During the National Hockey League’s Outdoor Games at Lake Tahoe, the league paid special tribute to first responders and healthcare workers during the opening ceremony for their heroic efforts during the pandemic.
Tahoe Douglas, NV Local 2441 member Dusty Gooch, who represented the fire service, says, “My daughter, Aurora, and I were both honored to be asked to stand alongside other frontline workers for this event. This past year has been a challenge for all of us, but we continue to do what we do to protect the citizens we serve.”
The event, held February 20-21, began with Gooch’s daughter singing the national anthem. Aurora, 21, has been serving as a collection specialist for a locally based COVID-19 testing company, Test Well.
The game puck was delivered by water on Lake Tahoe by U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Jared Elliott. Elliot handed over the puck to Local 2441 member Gooch and Barton Memorial Hospital personnel Daryl Braga and Miranda Miller.
The three then presented the puck to game officials for the matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche.
