The United Heroes League, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports military families and their children year-round, is this year’s recipient of the National Hockey League’s ‘Stick Tap for Service’ honor.
The NHL, in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union, is honoring the non-profit for its impact on military families by providing $12 million in free sports equipment, game tickets, cash grants, skill development camps, and special experiences across the US & Canada.
“UHL has made an extraordinary difference for military families and their children nationwide, giving them the chance to participate in the sports they’re passionate about—especially hockey,” said Joe Bock, vice president of brand strategy at Navy Federal, in a statement to Military.com. “We’re honored to recognize their remarkable dedication.”
What ‘Stick Tap for Service’ Means
The ‘Stick Tap for Service’ award is a nod to the “stick tap” sound of hockey sticks tapping together on the ice or against the boards. Organizers say it’s a meaningful sign of sportsmanship among teammates.
Over the past seven years of philanthropy, the NHL award has highlighted personal stories of how hockey has impacted individual lives in service to others. This year, in recognizing the United Heroes League, Navy Federal and the NHL say the organization has made a lasting difference for both the hockey and military communities.
“We’re proud to stand alongside Navy Federal Credit Union and recognize the important work of United Heroes League, whose commitment to military families has made a lasting impact on communities from coast to coast,” said Evin Dobson, NHL Senior Vice President, Partnership Marketing, in the same statement to Military.com. “Now in its eighth year, Stick Tap for Service continues to highlight the power of hockey within the military community.”
Expanding Support for Military Kids
The award comes with a financial and social media boost. Navy Federal will donate $100 for every goal scored during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, up to $50,000. Additionally, the UHL will be spotlighted across Navy Federal and the NHL’s social media channels, as well as on ESPN’s ‘The Point’ and TNT game broadcasts.
“We’re so deeply honored to be this year’s NHL Stick Tap for Service honoree,” said Shane Hudella, president and founder of United Heroes League. “We’ve been fortunate to have incredible supporters like Navy Federal Credit Union, the NHL and so many other good people who see the value in what we do for military families.”
United Heroes League Supports Military Children https://military.prod.acquia-sites.com/feature/2026/04/27/united-heroes-league-honored-serving-military-children.html
From Idea to Nationwide Impact
Founded in 2015, the United Heroes League keeps military kids active and healthy through sports while their parents serve our country. So far, the organization has helped over 50,000 military families keep or start their kids in sports. Each year, the organization donates and distributes hockey and other sporting equipment to children of military families, giving them free top-of-the-line gear.
“We are proud to distribute gear for a variety of sports to ensure military kids are healthy and active in the sport they love,” reads the organization’s website, unitedheroesleague.com, which has been reviewed by Military.com. “Special thanks to all of our incredible volunteers, donors, partners, supporters, and amazing military families for making the mission possible!”
Several sporting goods companies are listed as sponsors, including Bauer Hockey, which has donated several million dollars’ worth of new hockey equipment. The NHLPA Goals and Dreams Foundation has donated $300,000 worth of new hockey equipment for the cause. Additionally, other sponsors and individuals are listed as donors for baseball, basketball, football, golf, lacrosse and soccer equipment.
The Moment That Started It All
As the UHL president recalls, the idea of the organization actually came in 2008. Shane Hudella was at Minnesota’s Xcel Energy Center, now Grand Casino Arena, dressed in his U.S. Army uniform when he was approached by Minnesota Wild hockey players Brent Burns and the late Derek Boogard.
“Burns literally snatched me up off the street and said, ‘Hey, Army guy, come here. Me and my pal here play for the Wild, and we want to give back to the troops. What kind of organizations are out there that we can give back to military families through hockey? Hudella said, in a statement posted on the UHL website, and reviewed by Military.com. “There weren’t any, so I just decided overnight that I’d start a nonprofit. How hard can that be?”
Recognition That Expands the Mission
Nearly 18 years later, the United Heroes League is fully operational and going strong. The recognition from Navy Federal and the NHL is seen as validation and a way for the UHL to have a greater reach.
“This recognition and support will make a substantial impact on our mission,” Hudella said. “It will allow us to put substantially more military kids on the ice, giving them an opportunity to play the game they love.”
Read the full article here
