A 22‑Hour Hockey Marathon Fuels Veteran Mental Health Efforts
The sixth edition of the Hockey Heals 22 tournament concluded with nearly $100,000 in donations earmarked for veteran mental health and suicide prevention. The 22‑hour continuous hockey marathon was organized by the Lightning Warriors, a program that pairs military veterans and first responders with the sport.
Operating under the Tampa Bay Lightning brand, the event brought together current players, alumni and supporters in Wesley Chapel, Florida, to generate both funds and public awareness. The money will be split between Operation Healing Forces and the Black Dagger Military Hunt Club, two charities that provide direct assistance to those serving in uniform.
Lightning alumni such as Ryan Malone, Adam Hall and goaltender Mathieu Garon took to the ice, lending their experience to a cause that highlights the stark statistic of 22 veteran suicides each day. Their participation underscored the tournament’s dual mission of fundraising and education.
The NHL franchise contributes $20,000 annually to the Lightning Warriors program, a partnership that has helped sustain the initiative since its inception. Organizers also announced that the seventh Hockey Heals 22 will take place on June 26‑27, 2027, promising another marathon of play and purpose.