Bryn Athyn College Hockey held a Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, December 3, 2022. The program recognized Major General Ronald K. Nelson, designated a naval aviator in 1956, who flew Marine One during President Eisenhower’s administration.

General Nelson later served as the Athletic Director for the Academy of the New Church. He was instrumental in organizing the athletic program for Bryn Athyn College, establishing the college’s lacrosse program in 1966-67. General Nelson also worked with Brian Schnarr to organize the Academy’s hockey program in 1967, which created our college hockey program that is active today. Nowadays, the hockey program includes teams representing the College, Boys School, and Girls School. In 1974-75, General Nelson served as the College’s Assistant Ice Hockey Coach.

As part of the ceremony, our team captains, Sean Ford and DJ May presented General Nelson with a commemorative jersey. The hockey program also honored team member Freshman Hayden O’Hara, who served as a Master of Arms, 3rd class, in the United States Navy.

General Nelson then performed a ceremonial puck drop with Hayden O’Hara and University of Scranton team captain, Kieran Gruby. General Nelson founded an athletics program at Bryn Athyn College dedicated to teaching courage, honesty, commitment, honesty, and integrity. Our teams today are proud to continue his legacy.  

We thank General Nelson, Hayden O’Hara and all our those who serve in the military and as first responders!