A stick tap that echoes beyond the ice

By: Navy Federal Credit Union | June 12, 2026

The sound is simple—just the tap of hockey sticks against the ice. In hockey, a stick tap is a sign of respect as players tap their sticks to applaud a teammate’s effort or meaningful moment. For Army Veteran Shane Hudella, it symbolizes something bigger.

Nearly 2 decades ago, Hudella was standing in the Xcel Energy Center (now Grand Casino Arena) in his Army uniform when 2 Minnesota Wild players approached him with a straightforward question: Who was helping military families connect to the sport they loved? There wasn’t an answer. So Hudella created one.

Today, that answer is the United Heroes League® (UHL). The organization was recently honored in a way that echoes far beyond the rink. Navy Federal Credit Union and the National Hockey League® (NHL) named UHL the 2026 NHL Stick Tap for Service™ honoree, spotlighting the organization’s impact on military families and the hockey community.

A moment that turned into a mission

What began as an idea is now a nationwide effort to help military kids experience the confidence, friendships, sense of belonging and lifelong skills from athletics. The UHL provides free equipment, hosts camps, offers financial support and creates moments families might otherwise never have. In fact, the organization has enabled more than 100,000 military families to keep or start their kids in sports.

For many families navigating deployments and frequent moves, consistency matters.

“We’ve been fortunate to have incredible supporters like Navy Federal Credit Union, the NHL and so many other good people who see the value in what we do for military families,” said Hudella. “This recognition and support will make a substantial impact on our mission and allow us to put substantially more military kids on the ice, giving them an opportunity to play the game they love.”

Turning goals into real opportunity

For the past 7 years, the NHL Stick Tap for Service™ program, presented by Navy Federal, has celebrated individuals whose stories reflect service and community impact.

As the partnership enters its 8th season, the program shifted to honor one organization who makes a lasting difference across both the hockey and military communities.

During the first round of the Stanley Cup® Playoffs, every goal scored meant more than just a moment on the scoreboard. Navy Federal committed $100 to the UHL for every goal scored.

As fans cheered during the playoffs, those moments added up in a tangible way—helping fund equipment, camps and experiences that keep military kids in the game.

With 250 total goals scored during the first round of the playoffs, Navy Federal upped its donation, totaling $50,000 to support the UHL’s programs.

“UHL has made an extraordinary difference for military families and their children nationwide, giving them the chance to participate in the sports they’re passionate about—especially hockey,” said Joe Bock, vice president of brand strategy at Navy Federal. “We’re honored to recognize their remarkable dedication.”

More than a game

For military families, sports can offer something steady. A team becomes a community. A rink becomes a familiar place. And, a simple game becomes a source of confidence and connection.