Healing Through Hockey
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about playing with the Pittsburgh Warriors Disabled Veterans Hockey program. Don't see your question? Reach out below and a real person will get back to you.
Who can play with the Pittsburgh Warriors?
The Warriors are a hockey team for disabled veterans, and that includes Guard and Reserve veterans. Veterans without a VA disability rating are welcome to play in our club games. Tell us a little about your service when you apply and Hockey Ops will take it from there.
Do I need a VA disability rating?
Not for our club games. A VA disability rating of 10% or higher is required only for the USA Hockey Classic, Championship and Hendy tournaments. VA proof is optional on the application, but we can only place players on a tournament roster once we have it. When you apply, tell us your rating status so we know which events fit you.
Do I have to be a good skater, or have played before?
No. All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced players, and you don't need any hockey experience. The application asks you to rate your own ability honestly so our teams can be balanced, and every player gets equal ice time regardless of ability.
What does it cost to play?
There are no team dues, and ice time is free for players. The one cost on your side is your own yearly USA Hockey registration.
What gear do I need? What if I don't own any?
You don't need to arrive with equipment. The club offers gear support, so tell us what you need before your first skate and we will help you get set up. There is a checkbox on the application to let us know you need help with gear.
Where and when do you play?
The Disabled Veterans Hockey League plays at RMU Island Sports Center. Practices, scrimmages and games are on the club schedule, and the day and rink can change from week to week, so the schedule is the place to check. The Warriors app also shows every practice and game with one-tap RSVP.
How do I join or apply?
Start on the join page and choose Apply as Player. Tell us a little about you and Hockey Ops will review your request and get back to you. Then you sign in, finish your Player HQ checklist, and get placed on a team. Plan to have your USA Hockey number handy, and we may ask for a DD-214 or other proof of service.
What is the DVHL?
The Disabled Veterans Hockey League is the Warriors' internal recreational league for veterans with service-connected disabilities, built around the motto Healing Through Hockey. Teams are balanced through a draft, play stays safe and sportsmanlike with no checking, and the season ends with one team lifting the Defenders Cup.
Can family, friends or other supporters get involved?
Yes. You can join as a supporter, which is built for family, friends and donors who want to stay connected to the mission. The club also lists volunteer opportunities and family and social events among what it offers.
How can I donate?
Our donate page has the current ways to give and shows how gifts help cover ice time, equipment, travel and the year-round team experience. Every gift supports disabled veterans staying connected through hockey.
Are the Pittsburgh Warriors a charity?
Yes. The Pittsburgh Warriors are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting disabled U.S. military veterans, and the club is 100% volunteer-led. Our donate page describes gifts as tax-deductible, and our EIN is 83-1946643.
What is the Warriors app and how do I get it?
Warriors HQ is our mobile app for RSVPs, team chat, the member directory and GPS event check-in. You can get it from the App Store or Google Play. Sign in with the same email address you use on the website so your account and player profile carry over.
Who do I contact with questions?
For questions about the program, email our president, Dave Jackel, at president@pghwarriorhockey.org. If you have trouble with your account or signing in, email support@pghwarriorhockey.org or ops@pghwarriorhockey.org. You can also use the help center.