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Long Island Hockey Events
Long Island Warriors Summer Shootout
The Long Island Warriors Summer Shootout is an annual hockey tournament that brings together military veterans and first responders for a weekend centered on competition, camaraderie, and community. Hosted by the Long Island Warriors, the event has grown significantly over the years, attracting teams from across the country and even internationally. Held at the Northwell Health Ice Center, the tournament features multiple divisions, allowing players of all skill levels to participate.
More than just a series of games, the Summer Shootout serves as a meaningful outlet for veterans and first responders to reconnect with a sense of teamwork and purpose. It also creates an opportunity for the local community to show support, while raising awareness for the challenges faced by those who serve. The event continues to expand each year, driven by strong participation, positive feedback, and the powerful bonds formed both on and off the ice.
Their Goal
The goal of the tournament goes far beyond competition it’s about bringing people together for a meaningful cause. By uniting military members and first responders on the ice, the event creates a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among those who serve our communities every day. Just as important, it gives the local community a chance to show their appreciation by coming out, supporting the teams, and being part of something bigger than the game itself.
Each year, the tournament focuses on giving back by selecting a different organization to support. This not only raises awareness for important causes, but also provides an opportunity to make a real impact through fundraising. With every passing year, the goal is to grow the event, increase community involvement, and raise even more money than before continuing to build a tradition that blends hockey, service, and generosity into one powerful experience.
What keeps them going?
The tournament began in 2021 with a vision from the club’s founder, Robert Schembri, who wanted to create something meaningful for military members and first responders a space where they could come together, compete, and build lasting connections. What started as a small event with just four teams has quickly grown into something much bigger, now reaching 18 teams. While that growth has been incredible, it has also brought challenges, as the tournament has reached its current capacity due to limited ice availability. Still, the interest continues to grow, showing just how impactful the event has become.
One of the most memorable moments came in 2023 when an international team, the Odense Warriors from Denmark, traveled to participate. Their involvement highlighted how far the tournament has come and how its message is resonating beyond the local community. Year after year, teams leave with the same sentiment they had an amazing time and can’t wait to come back. That excitement and positive feedback are what continue to drive the tournament forward.
At its core, the event is about camaraderie. There’s something special about bringing together individuals who share a commitment to serving others, whether that’s on the front lines, in emergency response, or in healthcare. Many of the veterans involved continue to serve their communities in different ways, especially as first responders or healthcare workers. They may not be on the battlefield anymore, but their dedication to helping others remains just as strong. This tournament gives them another way to connect, find purpose, and be recognized.
Looking ahead, the goal is to continue growing not just in size, but in impact. By involving more teams and organizations, the tournament aims to raise even greater awareness for both veterans and first responders, while continuing to build a strong, supportive community around them.
