The National Hockey League (NHL) has teamed up with a veterans service organization to help struggling former military members and their families.
Through a partnership with ForgiveCo, the NHL will erase $1.25 million of debt, dropping a lifeline to 1,025 veteran families.
On Tuesday, during Game 5 of a first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars, forward Jason Robertson of the Stars hosted former Army Specialist Cesar Gonzalez and his family at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Gonzalez is one of many veterans seeing their debt washed away through the program.
Out of the $1.25 million debt being eliminated, $250,000 will go to veterans in the Dallas, Texas area.
History Supporting Military
Robertson is no stranger to helping veterans.
The left wing, 26, spotlights the bravery and sacrifice of military families through his program “JR’s Heroes,” funded by the Dallas Stars Foundation. Through the program, the Stars provide premium game tickets and a post-game meeting with Robertson for families of active-duty military members, especially those with family members serving overseas.
Founded in 2021, ForgiveCo has helped thousands of people in the U.S. eliminate crippling financial burdens by buying large portfolios of debt for a small percentage of the original cost. The NHL pitched in with a contribution to help ForgiveCo erase $1.25 million of debt for veterans and their families, while eliminating collection documentation on the veteran’s credit report.
Craig Antico, CEO and co-founder of ForgiveCo, said veterans can sometimes face financial challenges, especially while transitioning out of the military.
“Managing debt during major life transitions, whether it’s moving from active duty to civilian life, relocating, or navigating family changes, is inherently stressful because fixed financial obligations often collide with unpredictable personal circumstances,” Antico said in a press release. “For years, we have collaborated with brand partners to lighten the debt burden and provide hardship relief for Americans. This partnership is especially significant because it supports veterans, individuals who have sacrificed so much in service to our country, by addressing their medical and financial debt. Wiping away even a single debt can make a profound difference during an already challenging transition.”
Kim Davis, NHL senior executive vice president of social impact, growth initiatives, and legislative affairs, said the league works to honor veterans throughout the season.
“There is a league-wide commitment to support the military community during their time in service, during their transition into civilian life, and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Davis said in a press release. “Throughout the season, the NHL, all 32 Clubs, and NHL Players honor the military with in-game recognition moments and tributes, ceremonial puck drops, as well as donations to local programs and organizations that support military members and their families. This partnership with ForgiveCo is one meaningful example of the NHL’s military support across the U.S. and Canada.”
Many Programs to Help Veterans
The organization’s partnership with the NHL is part of the league’s Operation Line Shift program that supports active-duty service members and veterans. During the 2025-26 season, the league donated to the Warrior for Life Fund, which provides opportunities through sports for the military community. The NHL also chipped in to the United Heroes League, which helps children of service members stay active through athletic programs.
In addition, the NHL helped create the VetsEXCEL Career Development and Mentorship Program to assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life.
Earlier this year, as part of the outdoor NHL Stadium Series, sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union, the league, along with members of the Tampa Bay Lightning, worked alongside FORCE BLUE, a non-profit organization, to rebuild valuable shoreline at MacDill Air Force Base.
In November, the league’s Veterans Employee Resource Group took part in the New York City Veterans Day Parade.
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