ST. LOUIS — As a longtime hockey fan, veteran Greg Burian didn’t think he would be a hockey player starting in his mid-30s, but thanks to a local hockey group, he has been playing alongside other veterans for the past five years.

St. Louis Blues Warrior Hockey is a nonprofit that provides an opportunity for disabled and injured veterans to play hockey regardless of their skill level.  

The organization fosters camaraderie, emotional healing and physical wellness for those who served in the armed forces.

“It’s given me a sense of purpose being around my brothers and sisters,” said Burian, president of the St. Louis Blues Warrior Hockey.

“The first trip that I went on was a tournament down in Dallas. The team didn’t do too well, but we had a great time just getting to know each other.”

More than 150 players make up six teams, with many on a waiting list to join. To become a member, a veteran must have a VA rating of 10% or a Purple Heart and honorable discharge.

“For each of the players, no matter who you talk to, they have a story. They have lived something that people who haven’t served in the military don’t really understand,” said Steph Hermanson, director of marketing.

“And here, they have a space where (there’s) no judgment. We all understand, especially all being disabled veterans in this group, that everyone is healing.”

Players have said how the program has saved their lives.

“They thought they didn’t have anywhere to be. They didn’t feel like they had a connection to the world once leaving military service,” Hermanson said.

“Those things make you emotional every time you hear them, and that makes what we’re doing so important.

St. Louis Blues Warrior Hockey is under the USA Hockey’s Warrior program and is an affiliate of the St. Louis Blues.

Every year, the organization hosts the Warrior Classic, where teams come from across the country and around the globe to play. The Warriors also take part in two USA Hockey tournaments each spring and fall.

The Warriors also give back to the St. Louis community by playing for charities, volunteering at food banks, toy drives and other outreach events.

Burian joined the Air Force right out of high school in 2002. He served as a flight medic for almost nine years

“(I) got to see the world; got to help many people,” Burian said. “It’s made me who I am today, for better or for worse. And it’s a chapter in my life that I’m proud I did it.”

As president of St. Louis Blues Warrior Hockey, Burian said his goal is to help as many veterans as possible.  

“I’ve always been passionate about helping other veterans,” he said. “I feel like we have a lot of programs out there and a lot of resources, but a lot of veterans don’t know how to tap into them. Being around 150-200 players, everybody has something they can bring to the table.”

If there is not a spot available on a team, qualified veterans can still register to become members and take part in the organization’s volunteer opportunities, according to Burian.

“We have almost 200 veterans in the program, so we’re very fortunate to have a lot of interest in the program, but unfortunately, when you have a lot of interest, we only have so many spots on the team and so much ice time that we can afford,” he said.

St. Louis Blues Warrior Hockey is seeking community support to help fund the 2025 season.

“Unfortunately, hockey is a very expensive sport,” Burian said. “We can always use all the financial help we can get to help as many veterans as we can in the area.”

For more details, visit the St. Louis Blues Warrior Hockey website.