Lightning Warriors Hockey

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

06/10/2026

We are grateful to Fox13, Alyse Zwick, and Jennifer Epstein for their continued support of Hockey Heals 22 and the Lightning Warriors Hockey program.

We are thrilled to have Alyse and Jennifer hosting the opening ceremony and doing commentary throughout the event!

Below is our interview with Warriors Chris Scangarello, Brooks Feder, and Honorary Lightning Warrior Ryan Malone!

06/10/2026

4 days until Hockey Heals 22.

Today, we honor the life of SPC Bryan “Hunter” Stanley.

Hunter proudly served his country in the United States Army, including a deployment to the Persian Gulf in 2014. While he was proud of his military service, those who knew Hunter remember him most for the impact he made on the people around him.

Hunter had an infectious sense of humor and a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome. He never met a stranger, only future friends. Whether through a kind word, encouragement during a difficult time, or simply making someone laugh, Hunter had a gift for connecting with others and making them feel valued.

He was also a talented musician who generously shared his passion with family, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to hear him play. His love for music, combined with his caring nature, left a lasting impression on countless lives.

Above all else, Hunter loved his family. He was a devoted father to his three children, Brayden, Ava, and Jace, who continue to carry forward his legacy of kindness, courage, and compassion.

Today, we remember Hunter for his service, his friendship, his generosity, and the joy he brought to those around him. He is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

At Hockey Heals 22, we honor veterans like Hunter while raising awareness for mental health and veteran su***de prevention.

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

06/08/2026

5 days until Hockey Heals 22.

Today, we honor the life of Staff Sergeant Alex Lawson.

Born on November 17, 1986, Alex was a proud American whose path was shaped by the events of September 11, 2001. Determined to serve his country, he joined the United States Army and went on to complete six combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Alex served with distinction and earned numerous military awards throughout his career. Even while deployed, he remained committed to his education, completing his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee between deployments. Those who knew Alex remember a man who was driven, disciplined, and dedicated to achieving his goals.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Alex was accepted into the United States Marshals Academy and looked forward to continuing a life of service. Unfortunately, the physical toll of six combat tours left him battling significant injuries. Despite seeking assistance, he struggled to obtain the medical care and surgeries he believed were necessary for his recovery.

To his family and friends, Alex was much more than a soldier. He was a son, a brother, and someone whose smile could light up a room. He loved life, cared deeply about others, and carried a passion for serving his country and community.

On March 13, 2019, Alex lost his battle with mental health at the age of 32.

Today, we remember Alex for his service, his sacrifices, and the impact he made on those who loved him. His story serves as a reminder that the effects of military service do not always end when a deployment is over, and that continued support for our veterans remains critically important.

At Hockey Heals 22, we honor veterans like Alex while raising awareness for mental health and veteran su***de prevention.

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