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The goal of our newsletter is to:
- Highlight skate times and locations
- Share resources for disabled veterans, families, and supporters
- Provide updates on equipment needs
- Spotlight our PUCHOG members and volunteers
- Keep you informed about upcoming events and important announcements.
In this edition, we showcase team highlights from our recent Family Skate event and introduce you to our Player of the Quarter. Stay in the know with our featured articles, up-dates, and everything coming up next — you won’t want to miss it!
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.