By BRIDGET TURCOTTE
SAUGUS — In an event to honor veterans, the 10th Mountain Division Wounded Warriors sled hockey team will play at the Kasabuski Arena Friday night.
“The rink is named after the Kasabuski brothers who were killed in World War II,” said Board of Selectmen member Scott Brazis. “They were part of the 10th Mountain Division. (The Warriors) wanted to become an active participant in anything having to do with that arena. They’re coming all the way from upstate New York to be there.”
John and Walter Kasabuski were killed in 1945. John was hit by a grenade. Walter was with him when he died. Twelve days later, Walter was shot. The brothers have side-by-side grave markers at Riverside Cemetery.
“The Warriors are very much looking forward to honoring Walter and John Kasabuski who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for the 10th Mountain Division in Europe in the closing days of WWII,” said coach Mark McKenna, in a statement. “It will be our honor to play in an arena named after the brothers.”
https://newitemlive.wpengine.com/news/a-city-in-mourning/
Hosted by Saugus-Lynnfield Youth Hockey, the event will begin at 4:50 p.m. Two hours of sled hockey with the Warriors will follow. Finally, the Lynnfield High School and Saugus High School teams will face off at 8:20 p.m.
Disabled veterans and children are invited to play in the game. Adaptive sleds will be available for different abilities that can either be pushed or self-propelled. The league will make an effort to accommodate all players.
Saugus-Lynnfield Youth Hockey will donate a new ice hockey sled to the Warriors with an estimated value of $2,500.
Blades the Bear from the Boston Bruins will be in attendance. There will be a ceremonial puck-drop, a Color Guard presentation and a performance of the National Anthem.
Those interested in playing or supporting the event should contact Bob Belyea at 781-233-8230.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte