One of the newest NY Islanders' prospects will be completing his US military service after hockey

Many times, when children are asked who their heroes are, plenty respond with their favorite professional athlete. While athletes can be terrific role models, the real heroes are those who defend their country every day. For one of the newest NY Islanders prospects, Luke Rowe, he is auspicious enough to say he's both.

Rowe, 27, a native of Succasunna, NJ, signed a one-year contract with the Bridgeport Islanders for the 2025-26 season, spending the last two seasons with the Ontario Reign, the AHL affiliate of the LA Kings.

Luke Rowe will be completing his military service after his hockey career

Before turning professional, Rowe played five years with the Air Force Academy, serving as the Falcons' captain for three seasons.

"It was an honor that I got voted by my teammates to be the captain," Rowe told nyislanders.com after his second day of rookie camp. "To lead a locker room of leaders is pretty fantastic. I really enjoyed it. It taught me a lot. It taught me how to be a man."

A leader on and off the ice, Rowe nearly didn't have the opportunity to continue his hockey career after committing to the Air Force Academy. A 2019 policy enacted and endorsed by the Secretary of Defense allows exceptional athletes to delay their service and pursue a career in professional sports following graduation from a military academy. Rowe is taking advantage of that policy, but will fulfill his obligations to his country after his hockey days are over.

"Your junior year, you commit to serve after you graduate," Rowe said. "I was assigned Drone Pilot. So when hockey's all over - they were gracious enough to allow me to delay my service - but when my hockey career comes to an end, I'll go to San Antonio for Drone Pilot training and take it from there."

If Rowe manages to skate in an NHL game, he'll be the first player to do so from the Air Force Academy. But despite how his hockey career turns out, he is someone who should be praised for his commitment to his country, deserving of the support of not just Islanders fans, but hockey fans all over.