Acadiana Veterans Hockey

11/05/2026

⚜️Meet the Team⚜️

For some, service is a calling that is deep within them. The uniform may change, but the purpose is the same. This next veteran exemplifies what service to others truly means. We all have a special place in our hearts for our law enforcement members, and we couldn’t be more happy for you to meet, Jacob Jackson(forward)6️⃣3️⃣…

I was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and by the time I was 3, my parents decided it was time to move. We moved to Boise, ID, and by the time I was 4, I started playing hockey. My parents decided again they wanted to move. By the age of 9, they moved to Tucson, AZ. There was not much hockey in Arizona at that time, which ended my hockey career. By the age of 15, my parents decided again to move to Bothell, WA, which is a suburb of Seattle, WA. I graduated high school in 1996 and decided after high school to go to college. At the time, college was not working out for me, so I decided to join the Marine Corps.

I enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a machine gunner in an infantry unit (Echo 2/3) for approximately 3 ½ years. I reenlisted and went to Parris Island, SC, Recruit Depot, where I was a primary marksmanship instructor. While stationed at Parris Island, I met my wife, Shelly. We got married and had two boys, Jacob Jr. and Kenneth. My wife is originally from Louisiana, where she has family throughout the Acadiana area. We decided to move back to Louisiana, and I joined the Lafayette City Police Department back in April of 2008, where I still work as a shift supervisor. I didn’t have a lot to fall back on as a career and decided that a career in Law Enforcement best suited me.

I was approached by another officer that I work with, who plays on the AVH team. She asked me if I wanted to play hockey. I was nervous at first, since the last time I skated was 38 years ago. But I gave it a shot, and I have not regretted it. Before joining the team, I felt that I had lost a sense of camaraderie. I gained that camaraderie and felt like I was back with my brothers. Even though we all served in different branches of service, we are a family that takes care of one another. In the short time that I have been playing on the AVH team, I have built strong bonds with many of my fellow service members, and I’m proud to be a member of this team.

Q & A

1) Favorite sports team and favorite player? Boston Bruins. Brad Marchand.
2) Any pre-game ritual before hitting the ice? Meditation
3) If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be? Either Dave Matthews or Marcus Luttrell
4) If you could have any job in the world, what would it be? Professional Athlete
5) What is something most people don’t know about you? I like to play poker, and once I retire, I plan on buying in at the World Series of Poker.

11/04/2026

Be sure to pick up your copy of 008 magazine! A few of AVH’s very own are highlighted as we approach Veterans Day! Check out those baby faces!!

11/03/2026

⚜️🐾Pints with a Purpose🐾⚜️

We’re excited to partner with Adopted Dog Brewing for Pints with a Purpose every Wednesday throughout the month of November!

Here’s how you can make a difference:
🍺 Grab a pint on Wednesdays
🗳️ Vote for your favorite nonprofit.
❤️ Help support a great cause!

A portion of the sales will go directly to Acadiana Veterans Hockey, helping us continue our mission of helping veterans heal through the sport of ice hockey.

Come out, enjoy some great b**r, cast your vote, and show your support for local nonprofits!

Let’s pack the brewery every Wednesday and show what our Acadiana community is all about!

10/31/2026

🏒🔥 WHAT AN EPIC GAME! 🔥🏒

Today was one for the books! The first ever mash-up with Acadiana Veterans Hockey and the Louisiana Drillers brought the heat, the competition, and some fun hockey!

A HUGE thank you to all the fans who showed up to support both organizations. Your support means the world to us, and it’s amazing to see our Louisiana hockey community continue to grow!

This game was about more than just hockey. It was about bringing people together, building relationships, and showing what happens when two great organizations come together for the love of the game.

Let’s give it up to our MVP’s of the game. Taking “Smooth Operator” is Dani Francis, for two great shots on net and never backing down. Our “D-Day” helmet goes to Matt Hebert, for being in the right spots to break up plays and great back “checking”!

Thank you to the Louisiana Drillers for making this special matchup happen. Good luck this season boys!!

10/28/2026

🏒🔥 IT’S TIME FOR A MASH UP! 🔥🏒

We’re bringing together Acadiana Veterans Hockey and the Louisiana Drillers for a FIRST-EVER matchup! 🤝

Players from both organizations will be mixed together on both teams for a fun, fast-paced, and competitive battle on the ice! Who will come out on top? You’ll have to be there to find out!

📅 October 31st
⏰ 9:30 AM
📍 Planet Ice Arena
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION!

Come out, enjoy some great hockey, and show your support for veteran hockey and our friends with the Louisiana Drillers! 🇺🇸❤️⚜️💙

10/28/2026

⚜️Meet the Team⚜️

Some people let the hard things stop them, but not this next veteran. He stayed persistent, kept pushing, and never gave up on getting out on the ice. Now, he’s out there shredding it! His journey is a great reminder that progress takes patience, determination, and the willingness to keep showing up. We are proud for you to meet, Andrew Nash(forward) 4️⃣8️⃣…

“I was born and raised in Lafayette, LA. I come from a loving and encouraging family. When I decided to join the Army after high school, they instantly believed I would excel. My role in service was intel analyst. I was stationed at Fort Bliss, TX. I deployed to Afghanistan in 2019, where I gained true friends that I consider family. I also learned the importance of unity within a team.

When my contract ended, I returned home to my family. I pursued higher education at UL and graduated with a bachelors in English. Following college, I became a teacher. I am in my 3rd year teaching and know that I will become even better. That confidence comes from playing hockey.

I learned about Acadiana Veterans Hockey on a random weekday last February. A neighbor asked me two questions: Are you a Vet? and Do you like hockey? I never once skated, let alone played hockey. Still, I went on the ice for the first time and was instantly hooked. That first time I skated I must have fell 50 times. Most people probably would have given up, but I kept hearing everyone encouraging me. So, I jumped up like a springboard every time I fell.

AVH's motto is "healing through hockey" and I believe it. I believe in this community of veterans. We support each other in all different parts of life, not just hockey. In such a short time, I have built strong bonds with many of my fellow service members. Most importantly, I can actually skate now!”

1. Any pre-game rituals? “I have to be the last one in the locker room, and get dressed within 5 min…it’s a running joke”
2. Favorite Warm Up Song? “I'd Rather See Your Star Explode by SLAVES”
3. Favorite sports team growing up? “New Orleans Saints”
4. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be? “Japan or South Korea”
5. Something most people don’t know about you? “I’m an avid reader and frequent writer. A polar opposite to my hockey hobby”

10/21/2026

⚜️Fresh Face Tuesday⚜️

Tonight, we welcomed a new Army veteran to the ice who hasn’t played hockey in over 20 years!

There’s something special about seeing a veteran lace up the skates again, step back onto the ice, and become part of a team. We’re glad you’re here! ⚜️🇺🇸🏒💪

10/09/2026

🥖🏒 PO’BOY PICKUP TOMORROW! 🏒🥖

Don’t forget to pick up your po’boys tomorrow at Planet Ice Arena from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who placed an order and supported AVH! Your continued support helps us carry out our mission of helping veterans heal through the sport of ice hockey.

We appreciate each and every one of you for standing behind our veterans and our organization!

🥖🏒 POBOY SALE! 🏒🥖

Help support AVH while enjoying a delicious poboy! 🇺🇸

Every purchase helps AVH continue our mission of helping veterans heal through the sport of hockey. ❤️💙

📅 Orders must be placed by October 2nd
📍 Pick-Up: Planet Ice Arena
📅 October 10th
⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

💰 Venmo: You can Venmo your payment, and your name will be added to our list. Your tickets will be ready for pickup at the rink on October 10th.

🔥 Good food. Great cause. Support your local veterans! 🇺🇸🏒

Thank you for continuing to support Acadiana Veterans Hockey!

Venmo:

10/07/2026

⚜️Fresh Face Tuesday⚜️

Another great Newcomer Skate tonight! We love seeing new faces step onto the ice, meet the team, and take that first step toward becoming part of the AVH family. 🇺🇸💪

Every journey starts somewhere, and for some of our newest veterans, that journey starts right here on the ice.

10/05/2026

⚜️Meet the Team⚜️

There are so many things that happen behind the scenes to help continue the growth of AVH. Our board members work tirelessly to ensure our veterans have a place to call home, and to know the light will always be left on for them. We are proud for you to meet one of those hard working board members, Jared Brinlee(forward/defense) 2️⃣4️⃣…

”I grew up in Slidell, Louisiana, and joined the Air National Guard right after high school in 2003, serving as a jet engine mechanic until 2009. During that time, I participated in the response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina, which was an experience I’ll always remember.

After my military service, I graduated from LSU Law School in 2012 and have been practicing corporate law ever since.

I discovered Acadiana Veterans Hockey after hearing about the team on the Discover Lafayette podcast, and joined in July 2025. Before joining AVH, the only hockey experience I had was a little street hockey as a kid. The other guys on the AVH team mentored me every step of the way, from putting on the gear, to learning hockey rules, and eventually to more advanced skills and techniques.

Playing ice hockey for the first time at 40 years old, I never expected to join a hockey team (or really any team), but it has been even better than I ever could have imagined. I’ve had a great time learning the game, experiencing intense competition again, and becoming part of an incredible group of veterans and teammates.

My biggest supporters throughout all of this are my wife, Rene, and our two daughters, Leila, 11, and Zariah, 4. They’ve been cheering me on from the beginning, and it’s always a great boost to see them in the stands.”

Q&A
1. Pre-game ritual? -“Getting there as late as possible to still get on the ice on time.”
2. Favorite sports team growing up? -“Seattle Mariners, just because of Ken Griffey, Jr.”
3. If you weren't playing hockey what else would you be doing? -“Spending time with my family, watching sports, and reading.”
4. If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive? -“Marquis de Lafayette (what a life he had).”
5. Something most people don't know about you? -“I play guitar and piano.”