Islanders and Easterseals Host Session for Military Members

The New York Islanders teamed up with the Easterseals to host a Try Hockey for Free session on Sunday afternoon, where veterans and active service members had a chance to play a little puck.

Over a dozen veterans and active service members laced up their skates for the first time and hit the ice with members of the Long Island Warriors at Northwell Health Ice Center. The Warriors are a non-profit, volunteer driven program that ice a hockey team of military veterans and active-duty military on Long Island, creating a community for service men and women.

The Islanders provided the sticks and skates, along with professional expertise, as former Isles defenseman Dennis Seidenberg helped coaches teach skating and balancing techniques on the ice. After he finished his career with the Islanders after the 2017-18 season, he chose to stay on Long Island in retirement and enjoys giving back where he can.

"The Islanders have a good thing going with helping the community," Seidenberg said. "These veterans do so much for our country. It's fulfilling to me to come out and help them learn to skate, watching them enjoy themselves for a couple hours today."

The passion for the game and for skating all starts with hitting the ice for the first time. The Warriors encourage newcomers and welcome them with open arms.

"A couple of guys on the team never played before," said LI Warriors CEO Jeremy Feldman. "But they went out, took lessons and now they're skating and scoring. It's amazing to see how much joy that brings to them."

"They grow so quickly," said Thomas Donaldson, President of the Warriors. "Everyone here is willing to help out. We have people here who coach professional skating that'll come down, so they get professional instruction."

Through the generosity of the Easterseals and the Islanders, participants skated together and formed new friendships on the ice.

"From our work with children with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities to our work with adults who are experiencing challenges building sustainable futures, we meet individuals where they are and help them achieve the power of all that is possible in their lives," said Mary Moran, Executive Director of Easterseals New York. "We applaud the New York Islanders for championing the power of inclusion through their activities like Try Hockey for Free, and we appreciate the Islanders' support of our programs through awareness-building and fundraising throughout the 2022-23 season."

New members of the Warriors feel a sense of having a fresh start when they jump right into the organization.

"Hockey has opened a lot of doors for me," said Scott Lloyd, a new member of the Warriors. "I'm so happy I got involved. A day like today is great, it's going to open doors for people. Even if there's just one person today who picks it up and sticks with it, then it's a win."

Lloyd served in the Army as a Military Police Officer in the 1990s and and became an NYPD detective upon returning home, until his retirement. He joined the team just earlier in the week and pointed out how natural it was to assimilate.

"I started last Friday," Lloyd said. "Three days in, I'm volunteering today and have my son with me. It's a new environment, but it's an old feel."

A common background of military is strong enough to form a special connection among the group.

"It's a special bond," Feldman said. "Not a lot of outside people know what happens when you serve. It's that camaraderie, that brotherhood and sisterhood, when you come in here and you make instant friends."

Returning from any type of service can be a challenge, especially navigating normal life again after suffering the effects of experiencing war first-hand. The Warriors aim to provide an outlet for veterans to bond through a healthy activity.

"I had a very hard transition," Donaldson said. "You develop bonds with people [in service] and share a certain way of life, then you leave that environment and all those friends. When you come back home you have to find your own way."

Many veterans have found their way with the Warriors. Since its inception in 2020, the program has grown to over 100 members, becoming more established on Long Island.

"Our activities are constantly growing," Donaldson said of the Warriors program. "We're giving back to the community more. The community has taken care of us. Everyone really appreciates what the Islanders do for us, especially with all the support."