Operation Hat Trick (OHT) partners with the Red River Charitable Foundation to make donations to nine Warrior Ice Hockey Teams

HAMPTON, N.H., September 27, 2022 – Operation Hat Trick (OHT), an innovative non-profit supporting the recovery of wounded service members and veterans, and the Red River Charitable Foundation (RRCF), an organization that supports military veterans transitioning to civilian life, announced today they have made donations to nine Warriors Hockey teams across the country. The donations will be used to help fund ice time for practices and games.

The teams receiving donations are the Capital Beltway Warriors, Challenge Alaska Warriors, Charleston (SC) Warriors, Chicago Blackhawks Warriors, Colorado Warriors, Ice Vets Adaptive Sports, Minnesota Warriors, North Carolina Hurricanes Warriors and the Pittsburgh Warriors.

“We are like-minded organizations, having partnered several times over the years to support wounded and recovering veterans,” said Dot Sheehan, Founder and CEO of OHT. “We’re both located in NH where hockey is a distinct part of our state’s fabric. OHT and RRCF are continuing to make it possible for injured veterans to take to the ice to connect, build camaraderie and gain resilience. Being on the ice means the world to them. With ice time being so expensive, this support makes it possible for more than 1,000 players to continue practicing and playing games. These invaluable experiences enable so many injured veterans to reach a more confident place in their lives, and we have seen that first-hand.”

“Supporting veterans and warrior hockey teams continues to be an inspiration to us all and a partnership we look forward to each year,” said Kim Vacca, Director, Red River Charitable Foundation. “Working together with OHT, we've been able to provide opportunities that empower and bring joy to our veteran community while honoring their tremendous sacrifice.”

In making these donations, OHT also now surpassed $3.5 million in donations to nonprofits that meet their mission since 2014. To date, they have supported over 120 organizations in 39 states.

About Operation Hat Trick

Operation Hat Trick is recognized by GuideStar as a Platinum seal of transparency organization for its responsible (https:/learn.guidestar.org/platinum). Dedicated to Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, two Navy SEALs who were killed in Iraq in 2008 and are buried side by side at Arlington National Cemetery, OHT never forgets their sacrifice.

OHT is differentiated from other veteran-focused nonprofits by its innovative operating model. OHT pioneered the first national philanthropic co-branded cause marketing retail apparel licensing program. Rather than relying on donations to raise money, OHT sells co-branded apparel and merchandise in conjunction with over five hundred supporting American colleges and universities, as well as many MLB, NHL, NBA and MiLB teams. Its products are also available via online retailers such as Fanatics, Amazon and national retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Kohl’s, Lids, Scheels and more.

Support and learn more about Operation Hat Trick by visiting operationhattrick.org.

About Red River Charitable Foundation

Red River Charitable Foundation (RRCF) is a 501(c)(3), charitable organization with a dual mandate and mission. RRCF promotes and encourages students to continue their studies in the fields of science and technology as well as supporting US military veterans transitioning to civilian life. RRCF provides opportunities for students in middle school through college interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math with scholarships, internships, mentoring, and donations of IT equipment. RRCF supports veterans and their families by providing technology career counseling and mentorships as well as emergency monetary assistance as they integrate back into their community. For more information, visit redriver.com/philanthropy/rrcf.

About the USA Hockey Warriors Hockey Program

USA Hockey’s Warrior Hockey Discipline is dedicated to injured and disabled US Military Veterans who have served our country and play the sport of ice hockey. As one of the Disabled Hockey Section's newest disciplines, Warrior Hockey is quickly growing across the country. While some of the participants played hockey prior to being injured, many try it for the first time for therapeutic reasons. To be eligible to compete in the Warrior Hockey Discipline, participants must be or have been Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard), with former Members required to have been discharged under honorable or general conditions. For full eligibility criteria, see the Warrior Hockey rules below. USA Hockey thanks the men and women of the armed forces for their service. For more information, please visit USAHockey.com.