Tampa Bay Lightning Hosts Hockey Heals 22 Tournament

The Tampa Bay Lightning's charitable organization, Lightning Warriors, hosted the sixth annual Hockey Heals 22 tournament at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel, featuring 22 hours of nonstop games and raising nearly $100,000 for veteran mental health and suicide prevention. The event, which took place over a weekend, included a game featuring Lightning alumni such as Ryan Malone, Adam Hall, Mathieu Garon, and others. Chris Scangarello, the executive director of the Lightning Warriors and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and Florida Army National Guard, was overwhelmed by the turnout and support for the event. The tournament, which included 212 players from the Lightning Warriors program, aimed to raise awareness about the 22 veteran suicides that occur daily and provide resources for veterans to seek help. The funds raised will benefit two nonprofit organizations, Operation Healing Forces and the Black Dagger Military Hunt Club, which support veteran mental health and provide outdoor activities for veterans. The Lightning Warriors use hockey as an outlet for veterans to build a community and provide a familiar feeling, with Scangarello noting that hockey is the ultimate team sport that brings a level of dependency on teammates, similar to combat. The event was a huge success, with Scangarello expressing his gratitude for the support and noting that it gives veterans a sense of purpose and a way to give back to the community. The Lightning Warriors' efforts are a testament to the Tampa Bay Lightning's commitment to supporting veterans and promoting mental health awareness. The event also highlighted the importance of community and camaraderie in helping veterans cope with mental health issues. Overall, the Hockey Heals 22 tournament was a resounding success, and the Tampa Bay Lightning's involvement is a shining example of the team's dedication to giving back to the community.