First-Time Participants at Warrior Classic Likely to Become Regulars
Hundreds of veterans gather annually to celebrate their passion for the sport at the USA Hockey Long Drink Warrior Classic.
This year, three teams competed in their inaugural Warrior Classic, gaining firsthand experience of what makes the event so special since its debut.
Members of the Boston Warriors, Flower City Warriors, and New England Battalion converged from September 24-27 at the Utica University Nexus Center in New York for the 2026 event. They joined 20 teams and more than 250 players who competed and bonded during the tournament.
Since 2016, disabled U.S. military veterans have skated in the Warrior Classic, sharing a deep bond known only to those who have worn their nation’s uniform.
“Overall, it was a great tournament,” said Jason Callahan of the New England Battalion. “You’re able to see that sense of belonging again. Let’s face it — we’re all veterans. We all had that team spirit and camaraderie when we were in the military.
“Then obviously when you get out, we all go looking for that exact same environment again. Not knowing what we’re walking into was obviously a little apprehensive, but once we’re in there, there’s a welcoming environment.”
The Warrior Classic crowned four champions across four different tiers (3-6). The New England Battalion placed second in Tier 4 with a 3-2 record, losing to the undefeated Pittsburgh Warriors Gold 3-1 in the final.
“I thought we brought a competitive team,” Callahan said. “Obviously, it wasn’t about the winning for us, it was about representing our foundation. That was winning in and of itself.”
Callahan, an Army veteran and co-founder of the Boston Warriors, was impressed with the event.
“Really, everyone we spoke to was high praise on the tournament, each other’s teams, and then helping each other out,” he said. “It wasn’t just one team. It was all of us together.”
Boston Warriors president Justin Frankel noted that the organization started in 2023 and finally played in its first Warrior Classic this year. Frankel added that the journey was worthwhile.
“It kind of took a while to gain traction, get commitment from guys and the travel aspect of things,” said Frankel, an Army veteran. “A lot of guys in our program, we don’t have a lot of funding. So, we kind of pick and choose what we can do and how many guys are available and who can pitch in some for travel costs. Everything kind of aligned for this.”
The Boston Warriors reached the Tier 5 final before losing 7-1 to the Minnesota Warriors North. Boston finished with a 5-2 record.
“All my guys had an absolute blast,” Frankel said. “It really gave us the [opportunity] to [advance] our program and show that we’re around. It was well worth the money and well worth putting everything together to get out there.”
Frankel added that pictures from his team at the Warrior Classic featured lots of smiling faces. And why not? They were among their brothers and sisters.
“We’re talking to those guys [from other teams] after the games, before the other games, wherever around the rink,” Frankel recalled. “Two of my guys actually served with two guys on [other] teams. It’s pretty special when things like that happen.”
The Flower City Warriors were able to send two teams to the Warrior Classic due to the program’s proximity to their home in Rochester, New York.
“Having a tournament in Utica makes it a lot easier for us to travel to because it basically eliminates the travel cost,” said Flower City president Chas Belfield, another Army veteran. “It was really kind of a major get for us to be able to just [say], ‘OK everybody, drive two hours down the road.’”
Flower City finished third in Tier 3 with a 4-2 record, while its Tier 5 team finished 0-5.
“It was certainly an experience,” Belfield said. “I certainly hope we’ll be going to future Classics. We’re certainly trying to ramp up our fundraising efforts so we can do these kinds of things more often.”
All three programs plan to attend the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts, from April 22-25, 2027, for the USA Hockey Warrior Hockey National Championships.
“I want to be at every national and Classic from here on out,” said Frankel. “No matter where it is.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
