Don Ketchum
Former Staff Writer, AZPreps365.com

Ironwood High grad is the latest U.S. Olympic hockey hero

March 16, 2014 by Don Ketchum, AZPreps365


Congratulations are in order for Arizona’s latest Olympic star, Josh Sweeney.

Sweeney, a graduate of Glendale Ironwood High and a former U.S. Marine, scored the game-winning goal for Team USA in a 1-0 ice sledge hockey win over Russia as the Americans and captured the gold medal in the Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

For Sweeney, who was injured by an improvised explosive device while serving as a Marine, it was one of the most memorable moments of his life.

“It’s good for them (fellow Marines) to see that my life is not over,’’ Sweeney told USA Today Sports.

“Just like we won the gold medal here and we’re going to be a tight-knit group for a long time, it’s the same when you are in the Marine Corps with your unit.’’

Sweeney and his teammates and all those continuing to serve in our Armed Forces around the world are today’s true heroes.