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O F F T HE D R AW PHOTOS COURTESY OF Kyle Carlstrom, Christine Franey, Jayme Pastoric (Warrior For Life Fund); Getty Images NHL 10 // OCTOBER 2024 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM A Hero Remembered oey Mullen, Ryan Miller, John-Michael Liles and Kevan Millar were just some of the NHL alumni who teamed up with the Warrior For Life Fund for the second annual Face Off For Heroes Nicholas Spehar Memorial Hockey Game in San Diego this August. The event united the NHL Alumni Association and the Naval Special Warfare community in honoring the memory of Nicholas Spehar, a Navy Seal who was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. "Events like the Nicholas Spehar Memorial Game hold a special significance in honoring veterans and their sacrifices," said Ryan Croley, WFLF president. "Our Face Off For Heroes games not only pay tribute to warriors like Nicholas Spehar, Nate Hardy, Mike Ernst, and Captain Brian Bourgeois, but also significantly contribute to the broader mission of the Warrior for Life Fund—to support and uplift those who have served their country." The game is part of the Warrior For Life Fund's ongoing mission to support active duty service members , veterans, and their families through sports and community engagement. The fund believes in the power of sports to help individuals navigate the unique challenges of combat deployments and life after service. Frank Simonetti, Boston Bruins alumni president and WFLF board member, reached out to NHL alums to help orga- nize the memorial game, while the NHL and Operation Hat Trick co-sponsored the event. "The NHL alumni players and Southern California hockey community have been extremely supportive as we begin to elevate our West Coast presence and sup- port," said Simonetti. " We are absolutely looking forward to growing this event in 2025." P J p THE INTENSE RIVALRY BETWEEN THE WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAMS from both the U.S. and Canada returns as the 2024-25 Rivalr y Series gets under way in November. All games will be broadcast live on NHL Network. Don't miss the action! Visit teamusa.usahockey.com/202425rivalryseries for more information, including times and how to buy tickets. Rivalry Series Is Coming! WOMEN'S HOCKEY Nov. 6 Tech CU Arena, San Jose, Calif. Nov. 8 Maverik Center, Salt Lake City, Utah Nov. 10 Idaho Central Arena, Boise, Idaho Feb. 6 Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia Feb. 8 Credit Union Place, Summerside, P.E.I. NHL Stars and Veterans Face Off in Tribute to Nicholas Spehar