Pittsburgh Warriors

Mission

Healing Thru Hockey

Pittsburgh Warriors Hockey is a 501(c)(3) organization of honorably discharged service members with service-connected disabilities united around hockey and dedicated to cathartic experience, physical and mental healing, growth, and lasting community.

Our motto is our mission: we are more than a team, we are a force for recovery.

Vision

A Culture Of Healing In Perpetuity

With support from the community, we use hockey as a catalyst for healing, confidence, and long-term purpose.

There is no requirement for prior hockey experience. Every veteran is welcomed into a team-first environment where progress and camaraderie matter most.

Additional Services

• Volunteer opportunities
• Fundraising opportunities
• Internal support for veteran issues
• Family and social events
• Leadership opportunities

Ice Hockey Provided

• Access to weekly ice
• DVHL Disabled Veterans Hockey League (November-March at Hunt Armory)
• Two national travel tournaments per year
• Additional tournaments and games as presented
• Jerseys and equipment (if needed)

Culture

• We promote healing and help each other on and off the ice.
• Brotherhood, camaraderie, and accountability drive our team experience.
• Excessive drinking is discouraged and unprofessional behavior is not tolerated.
• We strive to represent veterans and the city of Pittsburgh with excellence.

Required Items

• Honorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Service-connected disability
• DD-214
• Valid USA Hockey number
• No previous ice hockey experience required

Questions about eligibility or onboarding can be sent to Hockey Ops through the contact page.

Guiding Principles

• Winning on the ice is important, but there is so much more.
• Each new player receives a formal team introduction to build brotherhood from day one.
• Ability level does not determine value as a teammate; everyone plays.
• Only captains and alternates speak with officials during games.
• Travel preference is based on involvement, attitude, and team-first behavior.
• Off the ice, we reinforce gratitude and service to community.

Program Goals

• Have fun playing hockey while building relationships with brothers and sisters in arms.
• Provide a safe environment for disabled veterans to enjoy ice hockey.
• Promote success both on and off the ice.
• Help veterans heal through brotherhood, teamwork, and physical effort.
• Build a strong network of local organizations and veteran services.
• Be positive examples in sport and in community.
• Spread awareness so this program and others like it can grow.
• Build financial stability for year-round ice and national tournament participation.
• Serve as a template for other sports-related veteran teams.