Skating Toward Healing: NHL Foundation Awards $25,000 Grant to Warrior For Life Fund
In a powerful testament to the healing power of sport and community, the NHL Foundation U.S. has awarded the Operation Line Shift grant to the Warrior for Life Fund (WFLF), a Virginia Beach-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting Naval Special Warfare (NSW) active-duty personnel, veterans, and Gold Star Families.
The NHL Foundation U.S. supports individuals who serve communities and the country. Operation Line Shift supports organizations that address the needs of current and former military service members, first responders, and their families, while raising awareness of the challenges they encounter in their service and afterwards.
Building Resilience Through Hockey
Founded by retired Navy SEAL, Captain Ryan Croley, the WFLF leverages the camaraderie and the discipline of hockey to assist service members in navigating the challenges of combat deployments and life after service. The organization creates a persistent presence of fellowship, fitness, and mental/cognitive health improvement that has a lasting impact on its members.
“Veterans transitioning out of the military often lose the relationships they’ve forged and the sense of community,” Croley noted. “Through hockey, and our events we rebuild those connections, providing a supportive network that understands the unique experiences of our warriors.”
The NHL Foundation U.S. creates positive social impact by promoting access and fostering positive experiences on and off the ice. It supports the health and well-being of individuals and families through sports.
“We are honored to support the Warrior for Life Fund in their mission to assist those who have dedicated themselves to our nation,” said an NHL representative. “Their innovative approach to healing through hockey aligns perfectly with our commitment to community well-being through the sport.”
WFLF is dedicated to empowering military service members, veterans, and their families by addressing the unique challenges they face, including prolonged separations, erratic schedules, and the lasting effects of combat deployments. These challenges often lead to chronic conditions such as Blast-induced Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
By fostering community through adaptive hockey initiatives and providing innovative mental health and wellness programs off the ice through the Human Performance and Fitness Center, WFLF promotes resilience, healing, and inclusion for military families.
Centralized in Hampton Roads area, WFLF is located within 10 miles of 16 military bases supporting the largest active-duty military population in the U.S., with over 95, 000 active-duty service members and over 100,000 veterans, including the world’s largest naval base, making its programs uniquely accessible to military families.
This summer, the WFLF is proud to host the inaugural Face Off for Heroes Montana event, presented by the NHL, on July 4th in Bozeman.
This special event honors the courage and sacrifice of the Naval Special Warfare and Army Special Operations communities. It serves as a tribute to those who have given their lives in service and aims to strengthen the bonds of camaraderie among active and former service members.
Montana was chosen as the host location for several meaningful reasons—including its deep-rooted military community and the urgent need to address the state’s highest per capita veteran suicide rate. Through this event, WFLF hopes to raise awareness, foster connections, and support healing for those who serve and have served.
