USAF Tri-Base Lightning grounds RAF Vulcans in high-scoring charity ice hockey spectacle

In a fast-paced transatlantic matchup on the ice, the US Air Force's Tri-Base Lightning outlasted the RAF Vulcans 13-6 in a closely contested battle in Cambridge.

The Tri-Base Lightning squad – composed of US Air Force personnel currently stationed on UK bases – managed to stay in control of the game despite a spirited, hard-fought effort from the RAF Vulcans.

While the competitive drive was clear on both sides of the read line, the primary goal of the evening extended far beyond the final score.

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The match was held to raise vital funds for the United Heroes League, a US-based non-profit organisation dedicated to keeping military children active, healthy and involved in sports while their parents serve their country.

One USAF player, Airman First Class Jacob Churchbourne, told BFBS Sport how he had benefited from the charity's work when he was eight years old.

He said: "It's a charity that allows the children of military members to get equipment, opportunities to go to [ice] hockey camps, meet professional players and get into the game because hockey is an expensive sport.

"The military doesn't make that much money so it allows those kids an opportunity to play the game.

"I actually benefited from this charity when I was eight years old, got me into the game and now I am out here raising money for it, so it's full-circle and it's a really special moment for me."

The annual fixture, which is now in its sixth year, highlighted both the enduring friendly rivalry and the strong bond between the allied military forces, leaving spectators with an action-packed night of ice hockey in support of a worthy cause.

RAF Vulcans captain Corporal Matthew Dunn said: "We've got better each year and it's a lot faster as you can see. It's just been a great game again this year, we've all enjoyed it, that's the whole point – it's for charity.

"Last year we did it for the Mark Long Trust, but every year we do this, it's the sixth time we've done this now and we raise a good amount of money every time."

This year's game raised £1,595.00 for the United Heroes League. You can learn more about the charity here.