The NHL has embarked on an initiative to promote mental health, physical wellness and camaraderie in the military community through hockey.
The league has partnered with Warrior for Life Fund, a Virginia-based nonprofit organization that supports active duty military, veterans, retirees and their families through sports and community to help them overcome the challenges of combat deployment and post-service life.
“I don’t know where we could partner with a bigger organization, but maybe the Space Force,” said Ryan Crowley, a retired Navy captain and former Navy SEAL who founded the foundation. “Partnering with the NHL puts us in a pretty good position. It’s really cool.”
Through a $35,000 donation, the league will sponsor annual memorial games in Virginia Beach, Virginia, San Diego and Boston, bringing together NHL alumni and Navy SEALs.
Brian Bourgeois Weekend will be held July 12-13 in Virginia Beach with Navy SEALs, their families and Boston Bruins alumni. Nicholas Spihar Memorial Weekend will be held August 9-10 in San Diego with Navy SEALs, their families, NHL and Bruins alumni. Nathan H. Hardy Memorial Weekend will be held December 6-7 in Boston with Navy SEALs, their families and Bruins alumni.
The NHL will also donate $15,000 annually to the Warrior for Life Fund’s Human Performance Center to support cognitive skills training and community engagement for the Naval Special Warfare community.
“This partnership symbolizes the league’s dedication to supporting the men and women who currently and have served our country and their families,” said NHL executive vice president and chief security officer Jared Maples. “The Warrior for Life Foundation plays a vital role in facilitating this support through its efforts to connect military families with the spirit of hockey and community.”
“There is no better way to do this than through this great sport, and we are truly honored and privileged to support those who are dedicated to serving their country.”
The Warrior for Life Foundation is the brainchild of Croley, who served in a SEAL team for 26 years and survived the mental and physical effects of 12 deployments. He took up hockey to relieve loneliness and stress while stationed at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
