From there, each of the eight veterans introduced themselves, telling Martinook of their time in the Army or Air Force or Marines.
"As a Canadian, I don't know a ton about the U.S. military … but I feel like when you think of a Marine, you think of a badass," Martinook said after Robbie Walters, a native of Newfoundland and a five-year veteran of the Corps, introduced himself.
As all were united by their time in the service, so too are they now united by a passion for hockey. Erik Reynolds, who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, is a native of Massachusetts and grew up a Boston Bruins fan. He moved to North Carolina after eight years in the Army and is now a Canes fan.
"Maybe you have some insight into how to beat those guys," Martinook laughed.
Jordan Martinook hosts Zoom with Military Veterans](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_eA-lD-s08)
Kurt Cook, who served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Central America and South America with the Army Special Forces, started ice skating in Maryland when he was four years old and began playing hockey the next year, when his team won the championship.
"We got free pizza, and I thought, 'Winning is cool,'" he said, and he kept playing hockey until attending military school.
Amanda Combass, who served as a Farsi/Dari linguist in the Air Force for six years, grew up in Florida and was first introduced to hockey in Arizona and now resides in Durham.
"I think my first game was your 2014-15 season there (in Arizona)," she told Martinook.
Scott Emery, a Marine Corps Sergeant, came to hockey more recently when his son wanted to start playing in Greensboro. He's been following the sports and the Canes since.
Buddy Bartley, who spent four years as an Army Ranger, is a self-described "big-time Caniac," as he introduced himself in a room filled with hockey memorabilia.
"Pretty excited about having a Marty Party here," said Craig Gilbert, who retired from the Army Special Forces after "26 years of beating myself stupid."
The virtual happy hour ended with a wide range of questions and answers from Martinook's favorite fast food ("Big Chipotle fan. Chick-fil-A. Can't beat Chick-fil-A.") to what he's up to in Canada (spending time with family and coaching a local team he used to play for) to video games ("Do I score more goals on Xbox than I do in real life?") to various recovery techniques.
As Martinook and his new friends wrapped up their chat, he presented them with one last surprise: The Canes would be customizing an Adidas camouflage jersey to send to each veteran.
"These are pretty cool jerseys," Martinook said. "You guys have all done your parts to keep the United States safe. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it."
"This is really special, so thank you," Reynolds said.
