Arthritis Foundation

Teamwork, accountability, challenging physical effort, shared service these are the foundation of military service, and they are the foundation of Pittsburgh Warriors mission: to help veterans recover from the physical and mental impacts of their military service by teaching them to play ice hockey. Facing the heartbreaking reality that 22 veterans a day take their own lives after serving honorably, the Pittsburgh Warriors stand resolute in their mission to reduce, end, and combat this tragic epidemic, ensuring our heroes find the support and strength they deserve.Founded in 2017 and veteran-run, Pittsburgh Warriors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit where every honorably discharged service member with a service-related disability is welcome on our team. At no cost to veterans and with no experience necessary to join the team, we offer those with a common understanding of what it means to serve in uniform a new journey after service. Our programs #1 goal is to give our veterans access to a lifetime sport that nurtures and sustains their positive mental and physical well-being, fuels their spirit, and creates a better life for them and their families.When a veteran joins our team, they discover a welcoming environment with teammates who share a common bond of experiences and values borne from military service. Our locker room is a positive healing place where our veterans can relax and interact with teammates they can instantly relate to fellow service members who are on the same journey as them, transitioning back to life after military service and facing the same kinds of challenges. When they look to their left and their right as they line up on the ice, they see not just other hockey players, but also brothers and sisters who were once out there with them serving their nation. Anybody who has ever played hockey knows that players and coaches soon become family. Our players instantly recognize the fit they feel with their teammates because it feels like the bond they had with their fellow service members in uniform and this lays the groundwork for their healing.Our coaches run practices and games under USA Hockey guidelines and teach new skills while encouraging vigorous physical effort, all to build crucial brain-to-body connections that help restore mind and body health. We reinforce accountability by providing a standardized weekly practice routine and schedule and promote goal setting through competitive games and tournaments. Team building, service-related volunteer events, and community outreach efforts complement the on-ice experience by nurturing our veterans self-esteem and refueling their selfless service-spirit through giving back to others.