WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. – There will be 22 straight hours of hockey played at the AdventHealth Center Ice complex in Wesley Chapel beginning Saturday at 2 p.m. What is scheduled to take place is far, far more than a marathon of hockey. Rather, it is about supporting disabled veterans.
The fifth annual Hockey Heals 22 is so named because it honors the number of veterans who take their lives each day. Sure, plenty of goals will be scored, though none bigger than the one achieved in raising awareness and funding for veteran suicide prevention programs.
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“Since partnering with the Lightning (in 2023), having the brand recognition has increased our visibility through the Tampa Bay area,” said Chris Scangarello, a former Marine and former member of the Florida Army National Guard who serves as executive director of the Lightning Warriors Hockey Foundation.
In addition to the event benefiting the Lightning Warriors, proceeds will support the Malone Family Foundation and Mission Roll Call. The former was founded by former Lightning player Ryan Malone and provides support for veterans, active military members and first responders. The latter is a veteran advocate that ensures concerns are heard on Capitol Hill with the goal of achieving meaningful improvement.
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“Having those two organizations this year has really spread our event’s reach,” said Scangarello. “We continue to grow by continuing to partner with those in the veteran and mental health space.”
There will be 17 games between 20 teams, four of which will be Lightning Warriors, which has more than 150 members in its program. The other 16 teams include those from men’s leagues within the region, a women’s team and the Jacksonville Warriors. Teams will rotate every fourth game.
In addition to Malone, other NHL alumni expected to participate include Mathieu Garon, who spent the final two of his 12-season career tending goal with the Bolts, and former Capitals and Canadiens defenseman, Karl Alzner.
“It continues to grow every year and that’s what we are trying to do,” said Scangarello. “It is about expanding the reach and letting people know about suicide awareness and prevention and the resources that are out there.”
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