On November 30th, PUCHOG hosted a high-energy veterans’ hockey game that brought together local military veterans and supporters for a night of competition, camaraderie, and community pride.
Download the full photo recap: Warriors VS Eagles Special Edition Newsletter
Event Highlights
Warriors VS Eagles Game
- Fast-paced veteran hockey action
- Sponsored by PUCHOG and Hershey Bears
- Professional photography by Stan Georgiev
- Special appearance by Cubby (Hershey Bears mascot)
What Made It Special
- National Anthem and ceremonial puck drop
- High-energy gameplay from both teams
- Packed stands with family, friends, and supporters
- Brotherhood and connection between veteran players
Inside the Newsletter
This special edition captures the moments that matter:
- Game Action – Professional photos showcasing the skill and talent from both teams
- Player Connections – Veteran players sharing laughs, fist bumps, and stick taps
- Community Support – Fans in the stands cheering on our veterans
- Behind the Scenes – From the ceremonial puck drop to the final buzzer
The kind of connection displayed throughout the night is what PUCHOG is all about — the brotherhood that only fellow service members truly understand.
Download Your Copy
Download Warriors VS Eagles Special Edition Newsletter (PDF)
This special edition newsletter includes:
- Full-color professional photography
- Event highlights and action shots
- Information about PUCHOG’s mission and upcoming events
- Resources for disabled veterans, families, and supporters
Thank You
Special thanks to:
- Stan Georgiev – Professional photography
- Hershey Bears – Event sponsorship and support
- All players, families, and fans who made this event possible
Stay Connected
Want to be part of future PUCHOG events?
- Check our event schedule for upcoming games and family skates
- Download past newsletters for veteran resources and updates
- Contact us about playing, volunteering, or supporting our mission
PUCHOG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All proceeds and donations go directly to supporting our veteran teams.
The latest PUCHOG quarterly newsletter is packed with event highlights, veteran resources, member spotlights, and upcoming events. This edition showcases what our community accomplished together and the resources available to support veterans and their families.
Download the full newsletter: PUCHOG Quarterly Newsletter May–Nov 2025 (PDF)
What’s Inside
Hockey For Heroes Tournament 2025
The 11th Annual Hockey For Heroes Tournament took place May 17–18, bringing athletes, veterans, families, and supporters together for a weekend of teamwork, camaraderie, and purpose.
Tournament Highlights:
- Three guaranteed games per team across Saturday and Sunday
- Upper Division: High-intensity competitive play
- Lower Division: Heart, hustle, and unity
- Draft Division: Teams built through draft-style selection where goalies choose their squads
Player of the Quarter: Coach Thomas Kelly (TK)
This edition spotlights Coach TK, a veteran with 60 years of hockey experience who continues to support fellow vets on and off the ice.
About Coach TK:
- Hometown: Hershey, PA
- Military Service: Joined at 22 (18Z / F / B – 91B)
- Current Role: Heavy Equipment Operator
- Why PUCHOG: “The opportunity to work with veteran hockey players”
- Years Playing Hockey: 60 years and still going strong
Featured Resources: Free Veterans Education & Employment Programs
The newsletter includes comprehensive information about Pennsylvania’s recent veteran employment investments and nationwide education programs.
Pennsylvania Initiatives (2024-2025):
- $400,000 Veteran Employment Initiative – Job matching, resume support, training referrals
- $600,000 Workforce Training Grants – IT certifications, CDL training, skilled trades
- DVOP Specialists – One-on-one employment support through PA CareerLink
- Military Spouse Support – Employment coaching and license transfer assistance
Education Programs Covered:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
- Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)
- Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
Health & Wellness
Tips for tracking non-scale victories (NSVs) and the benefits of strength training for overall health and fitness.
Upcoming Events
- Military Family Ice Skate – December 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM
- Gun Raffle – January 10-19, 2026 ($30/ticket or 4 for $100)
Download Your Copy
Download PUCHOG Quarterly Newsletter May–Nov 2025 (PDF)
This newsletter includes:
- Full event recaps with photos
- Detailed veteran resource information with contact details
- Member and volunteer spotlights
- Complete schedule of upcoming PUCHOG events
- Health and wellness tips for veterans
Newsletter Goals
Our quarterly newsletter aims to:
- Highlight skate times and locations
- Share resources for disabled veterans, families, and supporters
- Provide updates on equipment needs
- Spotlight PUCHOG members and volunteers
- Keep you informed about upcoming events and important announcements
Stay Connected
Want the latest PUCHOG news delivered to your inbox?
- Download past newsletters for veteran resources
- Check our event calendar for upcoming games and family events
- Contact us about playing, volunteering, or supporting our mission
- Follow us for real-time updates on events and opportunities
PUCHOG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All proceeds and donations go directly to supporting our veteran teams. Our organization is entirely volunteer-run, ensuring every dollar makes a direct impact.
Mark Your Calendars: Military Family Ice Skate – December 27, 2025
The holiday season brings a special PUCHOG tradition: a chance for military families to come together, hit the ice, and celebrate community.
More Than Just Ice Skating
December 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM (1700 hours for those who still think in military time), PUCHOG is hosting a Military Family Ice Skate event designed to bring together veterans, active-duty service members, and their families for an evening of fun, connection, and community.
This isn’t your typical public skate. This is a gathering of the military family—people who understand the unique experiences, challenges, and bonds that come with service.
Who Should Attend?
Veterans and their families – Whether you’re a PUCHOG regular or this is your first event, you’re welcome here.
Active-duty service members – Take a break from the demands of service and enjoy quality time with family.
Supporters and friends – The PUCHOG community extends beyond those who served. If you support our mission, you’re part of the family.
Kids of all ages – This is a family event! Bring the children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Let them experience the warmth of the military community.
Why Family Skate Events Matter
Military life can be isolating. Deployments, relocations, and the challenges of transition often mean families lose connection with support networks. Events like the Military Family Ice Skate create spaces where:
- Kids can play together while parents connect over shared experiences
- Veterans can introduce their families to the PUCHOG community
- New members can discover what PUCHOG is all about in a low-pressure, fun environment
- Everyone can decompress during what can be a stressful holiday season
What to Expect
The evening will include:
- Open ice time for skating
- A welcoming atmosphere where everyone—from first-time skaters to experienced players—can enjoy the ice
- Opportunities to meet other military families and PUCHOG members
- A chance to learn more about PUCHOG programs and upcoming events
Don’t worry if you can’t skate! These events are about community first, skating second. Many attendees spend time talking rinkside while kids and more adventurous adults take to the ice.
Looking Ahead: Make This an Annual Tradition
Family skate events are becoming a cornerstone of PUCHOG’s community programming. They provide something that tournaments and competitive play can’t—a relaxed setting where families can participate together.
If this December event is successful (and past family skates suggest it will be), you can expect more throughout 2026. These gatherings are responding to feedback from members who want more family-inclusive activities.
The Bigger Picture
Events like the Military Family Ice Skate represent PUCHOG’s commitment to supporting the whole veteran, not just the athlete. Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off, and neither does the need for community.
By bringing families together, PUCHOG creates connections that extend beyond the ice:
- Friendships form between spouses who understand military life
- Kids build relationships with other military children
- Veterans find support networks for life after service
- Families discover resources and opportunities they didn’t know existed
How to Participate
Save the date: December 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM
What to bring: Skates (if you have them), warm clothes, and an open mind
Who to bring: Your whole family—the more, the merrier
Cost: PUCHOG events are designed to be accessible. Check the website or contact organizers for specific details.
Support the Event
If you’re unable to attend but want to support the Military Family Ice Skate:
Donate: Every contribution helps offset facility costs and makes these events possible
Volunteer: Events like this need volunteers for setup, skate assistance, and coordination
Spread the word: Know a military family who would benefit from connecting with PUCHOG? Invite them to join.
Join the PUCHOG Family
The Military Family Ice Skate on December 27 is more than an event—it’s an invitation to join a community that understands service, values connection, and believes that supporting veterans means supporting their families too.
Whether you’ve been part of PUCHOG for years or this is your introduction to our organization, you’ll find a welcome here.
See you on the ice!
For more information about the Military Family Ice Skate and other PUCHOG events, visit our website or contact us directly. Players Using Competition Helping Others Grow is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of wounded veterans and their families.
Player Spotlight: Coach Thomas Kelly – 60 Years on the Ice and Still Going Strong
Meet the heart and soul of PUCHOG’s coaching staff: Coach Thomas “TK” Kelly, a veteran with six decades of hockey experience and a passion for supporting fellow service members.
A Life Built on Movement and Service
From Hershey, PA, Coach TK has lived a life that most people only read about in adventure novels. With a military career spanning multiple specialties (18Z/F/B – 91B, for those keeping track), TK’s service record reads like a masterclass in versatility and dedication.
At 22, he joined the military and never looked back. His career took him across countless duty stations, rarely staying in one place for more than a few years. That kind of constant movement builds something special—resilience, adaptability, and a treasure trove of stories that could fill volumes.
Six Decades of Hockey
When asked why he plays hockey, Coach TK’s response is simple: “Good question!!”
Translation? Once hockey gets in your blood, it never leaves. At 60 years of playing experience and counting, TK continues to lace up his skates with the same passion he had as a young player. That’s not just dedication—that’s a love affair with the game.
Why PUCHOG?
What drew Coach TK to Players Using Competition Helping Others Grow? “The opportunity to work with veteran hockey players.”
For TK, PUCHOG represents everything he values: service, camaraderie, and the chance to give back to those who understand the unique bond shared by veterans. He jumped in with both feet and hasn’t looked back since.
Current Life: Heavy Equipment and Hockey
Today, Coach TK works as a Heavy Equipment Operator when he’s not on the ice. It’s physical work that requires precision, patience, and skill—qualities that translate perfectly to coaching hockey.
Words to Live By
Coach TK’s favorite quote? “Can’t fix stupid.”
And according to him, there’s a long list to prove it. We didn’t press for names, but we have a feeling there are some entertaining stories behind that philosophy.
The PUCHOG Difference
Coaches like TK are what make PUCHOG special. This isn’t just an organization that plays hockey—it’s a community where veterans support veterans, where experience is valued, and where service continues long after the uniform comes off.
What makes Coach TK’s story resonate:
- 60 years of hockey passion that hasn’t dimmed
- A lifetime of military service across multiple specialties
- A commitment to helping fellow veterans find community and purpose
- The kind of straightforward wisdom that only comes from decades of experience
Be Part of the Team
PUCHOG is always looking for players, volunteers, and supporters who share Coach TK’s passion for veteran hockey. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, whether you can donate time or resources, there’s a place for you in this community.
The coaches, players, and volunteers at PUCHOG aren’t just building teams—they’re building a legacy of support, one skate at a time.
Want to join the ranks alongside veterans like Coach TK? Reach out to PUCHOG and find out how you can get involved.
Players Using Competition Helping Others Grow (PUCHOG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of wounded veterans through hockey and community events. Every event is volunteer-run, and 100% of proceeds support our teams.