Navy Federal Credit Union and the National Hockey League® (NHL) are proud to announce the United Heroes League® (UHL) as this season’s NHL Stick Tap for Service™ honoree, recognizing the organization’s extraordinary impact on military families and the hockey community nationwide.
A stick tap—the sound of hockey sticks tapping together on the ice or against the boards—is a meaningful sign of sportsmanship and applause among teammates. For 7 years, NHL Stick Tap for Service, presented by Navy Federal, has honored individuals’ personal stories of how hockey has impacted their lives and their contributions in service to others. This season, with the partnership in its eighth year, Navy Federal and the NHL selected one organization whose mission has made a lasting difference for both the hockey and military communities.
“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. “We’re honored to recognize their remarkable dedication.”
The credit union will donate $100 for every goal scored during the first round of the Stanley Cup® Playoffs (up to $50,000) to support the UHL’s mission and programming. 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.
“Now in its eighth year, Stick Tap for Service continues to highlight the power of hockey within the military community,” said Evin Dobson, NHL Senior Vice President, Partnership Marketing. “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.”
Headquartered in Hastings, MN, UHL was founded to support children of military Servicemembers. The organization’s nationwide efforts break down barriers to youth sports by offering free equipment, running skill-development camps, awarding cash grants and creating special experiences for military families.
Through these programs, UHL fosters confidence, connection and a sense of belonging among military kids. To date, UHL has helped more than 100,000 military families keep or start their kids in sports.
“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. This recognition and support will make a substantial impact on our mission and allow us to put substantially more military kids on the ice, giving them an opportunity to play the game they love.”