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
