Airman-managed hockey team seeks players Published May 30, 2013 By Jonathan Rejent Nucleus staff writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Working together toward a common goal is nothing new for Airmen stationed at Kirtland, even when that "goal" is putting a hockey puck in the net on the ice. Tech. Sgt. Ty Sutherland, manager for the Kirtland Warbirds ice hockey team, began recruiting players for the league in 2011. Since then, the Warbirds have played three seasons together. "It's a great way to have fun and get some exercise. Everyone is there to help each other out, and try to improve both as a team and as individuals," Sutherland said. The Warbirds consists of three teams -- beginner, intermediate and elite -- and is searching for players. "If you've never played before, you can join the beginner team and still have a good time," Sutherland said. He added that while the $240 seasonal fee -- which amounts to about 16 games -- does not include equipment, many of the players have used skates, sticks, pads and helmets that they are willing to lend out. The team plays once a week at Blades in Rio Rancho, which helps players prepare for the occasional tournaments they compete in. One such tournament Sutherland mentioned is the Armed Services Tournament in Las Vegas. "I've gone to it in the past while stationed at other bases and we were never prepared, because it was just a group of people that came together to play for that one instance. One of the reasons we created the (Warbirds) is to learn to skate as a team, so when we go, we're ready," he said. Sutherland said he hopes to have an inter-city league started soon, which will enable the Warbirds to compete against more teams in the area, including Rio Rancho, Albuquerque and Santa Fe. To join the league or for more information, contact Sutherland at tasutherland@gmail.com.