Ducks Alumni To Participate In Nicholas Spehar Memorial Game At San Diego Ice Arena
Aug 8, 2024The Anaheim Ducks announced today that alumni Kevin Bieksa, Ryan Miller, Vitaly Vishnevski and Terry Yake along with other former NHL players will participate in the 2024 Warrior For Life Fund (WFLF) Face-Off For Heroes Nicholas Spehar Memorial Game this Saturday, Aug. 10 from 4:30- 6:30 p.m. at San Diego Ice Arena.
This special game will feature a team of NHL alumni facing off against members of the Naval Special Warfare community to honor the life and service of Second-Class Petty Officer (SEAL) Nicholas Spehar, who was killed in action on August 6, 2011, in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. This event is co-sponsored by the NHL and Operation Hat Trick. All proceeds raised will benefit the Warrior For Life Fund.
The NHL alumni team will feature NHL Hall of Famer Joe Mullen, Stanley Cup Champion Ken Linseman in addition to former Ducks players Kevin Bieksa, Ryan Miller, Vitaly Vishnevski and Terry Yake. This game is part of the WFLF ongoing mission to support active duty, 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.
The WFLF works with several organizations to provide support for active duty, retired veterans and their families through the sport of hockey. WFLF has hosted memorial hockey games on the East Coast for over ten years, with events in Virginia Beach, Boston, and Washington, DC. These events have included over 540 participants, such as Gold Star families, veterans, active-duty personnel, and NHL Alumni. The Nicholas Spehar Memorial Game marks the second annual Face Off For Heroes event on the West Coast.
The Warrior For Life Fund Face-Off For Heroes Nicholas Spehar Memorial Game will take place this Saturday, Aug. 10 from 4:30- 6:30 p.m. at San Diego Ice Arena (11048 Ice Skate Place, San Diego, CA 92126).
For media interested in attending the game, please contact Sammy Glantz (Ducks) sglantz@anaheimducks.com and Jayme Pastoric (WFLF) jayme@warriorforlifefund.org.
To donate and learn more about the Warrior For Life Fund, please visit WarriorForLifeFund.org.
About the Warrior For Life Fund
The Warrior For Life Fund supports active duty, veterans, and their families through sports and community engagement. The mission is to help individuals navigate the unique challenges of combat deployments and post-service life by providing opportunities for fellowship, fitness, and mental health improvement. The Warrior For Life Fund has hosted memorial hockey games on the East Coast for over ten years, with events in Virginia Beach, Boston, and Washington, DC. These events have brought together over 540 participants, including Gold Star families, veterans, active-duty personnel, and NHL Alumni. The fund’s mission is to support the well-being and development of its community members through sports and community engagement.
About Nicholas Patrick Spehar
Special Operator Second Class (SEAL) Nicholas Patrick Spehar, born on October 19, 1986, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, grew up in Chisago City. He joined the Navy in March 2007, completing Navy Boot Camp, BUD/S Training, and SEAL Qualification Training Class 267. Upon joining SEAL Team FIVE, Nicholas deployed to the Philippines and Yemen to support Operation Enduring Freedom. He earned the Honor Man title in both Naval Special Warfare Lead Breacher and Sniper School. Volunteering for deployment to Afghanistan, he was tragically killed in action on August 6, 2011, in Wardak Province. Nicholas was a dedicated and exceptional Navy SEAL known for his leadership, tireless work ethic, and integrity. He received the Army Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Deeply devoted to his family and faith, Nicholas is survived by his parents, Patrick and Annette; his sister, Marie (Anthony) Mielke; and his brothers, Luke and Jacob, and sister Lisa.