A New Game for Healing
The Tampa Bay Lightning joined forces with the Wounded Warrior Project to stage a sled hockey clinic at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel, Florida, turning the rink into an arena of recovery for the nation’s wounded veterans.
Jonathan Phipps, an outreach specialist with the Wounded Warrior Project, explained that the program is designed to help former service members reconnect with their peers after the rigors of deployment, using sport as a bridge back to community life.
Tony Thomasson, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who underwent a right‑leg amputation in November, described the clinic as a turning point, noting that the fast‑paced sled hockey matches gave him a renewed sense of competition and belonging.
Tripp Smith, a Marine Corps veteran with nearly a decade of sled hockey experience, spent the session guiding newcomers through the nuances of the sport, his enthusiasm underscoring the mentorship culture that the partnership seeks to nurture.
Beyond the Ice
Gloria Smith, Tripp’s wife and the Lightning’s Community Hockey Coordinator, highlighted the mental‑health advantages of adaptive sports, emphasizing that the inclusive environment allows participants of all physical abilities to engage fully and feel valued.
The collaborative effort between the NHL franchise and the veteran‑focused nonprofit promises to expand access to sled hockey across the region, ensuring that the camaraderie forged on the rink can translate into lasting support networks for those who have served.