Service members from the Army and Navy met on the ice at the Xfinity Arena in Everett for the first Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored hockey game, March 26.

Since the organization of the event, both teams have been preparing for this showdown over the course of the previous month.

"This is a good atmosphere for two military branches to meet and compete on a different level to get to know each other," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Harris Kenneth, a Dallas native.

The Navy team consisted of enlisted and commissioned officers from sea and shore commands throughout Navy Region Northwest, while the Army team consisted of members from Joint Base Lewis-McCord.

"There is no military hockey team," said Kenneth. "This was a good opportunity for the Navy and Army to play hockey and show that we can play hockey, while keeping it safe and fun."

After acquiring a loosely contested lead, the Army won the game 8-4 after three 18-minute periods. Despite their loss, the some members of the Navy team were optimistic about the team's future.

"We're all pretty excited for the next time we face the Army on the ice," said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Colby Milliken, from Meriden, Connecticut, assigned to USS Nimitz (CVN 68). "I know the next time we'll come out on top in the end."

In the weeks leading up to the game, tryouts were held in Everett and Bremerton, Washington. Approximately 30 Sailors demonstrated their skills, of those, 17 were selected to play on the team.

"This is the first time a lot of these Sailors have played together, but hopefully with MWR funding and grants, we can make this an annual or semi-annual event," said Sean Joyce, the Navy team coach and MWR coordinator.

The game, hosted by the Everett Silvertips, was free to the general public. Participants were given playoff tickets to the Silvertip's game in the evening.