FRISCO ― A soldier killed in Afghanistan was honored Thursday by his family, friends and community. Cpl. Peter Courcy was the captain of the Frisco Ice Hockey team before he joined the Army. His teammates paid a tribute to him at the Dr. Pepper Center in Frisco for paying the ultimate price for his country.
“We hope to let those not lucky enough to know Peter, personally, know how much he meant to us, our team, our school and our community," said Julie Bullis, founder of the Frisco Ice Hockey Association.
The 22-year-old soldier was killed when a car packed with explosives rammed his military vehicle in Afghanistan. He died just a few weeks before his scheduled return to North Texas.
His mother, Mary Bush, said Courcy always showed leadership qualities in athletics and in military service.
“He was so patriotic,” she said. “All his life, he just wanted to serve his country. He honestly felt it was his duty, especially after 9/11."
But Courcy’s other passion was hockey. His former team honored his service and sacrifice by retiring his jersey.
“Peter will always be in our hearts and always remembered by those of us he touched with his friendship," said Bullis.
Courcy’s mother said her family was touched.
“It’s the greatest honor to Peter because he always wanted to have his hockey jersey retired, and so he's getting it.” Bush said.
Courcy’s wife, Mara, and 16-month-old son, Anthony, came to see the honor bestowed on the soldier, as did his mother and stepdad and little Luke, his younger brother who he never had a chance to meet.
Mara Courcy said she was moved by the players’ special tribute, a stick-raising during a moment of silence for her husband.
“When I saw them do it, words can't explain how it makes you feel," she said.
Courcy's jersey will remain above the ice at the Dr. Pepper Center, with photos of him in military uniform and hockey uniform … A fitting tribute to a young man described as a leader on the ice and on the battlefield.
