events

Hicks Cup 2026

Every day, far too many veterans lose their battle long after they've taken off the uniform.

In 2023, an average of 17.5 veterans died by suicide each day. Behind every number is a family forever changed, a friend who is missed, and a story that deserved a different ending.

On August 22nd, the Jacksonville Warriors will take the ice for the annual Hicks Cup, played in memory of Pfc. Hicks, a fallen veteran whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We also dedicate this game to the memory of every veteran and service member we've lost to suicide.

We know hockey isn't a cure.

But it is therapy.

It's the text that says, "See you at the rink."

It's teammates who notice when someone is struggling.

It's a locker room where you don't have to explain your experiences because the people beside you understand.

It's purpose. It's accountability. It's laughter. It's camaraderie. It's a place to belong.

For many veterans, the ice becomes more than a game—it becomes a lifeline.

That's why organizations like the Jacksonville Warriors exist. We build community, create connections, and remind every veteran that they never have to fight their battles alone.

As we compete for the Hicks Cup, we aren't just playing hockey. We're honoring those we've lost, supporting those still fighting invisible battles, and reminding one another that asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.

If you're struggling, please reach out. Your team needs you. Your family needs you. Your story is not over.

And if you know a veteran, check in. A simple conversation can make all the difference.

Join us on August 22nd at 6pm as we play for Pfc. Hicks and for every veteran we've lost. And we play for every veteran still with us.

Hockey Heals- June 2026

We were honored to participate in the 6th Annual Hockey Heals 22, hosted by the Lightning Warriors Hockey and Malone Family Foundation in an effort to raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention and mental health.

This incredible event includes 22 hours of hockey, where every hour skated is in remembrance of the 22 veterans a day who commit suicide. We are committed to lowering the number of veterans lost to suicide and hope by participating in this event, we can bring awareness.

While we're happy to bring home a win, we are even happier to be able to participate in this event and support fellow veterans. This is the ultimate day in brotherhood and comradery.

Jacksonville Veterans Invitational 2025

The 2nd annual Jacksonville Veterans Invitational was filled with excitement this year! From all the vendors and supporters, down to some great competitive hockey.

The storm was brewing outside while the eye of the storm was the Community First Igloo . The Jacksonville Warriors upper team was in an intense battle with the second top seeded Jax Hornets. In a game that could have been written for Hollywood, the Jacksonville squad battled hard to force overtime. After 5 minutes the game had no winner and a shootout was needed to decide a champion. Jacksonville came away with the victory to win its second championship!

Meanwhile, on rink two, the Bravo squad of Jacksonville punched their ticket to the lower division championship to face Central FL Warriors in a rematch after a close one-goal loss. Jacksonville would fall in the championship battle that crowned Central Florida the lower division champions.

Tampa and the Columbia Warriors chose to play their game in extended time, playing 3- 20 minute periods instead of back to back games.

During these competitive games, the battles were fierce and fueled by the inner warrior spirit. Unlike a beer league game, these warriors share the common ground of true honor and commitment to their organizations. Watching these games, anyone could see the true spirit of a warrior and gain an insight to just how strong our past and present military force is. When the final buzzer is sounded, the scores no longer matter. It's the stories shared at the table over a beer and food that will always be remembered. The friendships made that will seemingly last a lifetime is what this is all about.

The Jacksonville Warriors would like to thank ALL of the Warriors that played this weekend and battled til the very end. 4 games in 2 days, with some playing 3 in one day, is very grueling. The most impressive part of the weekend is the spirit these Warriors showed. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making the 2nd annual Jacksonville #VeteransInvitational a huge success!

Annual Hicks Cup 2025

The 2025 Hicks Cup, hosted on March 1st, was an absolute nail biter to the very end. One organization broken into two, very evenly matched teams, going head to head. The intense battle showed what a warrior is.

From a spectator, the game was very well played by both teams.

From a players standpoint, it was an all out war.

Good friends battling head to head playing with every bit of skill and grit they had for this moment was great to watch. With Bill Beasly scoring the game winning goal with no time left on the clock, it couldn't have been scripted any better. At the end of the game, there stood one team victorious, but every single veteran on the ice won.

The honor of playing for the Hicks Cup goes much deeper than hockey. It stands as a reminder that 22 veterans a day choose suicide over help. These warriors show that they are winning any battles that may be hindering them. They showed up to play and demonstrated what a warrior is. The handshake line was more special than any handshake line. Brothers and sisters from all different walks of life leaving it on the ice and continuing to support each other.

Tampa Warrior Hockey Academy

The Tampa Bay Lightning, in collaboration with the Malone Family Foundation, hosted the inaugural Warriors Hockey Academy on September 22nd, 2024 at Amalie Arena. The one-day hockey skills and wellness camp was an opportunity for Veterans, Active Duty Military, and First Responders, to enhance their hockey skills and overall well-being. The event will be led by Ryan and his father, Greg Malone, along with several Lightning Alumni, including Mathieu Garon, Jassen Cullimore, Braydon Coburn, Ruslan Fedotenko and others.

The event hosted 80 participants from across Florida, representing seven different organizations, including the Tampa Bay Lightning Warriors, Central Florida Warriors, Tampa Bay Firefighters Hockey Club, Tampa Bay Police Hockey Club, Panthers Warriors, Pinellas County Stars (Pinellas County Police) and the Jacksonville Icemen Warriors.