Operation Hat Trick and Red River Charitable Foundation Continue their Support of Nine Warrior Ice Hockey Programs

Programs foster comradery, healing for wounded service members and veterans

HAMPTON, N.H. (September 26, 2023) – Operation Hat Trick, a nonprofit that supports the recovery of wounded service members and veterans through the sale of its branded merchandise, in partnership with the Red River Charitable Foundation, has made another round of donations in a commitment to nine Warrior Ice Hockey programs throughout the country.

The donations will be used to pay for ice time for the teams to practice, which is critical for the advancement of the teams and the therapeutic benefits of the programs. Getting the veterans on the ice to practice improves bonds, morale and companionship that will build resilience, at a time when veterans need it more than ever.

The organizations that OHT and RRCF are partnering with include the following:

  • Capital Beltway Warriors in the Washington, DC area
  • Charleston Warriors Sled Hockey in Charleston, SC
  • Challenge Alaska/Alaska Warriors Hockey in the Anchorage, Alaska area
  • Colorado Warriors Hockey Club in the Colorado Springs, CO area
  • Ice Vets Adaptive Sports in New Hampshire and Vermont
  • Minnesota Ice Hockey Warriors Hockey in St. Paul, MN
  • North Carolina Warrior Hockey Program in Raleigh, NC
  • Pittsburgh Warriors Hockey in Pittsburgh, PA

“Operation Hat Trick is proud to continue our support of these teams to make a difference for those in need as we strive to fill some critical gaps in care,” said Dot Sheehan, founder, president/CEO of Operation Hat Trick. “Our mission is to support the recovery of wounded service members and veterans, so the missions of these organizations fit perfectly.”

Kim Vacca, Director of the Red River Charitable Foundation, emphasized the importance of connection in the lives of all individuals, particularly those who may be experiencing a sense of disconnection that's hard to comprehend: "The Red River Charitable Foundation is honored to facilitate the opportunity for veterans to connect, play and heal through ice hockey. We firmly believe in the power of sports to bring people together, bring joy and find purpose.”

Operation Hat Trick is recognized by GuideStar as a Platinum seal of transparency organization for its responsible stewardship (https:/learn.guidestar.org/platinum), and OHT also has a three-star charity rating from Charity Navigator (https://www.charitynavigator.org/search?q=operation+hat+trick).

OHT is 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 receives a royalty on every product purchase of co-branded apparel and merchandise in conjunction with over 500 supporting American colleges and universities, as well as many NHL, NBA and MiLB teams. Its products are also available via online retailers such as Fanatics, Amazon and national retailers including Cracker Barrel, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Kohl’s, Lids, Scheels, Rally House and more.

The Red River Charitable Foundation supports veterans and their families by partnering with veteran organizations to offer services not currently provided by the VA or other government agencies. This includes technology career counseling and mentorships, emergency monetary assistance, service dog matching and sponsorship of adaptive sports clinics.

For more information on Operation Hat Trick, visit operationhattrick.org.

For more information on the Red River Charitable Foundation, visit https://redriver.com/philanthropy.