly injured. According to a tribute site, the Marine suffered severe head and facial injuries, as well as fractures in an arm and foot. After difficult hospitalizations in Germany and Maryland, which included a medically-induced coma, the warrior was able to pull through and return to western New York.

As millions around the world watch today's North American showdown for the gold medal, Team USA hockey players will have a special group of fans, including John Stanz, rooting for them. Thanks to Operation Homefront, each American hockey Olympian has been paired with a wounded veteran from the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. Each player has been sent a memento from their adopted hero, and have spent time learning each other's stories during the Winter Games.

Team USA goalie Ryan Miller, the quiet Buffalo Sabres netminder who has become an international superstar during the Olympics, was recently sent a bracelet with an attached bullet from his adopted veteran, John Stanz. According to local affiliate WIVB-TV, Miller has also been given a hat from Stanz's unit, as well as a coin with the wounded warrior's name. Miller will send the Marine several items after he returns from Vancouver. Stanz reacted to being paired with his hometown favorite with humility and honor.

"I don't really understand why all this great stuff is happening to me, but definitely appreciate it, you know?" said Stanz.'

As we get ready to watch the gold medal game in a few hours, we thank this heroic Marine and all the U.S. troops serving overseas at this very moment. As we Americans root hard for the gold, we should also keep in mind that many Canadian soldiers are serving bravely in the same war zones. It's because of these shared sacrifices on ancient deserts that we can all enjoy today's friendly rivalry on the ice.