COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Police officers, firefighters and military veterans traded uniforms for hockey jerseys as the Brave Warriors faced off against the Colorado Warriors in a charity showdown focused on camaraderie and mental health.
The Brave Warriors, made up of local first responders, took home the win. But players on both sides said the outcome was secondary to the mission behind the event.
The Brave Warriors Hockey Foundation supports first responders, veterans and active duty military members through hockey, creating connection and purpose on and off the ice. The Colorado Warriors is a disabled veteran ice hockey organization aimed at helping former service members transition to civilian life while prioritizing mental health.
CJ Truelson, a former aviation warfare operator and member of the Colorado Warriors, said the rivalry is rooted in shared experience.
“They come from the same environment we do as military members. So they suffer from trauma and PTSD like us. That’s why having a great charity game with both of us coming together, it’s great for both sides,” Truelson said.
Players described the game as competitive but meaningful, with both teams understanding the pressures that come with serving the community and the country.
For Truelson, hockey has become deeply personal.
“They picked me up at a time when I was at my deepest, darkest time, and being able to be here, on that ice, and forget about everything and enjoy myself and then have my brotherhood with these guys, it means everything,” he said.
Mitchell Mueller with the Colorado Springs Police Department, who plays for the Brave Warriors, said the foundation has provided an outlet outside of work.
“It is therapy. I did it for 16 years. Now that I’m a cop, still being able to do it and having a good time, it means a lot,” Mueller said.
Organizers say the event is also about bringing the community closer to the men and women who serve them, giving families a chance to meet players, explore police and military vehicles, and support a cause centered on mental wellness.
While the Brave Warriors celebrated this year’s victory, both teams say they plan to continue the rivalry in the future, using the game as a way to strengthen bonds that extend far beyond the rink.
If you would like to donate or learn more about the Brave Warriors Hockey Foundation or the Colorado Warriors, you can visit their respective websites for information on upcoming events and ways to contribute.
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