WASHINGTON (WUSA9)--On Memorial Day, we remember those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives so that we can be free.
According to the Society for International Hockey Research, nearly 150 NHL and various minor leagues hockey players were killed in combat. More than 100 fought in WWII alone.
To name a few, Detroit Red Wing Joe Turner was killed in battle in Germany.
New York Rangers goalie Dudley “Red” Garrett lost his life when his ship was sunk by a German U-boat.
Although Hobey Baker never made it to the NHL level, he was the first American superstar.
He joined the U.S. Air Force in the first World War.
When the war came to an end, he insisted on one last flight before heading home.
Tragically, the plane crashed and he perished at age 26.
The Hobey Baker Memorial Award is given each year to the NCAA’s top player in his memory.
Every NHL player like the ones on the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights dream of winning the Stanley Cup, but there were hundreds of NHL players that turned in their hockey sticks for rifles.
They believed one thing was bigger than the game of hockey, our freedom.
