NHL Strengthens Partnership with Warrior for Life Fund, Pledges $75,000 to Face Off for Heroes Memorial Hockey Series
The Warrior for Life Fund (WFLF) is proud to announce its continued partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) for the second consecutive year in support of the Face Off for Heroes (FOFH) Hockey Series. The NHL has committed $75,000 to sponsor three signature events in 2025—San Diego, Bozeman, and Boston—honoring the legacy of Naval Special Warfare families and service members while fostering healing through the camaraderie of hockey.
Face Off for Heroes is a powerful, multi-city memorial hockey series that brings together NHL Alumni, Gold Star Families, active-duty Naval Special Warfare and Army Special Operations Forces, and the veteran community. These events unite players, their families, and fans for an unforgettable experience that blends fast-paced competition with deep reflection and remembrance. Each Face Off for Heroes offers a weekend of events that celebrate resilience, community, fellowship, and the enduring spirit of service.
“Supporting the Warrior for Life Fund and the Face Off for Heroes series reflects the NHL’s deep commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of our military families,” said Rob Wooley, Executive Director of the NHL Foundation and Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the NHL. “These events go far beyond the ice—they build connection, community, and healing for those who’ve given so much to our country. We’re proud to stand with our partners in bringing this mission to life.”
“Through our partnership with the NHL, we are committed to helping those who have sacrificed for our country find healing and connection through hockey,” said Ryan Corley, President of the Warrior for Life Fund.
Croley continues, “The NHL’s commitment has been transformative. Their investment does more than sponsor events—it fuels our mission to care for the wounds of war inside our hard-stuck communities. Thanks to their support, we can bring together Gold Star families, veterans, and service members through powerful events and persistent presence that will have a lasting impact.”
Andrew Alberts, former NHL defenseman and WFLF Ambassador, added, “These events aren’t just hockey games. They’re about healing and fellowship. The NHL’s support allows us to continue connecting our nation’s heroes with a team, a purpose, and a path forward. We’re incredibly grateful.”
Now in its second year partnered with the NHL, Face Off for Heroes continues to grow in popularity, drawing thousands of attendees and national attention. From coast to coast, the series stands as a testament to the unifying power of sport and the enduring strength of the military community.
The Warrior for Life Fund extends its deepest thanks to the NHL for its generous support and unwavering dedication to those who serve.
For more information or to support the Warrior for Life Fund, visit: www.warriorforlifefund.org
About the Warrior for Life Fund
Warrior for Life Fund focuses on supporting active-duty veterans and their families through sport and community as they navigate the unique challenges of combat deployments and life after service. Utilizing an evidence-based and informed approach, WFLF creates an enduring environment of fellowship, fitness, and mental/cognitive health improvement that has a lasting impact on our members.
About the NHL
The National Hockey League (NHL), founded in 1917, consists of 32 Member Clubs. Each team roster reflects the League’s international makeup with players from more than 20 countries represented, all vying for the most cherished and historic trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup. Every year, the NHL entertains more than 670 million fans in-arena and through its partners on national television and radio; more than 191 million followers – league, team and player accounts combined – across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube; and more than 100 million fans online at NHL.com. The League broadcasts games in more than 260 countries and territories through its rightsholders including ESPN, WBD Sports and NHL Network in the U.S.; Prime Video, Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada; and via SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™, Sports USA, and TuneIn; and reaches fans worldwide with games available to stream in every country.
