Sailors assigned to Naval Special Warfare (NSW) participated in the inaugural “Face off for Heroes” (FOFH) hockey games in Boston, Oct. 26, 2019 and New York City, Oct. 27, 2019.
Four SEAL operators played in two hockey games alongside former professional and hockey hall of fame players.
“In addition to the excitement of the sporting event where NSW players wore the uniform of the Bruins and Rangers Alumni Teams, the weekend’s events offered service members and families an opportunity for respite from the stressors of life in NSW,” said Capt. Ryan Croley, deputy NSW Group-2 commodore. “FOFH provided an opportunity for stressed families to reconnect, which can be incredibly healing.”
The Boston Bruins Foundation and the Warrior for Life Fund (WFLF), a co-beneficiary of the Navy SEAL Foundation and a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, hosted FOFH to honor the military, their sacrifices and their families.
“WFLF was established in 2019 to provide infrastructure, therapeutic sports programs, and support to Gold Star Families in support of NSW and military veterans,” said Croley. “For NSW hockey players, especially those who have retired or are nearing retirement, playing hockey is just as much therapeutic as it is about competition. Playing hockey has a way of clearing the mind for guys who may be struggling with fatigue, posttraumatic injuries and other ailments that they have acquired over their time in service. It is a game that has created bonds and lasting memories for a number of SEALs and their families. Some have said that playing hockey and engaging in ‘play’ has significantly changed their lives for the better.”
WFLF, originally known as the Virginia Beach Hockey Club, has hosted over 14 NSW memorial hockey games that have been attended by more than 550 NSW players and families over the past five years.
For more information about the Warrior for Life Fund, visit www.warriorforlifefund.org.