For Cyclones forward Louie Caporusso, giving back to those who have served our country has always held a dear place in his life.
As a way to give back to the community he calls home, the Cyclones assistant captain decided to start a campaign within the organization that helps celebrate and honor those who have served our country.
Naturally named after Caporusso, the campaign was titled “Lou’s Troops.”
“It's a chance for us to give back,” said Caporusso. “Not just give back, but give thanks, for everything that they've done and everything that they have sacrificed.”
Caporusso cited that his enthusiasm to be more involved came after the Cyclones announced plans to honor veterans on Military Appreciation Night on Friday, Nov. 15.
“Sean [Lynn] reached out to me, and we had a discussion about perhaps getting something together on the ice,” Caporusso mentioned with enthusiasm. “Whether it be children, or a fundraiser for vets or [something] with vets themselves. Then this came about, and it's been an absolute pleasure to be out there.”
After a morning skate on Tuesday, Caporusso invited a group of Cyclones Warriors hockey players to watch practice and skate with members of the team shortly after. For the veterans, they couldn’t help but acknowledge how welcoming the Cyclones community has been to them since the inception of their hockey team.
“We originally started out as the Louisville Ice Warriors, which was a nonprofit that I started in 2018.” said Cyclones Warrior captain Jon Atchison. “We started it to help out veterans and first responders who are suffering from issues that they have from service with their country.”
After retiring from active duty, Atchison wasn’t allowed to run the non-profit organization any longer. As a result, Cyclones Vice President and General Manager, Kristin Ropp, saw the opportunity to bring the Ice Warriors under the team’s support as a way to give back to servicemen and women.
“I spoke to Kristin and she agreed to bring us under the Cyclones umbrella,” said Atchison with pride. “I was allowed to work with the USPHL team and we became the Cyclones Warriors. This is our first year wearing a Cyclone “C”, and it's been really good so far.”
Since the team’s humble beginnings in 2018, the Cyclones Warriors have only seen more and more growth within the military community since the beginning of their affiliation with the Cincinnati Cyclones. For Atchison, seeing the team grow and provide solace for veterans makes all of his efforts worthwhile.
“It's been growing and growing.” Atchison said. “The partnership and the camaraderie of the players being in the locker rooms has gotten better and better, and it allows the players to release and talk a little bit more in a good atmosphere and release some of the tensions that they have.”
Lou’s Troops and the Cincinnati Cyclones hope to continue being a part of the team’s growth.
“I think there's nothing that compares to someone who is willing to risk their life for others,” said Caporusso after the skate. “When you think about that deeply, it resonates with me, and I think it resonates with the whole country, and especially this fan base.”
Caporusso hopes to continue honoring veterans well beyond the team’s Military Appreciation Night. Efforts include events similar to what he did on Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s just a thank you.” said Caporusso. “It's an initiative to get involved with our veterans more often, whether it's appearances, or like today, getting on the ice with them, and then maybe in the future it becomes maybe something more, something where we can actually start putting together some funds and helping veterans in need.”
The Warriors recognize the Cyclones’ genuine efforts to give back to their community, and hope to continue to be a part of their efforts to grow the sport in Cincinnati amongst families, veterans, and first responders.
“The hockey community keeps growing in Cincinnati, this has been a perfect partnership to come in.” Atchison praised. “Being a part of this Cyclones community is great and hopefully we can bring some of the veterans and first responders in the Cincinnati area to be part of this team as well so we can just keep growing it.”
Come celebrate those who served their country on Military Appreciation Night on Friday, Nov. 15 when your Cyclones host the Bloomington Bison at 7:35 p.m. ET. The Cyclones will sport military-themed warm-up jerseys that will be auctioned following the game.
