By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

“To honor the men and women who serve and have served this great nation in military service, the University of Alabama Hockey Club and the American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 have teamed up with the David Lindsay Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Exchange Club of Shelby County and Pelham Youth Hockey Association and scheduled several military themed events as part of ‘Military Appreciation Night’ on Feb. 6, when Alabama hosts Navy hockey team at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena at 7 p.m.,” said 1st Sgt. Kenneth Paschal, U.S. Army Retired and American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 1^st vice commander.

The ice arena is located at 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham, Ala. 35124. The event is free for all veterans and active military, proof of service required.

Tickets are $8 (adults 13-59); $5 (children 4-12, UA students with ID and seniors 60-plus); and free for children ages 0-3.

The event begins at 6 p.m. The Pelham Fire Department will have a large American flag at the arena’s entrance.

The American Legion will have a tent displayed in the lobby with the National Colors and Armed Forces Flags available for pictures from 6-8 p.m.

Photos will be available for download on the Post 555 website at Alplost555.smugmug.com. The BSSFI “Fallen Heroes Board” will be on display honoring Alabama service members who have died in the line of duty since 9/11.

Post 555, known as the Triple Nickel, will have an info table with door prize provided by Cracker Barrel Pelham.

The Exchange Club of Shelby County will present flags to active military and vets (with ID) while supplies last.

The pregame events start at 6:45 p.m. Calera High School Navy JROTC will present colors. Pelham High School will sing the National Anthem. Military appreciation gift bags will be presented with American Legion lapel pins and DAR certificates of appreciation while Robert Robinson, Jr. sings a musical tribute to the military.

The puck will be dropped by team captains assisted by Pelham High School Oratorical Contest Winner, Pelham Mayor Gary Waters and American Legion member.

The game starts at 7 p.m.

In addition to those already named, special thanks is given who made this night possible: Anita Bennett co-chair; Pelham Director of Hockey; UA Hockey Club Assistant Coach; Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club; Bessemer Composite Squadron CAP cadets; boy scouts; Hope Christian School Key Club; and Ward Chapel AME Church.