'You're Never Forgotten:' Tulsa Warriors Hockey Tournament Honors Prisoners Of War, Service Members Missing In Action

Each hockey player inside the ice rink at WeStreet Ice Center has something in common … they are either veterans or support veterans.

“You sacrifice on the ice for your team just like you did back when you were deployed and serving,” said JW DePriest.

He is the captain of the Tulsa Warriors, a team designed to provide support for veterans. He served 8 years in the United States Air Force.

“I did one deployment in 2009 to Qatar, and then also spent some time in Afghanistan and Iraq,” he said. 

This weekend at the POW-MIA Hockey Classic, he and his team are playing for those who can’t.

“Those people have my utmost respect,” said DePriest. 

“POW is prisoner of war, MIA is missing in action … those are our heroes who went to battle and unfortunately did not come home, they gave all,” said Tulsa Warriors President Donnie Buehrig.

He says the tournament is not just about competition, but also about honoring a legacy of service, ensuring no veteran is overlooked, including those unaccounted for.

“You’re never forgotten, on the back of those jerseys, you will never be forgotten,” he said. 

That’s a reminder DePriest hopes to take with him as he plays.

“Keeping in mind what’s really important, and not forgetting those people that sacrificed everything for everyone else,” he said. 

Win or lose, the players carry the memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice both on the ice and in their hearts.

“We’ll always be fighting to get everyone home to your families … that's what we want,” said Buehrig.