Navy Federal Credit Union and the NHL named United Heroes League (UHL) as the 2026 Stick Tap for Service honoree, tying playoff goals to donations that could deliver up to $50,000 in funding for the military youth sports nonprofit. The United Heroes League NHL sponsorship deal puts UHL in front of 670 million fans annually through NHL’s in-arena attendance and broadcast partners.
Key Takeaways
- Navy Federal will donate $100 per goal scored during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, up to $50,000
- UHL has helped more than 100,000 military families keep or start their kids in sports
- The NHL Stick Tap for Service program is now in its eighth year
- UHL will receive exposure on ESPN’s “The Point,” TNT game broadcasts, and across NHL and Navy Federal social channels
- The NHL reaches more than 670 million fans annually through in-arena attendance and broadcast partners
How the United Heroes League NHL Sponsorship Works
The mechanics are straightforward. Every goal scored during the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs triggers a $100 donation from Navy Federal to UHL. The cap sits at $50,000.
UHL, headquartered in Hastings, Minnesota, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded to support children of military servicemembers. Its programming includes free equipment, skill-development camps, cash grants, and special experiences. The organization has served more than 100,000 military families to date.
Broadcast Reach and Visibility
Beyond the donation, UHL gains national broadcast placement. The nonprofit will be featured on ESPN’s “The Point” and during TNT game broadcasts, plus spotlighted across Navy Federal and NHL social media channels.
The scale of that amplification is considerable. The NHL reports more than 191 million combined social media followers across league, team, and player accounts. Its digital footprint extends to over 100 million fans at NHL.com, which is available in eight languages. Games broadcast in more than 250 countries and territories.
What the Partners Are Saying
Joe Bock, vice president of brand strategy at Navy Federal, framed the selection around impact: “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. We’re honored to recognize their remarkable dedication.”
Evin Dobson, NHL Senior Vice President of Partnership Marketing, highlighted the program’s continuity: “Now in its eighth year, Stick Tap for Service continues to highlight the power of hockey within the military community. We’re proud to stand alongside Navy Federal Credit Union and recognize the important work of United Heroes League, whose commitment to military families has made a lasting impact on communities from coast to coast.”
Shane Hudella, president and founder of UHL, was direct about what the recognition means for programming: “…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.”
Navy Federal is the world’s largest credit union, serving more than 15 million members globally with a workforce exceeding 25,000 and 382 branches.
Source: Lasvegassun
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