Hockey, Brotherhood, and a Mission That Matters: The Next Chapter for PNW Veterans Hockey Foundation

PNW Veterans celebrate 2nd place at the 2025 Lost Anchor Tournament

Over the past few years, the PNW Veterans Hockey Foundation has grown from a simple idea into a thriving grassroots movement. We've built a community of players, volunteers, and

supporters who believe in the healing power of hockey—and in the strength of standing by

those who served.

Now, it's time for the next chapter.

Why We Exist

At our core, our mission is simple: to use hockey to support veterans in need. That might

sound like a small thing—but it’s not. Veterans face immense challenges when they return to

civilian life, and far too many are doing it alone.

• Roughly 17 U.S. veterans die by suicide every day

• Over 33,000 veterans are homeless on any given night

• More than 1 in 10 veterans struggle with substance use disorders

These numbers are heartbreaking—and they’re real. We’ve seen firsthand how isolation, loss of identity, PTSD, and a lack of support can derail the lives of men and women who once served with strength and purpose.

That’s where we come in.

The Power of the Locker Room

Hockey offers more than just exercise or competition. It creates structure. It creates

camaraderie. It creates purpose. Whether it's suiting up for a skate or just sharing time in the

locker room, these moments can be powerful lifelines for veterans trying to reconnect—with

others and with themselves.We’ve watched veterans go from withdrawn to laughing. From unsure to all-in. From strugglingto standing tall again. All because someone handed them a stick and welcomed them to the team.

What's Changing—and Why

As our organization matures, we’re shifting our focus to deepen our impact.

We’ll now concentrate on 2–4 major events per year, each one designed to bring maximum

value to participants. That means longer ice time, referees, full benches, and the chance to

create weekend tournaments rather than one-off games. These events will not only be more

fun—they’ll be more meaningful. We’re also building a core roster of committed players to represent the foundation in tournaments around the region. Visibility matters. Every tournament jersey we wear is a chance to spread our mission.

And with fewer regular skates, we can redirect more of our resources where they matter most—into scholarships that get new veterans onto the ice. We’ll help cover the cost of gear, training, and league fees for vets who are just starting out. For some, this may be their first time lacing up skates. For others, it may be their first time feeling like they belong in years.

Community Is the Real Goal

We’re not stopping at hockey. We’re also expanding our off-ice events—watch parties, BBQs, and gatherings that bring families, friends, and supporters into the fold. Because support doesn't stop at the rink. We want to be a year-round, all-around community where veterans and their loved ones feel safe, supported, and seen.

We Can’t Do It Without You

The board has done all it can—and we’re proud of what we’ve built. But the truth is: we need

help to go further. We're calling on you—our members, friends, and supporters—to get more involved. Whether it’s:

• Volunteering at events

• Helping with outreach and fundraising

• Organizing off-ice activities

• Working with our partner agencies

• Or simply donating time or skills

Every bit counts. Even answering emails, checking people in at games, or helping pass out

jerseys makes a difference.

If we want to reach more veterans—especially those at risk of suicide, homelessness, or

addiction—we need more hands, more voices, and more action.

This Is Your Foundation

This isn’t a club. This isn’t a board. This is a mission—and it belongs to all of us. Together, we can create something that lasts. Something that brings purpose, belonging, and maybe even healing to those who need it most.

So lace up. Speak up. Step up.

Let’s make the next chapter of the PNW Veterans Hockey Foundation the one that saves lives.