While most people were cheering for Maverick Hockey team as they took on Wisconsin.
Just on the other side of the arena wall, a carefully planned military operation was underway. The mission, give Captain Nathan Lagred's wife and three kids the surprise of their lives.
To make it happen, he would have to trade in his fatigues for a hockey uniform.
Lagred said, "I think they are going to be excited I'm my sure how exactly they are going to react though."
Lagred had been away from his family for over eight months,
Lagred said, "It was tough especially at first."
Six of those months he was in Afghanistan working as a critical care nurse with the Air National Guard.
Lagred said, "They have gotten bigger I have seen pictures."
His family, by no accident, was at the game. Free tickets for military family appreciation; at least that is what they were told.
Lagred said, "I texted her this morning, I said good morning love good news I'm leaving this morning and I will be home soon."
She didn't understand quite how soon that would be though; his family didn't expect him home for another week.
Lagred said, "I just want to hold my wife and kids"
While at the game, their seats just happened to get picked to try to score a goal on center ice after the first period. Lagred would be the goalie. Lucky for him, they took the bait.
Lagred said, "Alright let's get this show on."
Lagred will admit he is not hockey pro.
Lagred said, "Oh boy the last time I put on hockey gear and played hockey was probably back in about 1995."
But to make this believable, he would have to play the part.
Lagred said, "Nothing gets through nothing."
Before long the period was over, and for this soldier and his family, the wait would soon be over too.
Lagred said, "Eventually my heart will stop racing."
Once on the ice, he let the kids take a couple shots... then the big reveal in front of a crowd of thousands of fans,
His youngest daughter got the first honor, but the others weren't far behind.
Months of missing translated into one hug, after another.
Mission accomplished.
Well mission mostly accomplished, apparently they weren't stealthy enough for his youngest.
5–year–old Gracia said, "I saw that your friends were there, so I thought it was you."
Either way he said it was good to be back. Now it's time to catch up the on the memories missed and to start making memories once again.
5–year–old Gracia said, "Daddy I'm so glad you are home."
