Lightning Warriors Hockey

08/27/2026

The 2026 Valor National Sweepstakes is here!

We’re proud to support our partners at Raymond James Valor and help spread the word about this year’s sweepstakes!

🎟️ Enter for a chance to win travel experiences, electronics, gift cards & more — all while supporting an incredible mission. Every dollar raised is donated back to nonprofits serving veterans, first responders and their families.

🏆 Winners do not need to be present to win, and physical prizes will be shipped!

🔗 Enter today: rjvgt.betterworld.org/campaigns/RJV-Sweepstakes-Items

07/04/2026

Today, we celebrate the land of the free because of the brave.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we proudly honor the generations of servicemen and women who have defended our nation’s freedoms with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Their legacy reminds us that independence is never free.

At the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program, we are honored to serve those who have served us. Every day, we witness the strength, resilience, and brotherhood of our nation’s veterans, both on and off the ice.

As you enjoy time with family and friends this Fourth of July, please take a moment to remember those who are currently serving, our veterans, the families who stand beside them, and the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

From our Lightning Warriors family to yours, we wish you a safe, happy, and meaningful Independence Day.
Happy Fourth of July!

P.S. Hockey is America’s sport. 😉

06/18/2026

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Members of Our Community,

As the final horn sounded at AdventHealth Center Ice, it marked the end of 22 consecutive hours of hockey, but it was far from the end of the conversations, connections, and impact created throughout the weekend.

The 6th Annual Hockey Heals 22 once again brought together veterans, first responders, hockey players, families, and supporters from across the country to confront an issue that continues to affect far too many lives: su***de among those who have served. Through the game of hockey, we created a space for healing, remembrance, and hope.

For 22 straight hours, the ice remained occupied. Every shift represented those we have lost, those still fighting battles unseen, and the promise that no one has to face those struggles alone. Hockey Heals 22 serves as a reminder that while the statistics are alarming, people are not numbers. They are teammates, family members, friends, and heroes whose stories deserve to be heard.

More Than a Hockey Event:

What started as an awareness campaign has grown into a movement.

Veterans skated alongside active-duty service members. First responders shared the ice with members of the local hockey community. Youth players watched their heroes take the ice while learning that strength is found not only in perseverance, but also in vulnerability and asking for help.

Hosted by the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program, Hockey Heals 22 has become a powerful platform to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage honest conversations about the struggles many veterans and first responders face after their service.

Throughout the weekend, local and regional media outlets helped amplify that message, extending the reach of Hockey Heals 22 far beyond the walls of the rink.

Special Guests, Shared Purpose:

One of the highlights of the weekend was the Alumni Game presented by Peraton, which featured former NHL players and special guests united behind the mission.

Former Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Malone and NHL Defenseman Karl Alzner returned to support the cause, joined by former Lightning Goalie Mathieu Garon, Stanley cup champion Steve Oleksy, Adam Hall and other distinguished guests who generously gave their time to connect with participants and attendees.

Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden also joined the festivities as a special guest and honorary coach, helping bring additional visibility to the cause while spending time with veterans, first responders, and fans throughout the day.

ThunderBug energized the crowd and created unforgettable moments for families in attendance, while Alyse Zwick and JP Peterson graciously emceed the event, helping guide attendees through ceremonies that celebrated resilience, honored sacrifice, and remembered those no longer with us.

The Real Victory:

While goals were scored and games were played, the true victories happened in the spaces between them.

A veteran found someone who understood.

Families connected with others navigating similar journeys.

Conversations that may have otherwise never happened took place in locker rooms, hallways, and stands throughout the rink.

Those moments are why Hockey Heals 22 exists.

Thank You to Those Who Made It Possible:

This event would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners.

We extend our sincere appreciation to C2 Defense, our Title Sponsor for the third consecutive year, whose continued commitment has helped Hockey Heals 22 grow year after year.

Thank you to Peraton, presenting sponsor of the Alumni Game, for helping create one of the weekend's most memorable experiences.

We are equally grateful to Clean Earth Systems, our Silver Sponsor, along with our many ice time sponsors and partners including Veteran Air, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Navy Federal Credit Union, GovSmart, Thundercat Technology, Qintel, Smugglers Cove, and the countless individuals and businesses who donated auction items, volunteered behind the scenes, and supported our mission.

Because of you, lives are being impacted.

By the Numbers:

• 22 continuous hours of hockey

• Approximately 2,000 spectators, participants, and supporters throughout the weekend

• Extensive media coverage sharing our mission throughout the Tampa Bay community and beyond. Thank you to Fox13 Tampa Bay, 10 Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay 28 ABC, and countless other media outlets covering Hockey Heals 22.

• Several thousand dollars raised to support programs focused on wellness, connection, and su***de prevention.

• Proceeds benefiting the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program, Operation Healing Forces, and Black Dagger Military Hunt Club

• Countless conversations that have the potential to change, or even save a life.

Every stride taken over those 22 hours carried a message: You are not alone. Help is available. There is always another teammate beside you.

The Mission Continues:

Although another Hockey Heals 22 has come to a close, our work is far from finished.

The funds raised through this year's event will directly support the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program and our beneficiary partners, Operation Healing Forces and Black Dagger Military Hunt Club, helping provide resources, experiences, and support to veterans and first responders when they need it most.

We encourage everyone to carry this message forward. Reach out to the people in your life. Ask the difficult questions. Listen without judgment. Offer support. Remind those around you that seeking help is an act of courage.

From everyone at the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program, thank you for standing beside us.

Thank you for believing in this mission.

Thank you for helping turn awareness into action.

Because together, we can continue changing lives… one conversation, one teammate, and one shift at a time.

While Hockey Heals 22 may have ended for this year, it's never too late to support the cause. If you would like to join us in this fight, please consider making a donation:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/2026-hockey-heals--22

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

— Lightning Warriors Hockey Program

06/16/2026

Thank you FOX 13 News - Tampa Bay for all your support of Hockey Heals 22 and the Lightning Warriors program!

A continuous 22-hour hockey game at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel brought together veterans, first responders, local schools, NHL alumni, and community members. 🔗⬇️

06/14/2026

As Hockey Heals 22 comes to a close, we extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who made this incredible weekend possible.

A special thank you to C2 Defense, our Title Sponsor for the third consecutive year, for their unwavering commitment to our mission and continued belief in the impact of Hockey Heals 22.

Thank you to Peraton, the proud sponsor of our Alumni Game, for helping create unforgettable moments for our veterans, families, and community members.

We are also grateful to Clean Earth Systems, our Silver Sponsor, for their generous support and dedication to serving those who have served our country.

Finally, thank you to our many Ice Time Sponsors, whose contributions kept the puck moving for all 22 hours. Your support directly helps us provide resources, raise awareness for veteran su***de prevention, and continue creating life changing opportunities through the game of hockey.

Because of each of you, Hockey Heals 22 is more than an event, it is a community united in honoring service, supporting healing, and reminding our veterans and first responders that they are never alone.

From all of us at the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program, thank you for standing with us.

06/13/2026

1 day until Hockey Heals 22.

Today, we honor the life of Sergeant Jeremiah C. Stewart.

Jeremiah proudly served his country in the United States Army for six years, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2012. Through his military service, he demonstrated dedication, courage, and a commitment to serving others.

Following his time in the Army, Jeremiah continued that commitment to service as a Deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, where he served the citizens of Hillsborough County for seven years. Whether in uniform as a Soldier or wearing the badge of a Deputy Sheriff, Jeremiah devoted his life to protecting his community and those around him.

Today, we remember Jeremiah for his service, sacrifice, and the impact he made on the lives he touched. His legacy lives on through his family, friends, fellow soldiers, fellow deputies, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

As we prepare for Hockey Heals 22 tomorrow, we honor Jeremiah and all those we have remembered throughout this countdown. Their stories remind us why we continue raising awareness for mental health and veteran su***de prevention.

📍 June 13-14
📍 AdventHealth Center Ice | Wesley Chapel, FL
🎟 FREE Admission

06/12/2026

2 days until Hockey Heals 22.

Today, we honor the life of Derek Martin.

Derek was a proud combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient whose service and sacrifice left a lasting impact on those around him. He often spent time speaking with fellow veterans about his military experiences, believing that sharing his story could help others who may have been facing similar challenges.

Beyond his military service, Derek was deeply committed to his family and community. He enjoyed giving free golf lessons, running, coaching his children’s youth sports teams, and volunteering at their school. He found joy in helping others and giving back whenever he could.

Derek was also a passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan and a loyal Metallica fan. Those who knew him remember his generosity, dedication, and willingness to invest his time in the people around him.

Above all, Derek was a loving husband, devoted father to three children, and a friend to many. He leaves behind a family who loves and misses him every day.

Today, we remember Derek for his service, his kindness, and the positive impact he made on the lives of others.

At Hockey Heals 22, we honor veterans like Derek while raising awareness for mental health and veteran su***de prevention. Through remembrance and conversation, we continue working to ensure that no one fights these battles alone.

📍 June 13-14
📍 AdventHealth Center Ice | Wesley Chapel, FL
🎟 FREE Admission

06/11/2026

Come out and watch Coach Gruden on the bench during Hockey Heals 22!

06/11/2026

Join us for the Lightning Warriors Second Annual Alumni Game, presented by Peraton!

📅 Saturday, June 13, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM
📍 AdventHealth Center Ice | Wesley Chapel, FL

Watch Lightning Warriors veterans take the ice alongside NHL alumni and special guests in support of veteran su***de prevention and mental health awareness during Hockey Heals 22.

The Lightning Warriors roster is proudly made up of individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to serving their community, upheld the values of respect and integrity both on and off the ice, and emerged as leaders within our program. These players represent the very best of what the Lightning Warriors stand for and have earned the opportunity to skate against our alumni and special guests at Hockey Heals 22.

Special Guest include: Former Tampa Bay Lightning Ryan Malone and Mathieu Garon, Former Capitals Karl Alzner and Steve Oleksy, Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach and Super Bowl champion Jon Gruden!

Admission is free, so bring your family and friends and help us fill the stands for an unforgettable afternoon of hockey, community, and support for our nation’s veterans.

06/10/2026

3 days until Hockey Heals 22.

Today, we honor the life of CPL Russell Kowalski.

Born on October 1, 1986, in Hamtramck, Michigan, Russell proudly answered the call to serve by joining the United States Marine Corps in January 2005. During his military career, he participated in Hurricane Katrina recovery and evacuation efforts and later deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006. He completed his service in 2009 as a proud Marine Corps veteran.

From a young age, Russell loved being active. Whether it was football, baseball, hockey, or simply building and creating things, he approached life with determination and a refusal to quit. Hockey was his favorite sport, and he remained a lifelong Detroit Red Wings fan.

Those who knew Russell remember someone who was always willing to help others. If something needed to be fixed, Russell was often the first person people called. He had a great sense of humor, loved making people laugh, and was known for keeping family and friends on their toes with his playful personality.

Above all, Russell loved his family. He was a proud father to Sabrina and Russell II, and he cherished the time he spent with those closest to him. His loss continues to be felt deeply by his children, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Today, we remember Russell for his service, his generosity, his sense of humor, and the impact he made on those around him.

At Hockey Heals 22, we honor veterans like Russell while raising awareness for mental health and veteran su***de prevention. Through remembrance and conversation, we continue working to ensure that no one fights these battles alone.

📍 June 13-14
📍 AdventHealth Center Ice | Wesley Chapel, FL
🎟 FREE Admission