Veterans Cup Hockey Tournament: Complete Guide
The Veterans Cup is a name shared by multiple ice hockey tournaments in the U.S. and Canada, including the Elite Amateur Sports Veterans Cup in Michigan, the Traverse City Veterans Cup in Michigan, and the Armed Services Hockey Tournament in Las Vegas and Jacksonville. Each honors veterans and military service through competitive hockey.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Event | Elite Amateur Sports Veterans Cup (Fraser, MI) |
| Other Events | Traverse City Veterans Cup (MI); Armed Services Hockey Tournament (Las Vegas/Jacksonville); USA Hockey Warrior Classic (NY) |
| Eligibility | Varies by tournament; youth, high school, college, adult, and disabled veteran divisions |
| Registration | Team-based; $1,100–$1,899 per team for youth tournaments |
| 2026 Dates | Sept. 18–20 (Fraser, MI); Nov. 6–8 (Pittsburgh); Nov. 6–8 (Great Lakes) |
| Official Agency | Elite Amateur Sports; USA Hockey; Armed Services Hockey Association |
| Required Documents | USA Hockey registration; DD-214 or VA rating for veteran divisions |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is the Veterans Cup Hockey Tournament?
The “Veterans Cup” refers to several different ice hockey tournaments across North America that share a common mission: honoring veterans and military service through the sport of hockey. There is no single national “Veterans Cup” — instead, multiple organizations use the name for their own events.
The Main Veterans Cup Tournaments
| Tournament | Location | Type | 2026 Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Amateur Sports Veterans Cup | Fraser, MI | Youth (14U–18U) | Sept. 18–20 |
| Traverse City Veterans Cup | Traverse City, MI | High School | January 17 |
| Armed Services Hockey Tournament | Las Vegas & Jacksonville | Adult Military/Veteran | May (Jacksonville); November (Las Vegas) |
| USA Hockey Warrior Classic | Utica, NY | Disabled Veterans | Sept. 24–27 |
| Great Lakes Veterans Cup | Various, MI | Youth | Nov. 6–8 |
| Pittsburgh Veterans Cup | Pittsburgh, PA | Youth | Nov. 6–8 |
| College Hockey South Veterans Cup | Southeastern U.S. | College Club | November |
| Veterans Memorial Cup | Stonewall, MB, Canada | U13 | Jan. 30–Feb. 1 |
Each tournament has its own eligibility rules, registration process, and fee structure. This guide covers the major events and how veterans can get involved.
Elite Amateur Sports Veterans Cup (Fraser, Michigan)
The Elite Amateur Sports Veterans Cup is a premier youth ice hockey tournament held annually in Fraser, Michigan. It was established in 2014 and guarantees five games per team.
2026 Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 18–20, 2026 |
| Location | Crystal Fieldhouse, 34400 Utica Rd, Fraser, MI 48026 |
| Format | 5×5 |
| Divisions | Youth 14U A, 14U AA, 16U A, 18U AA; High School/JV/Prep |
| Team Type | USA teams only; US and Canadian/foreign teams allowed |
| Entry Fee | $1,899 per team (minimum 5 games) |
| Registration | EliteAmSports.com |
How to Register
Visit the tournament website at EliteAmSports.com
Select the Veterans Cup 2026 registration link
Choose your age division and classification
Pay the entry fee ($1,899 per team)
Submit your roster through the tournament platform
Why It Matters for Veterans
The Veterans Cup name serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by U.S. service members. While the tournament itself is for youth players, it carries the Veterans Cup designation to honor military service and educate young athletes about veterans’ contributions.
Traverse City Veterans Cup (Traverse City, Michigan)
The Traverse City Veterans Cup is an annual high school hockey game between Traverse City Central and the Bay Area Reps that honors veterans and raises money for Mid-Michigan Honor Flight.
2026 Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | January 17, 2026 (12th annual) |
| Location | Centre Ice Arena, Traverse City, MI |
| Teams | Traverse City Central Trojans vs. TC Bay Reps |
| Format | Single game |
| Charity | Mid-Michigan Honor Flight |
What Happens at the Event
Pregame ceremony: An Honor Guard from VFW Post 2780 marches onto the ice for the National Anthem
Jersey presentation: Players wear jerseys for a veteran and present them during a ceremony
Flag lap: 43 hockey players carry American flags and skate a lap around the ice between the second and third periods
Fundraising: The 2024 event raised over $24,000 for Mid-Michigan Honor Flight
Attendance: The 2024 game drew 800-plus people
How to Support
Tickets are available at the door. All proceeds from the event support Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, which takes veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials.
Why It Matters
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThis event demonstrates how local hockey communities can honor veterans while raising funds for veteran-serving organizations. It is a model for how sports can serve a higher purpose.
Armed Services Hockey Tournament (Las Vegas & Jacksonville)
The Armed Services Hockey Tournament is the largest military and veteran hockey event in the United States. It began in 2003 with just six teams and now hosts more than 70 teams.
Tournament History and Mission
The Armed Services Hockey Association (ASHA) was founded in 2002 by Lieutenant Commander (Ret.) Marty Mueller, U.S. Coast Guard, and MSgt (Ret.) Russ Hanson. The first tournament was held in July 2003 at Santa Fe Station in Las Vegas with ten teams from the Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard.
The original mission was to give deploying service members a weekend away from the stress of their jobs — a morale booster and an outlet for those struggling with the invisible wounds of service.
2026 Tournament Dates and Locations
| Tournament | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Day Tournament | May 22–24, 2026 | Jacksonville, FL |
| Veterans Day Tournament | November 12–15, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV |
Las Vegas Tournament Venues
America First Center, Henderson, NV
Hylo Park, Las Vegas, NV
City National Arena, Summerlin, NV (practice facility of the Vegas Golden Knights)
Eligibility Requirements
Players participating in ASHA events must be:
Eighteen (18) years of age or older
Seventeen (17) years old if on active military orders
Veterans or members of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard)
Former members must have been discharged under honorable or general conditions
Who Qualifies for Warrior Hockey
USA Hockey’s Warrior Hockey discipline — for disabled veterans — requires one of the following:
Purple Heart
VA rating of 10% or greater
Medically discharged from active, reserves, or National Guard
Veterans with disabilities resulting from disease or injury incurred during service
Post-service disabilities related or secondary to in-service disabilities
Any veteran with a disability that meets discharge eligibility
How to Register
Visit ArmedServicesHockey.org
Review the tournament schedule and venue information
Contact the tournament director for team registration
Ensure all players meet age and eligibility requirements
Submit roster through the ASHA platform
Why It Matters
The ASHA tournament has become a lifeline for many veterans. Retired Master Sgt. Mike Shane, ASHA President, has received quiet phone calls from team captains over the years. “Because of the tournament, he now has a purpose,” one captain told him about a player who had been battling mental health difficulties. Shane’s response: “When you hear that us just getting together to play hockey is saving a life… this is no longer an option. This is giving people a purpose.”
What Veterans Should Do Next
If you are a veteran or active-duty service member interested in playing hockey, contact the Armed Services Hockey Association at ArmedServicesHockey.org. The organization provides a community that understands military service and offers a place to reconnect after deployments or transitions.
USA Hockey Warrior Classic and National Championships
USA Hockey’s Warrior Hockey discipline is dedicated to injured and disabled U.S. military veterans who play ice hockey. The program includes the Warrior Classic and the Warrior National Championships.
2026 Warrior Classic
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 24–27, 2026 |
| Location | Utica University Nexus Center, Utica, NY |
| Format | Tournament for disabled veteran teams |
| Eligibility | Warrior Hockey eligibility requirements |
2026 Warrior National Championships
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | April 23–26, 2026 |
| Location | Children’s Health StarCenter, Farmers Branch and McKinney, TX |
| Tiers | Elite, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, Tier 5, Tier 6A, Tier 6B |
| Champions | Lone Star Warriors (Elite), Minnesota Warrior St. Cloud (Tier 2), Michigan Warriors (Tier 3), Dallas Stars Warriors (Tier 4), New Jersey Warriors (Tier 5), Tulsa Warriors (Tier 6A) |
Warrior Hockey Eligibility
To be eligible for USA Hockey Warrior Hockey, you must be or have been a veteran or member of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard). Former members must have been discharged under honorable or general conditions.
You must also meet one of the following criteria:
Purple Heart
VA rating of 10% or greater
Medically discharged from active, reserves, or National Guard
Disabilities resulting from disease or injury incurred during service
Post-service disabilities related or secondary to in-service disabilities
Any disability that meets discharge eligibility
How to Get Involved
Visit USAHockey.com and search for “Warrior Hockey”
Review the eligibility requirements and submit documentation
Join a local Warrior Hockey team or start one in your area
Register for the Warrior Classic or National Championships through USA Hockey
Why It Matters
Warrior Hockey provides disabled veterans with a competitive outlet and a community of peers who understand military service and disability. The program emphasizes player safety, professionalism, and enjoyment.
College Hockey South Veterans Cup
The College Hockey South Veterans Cup is a collegiate club hockey tournament that honors veterans and military service. It is part of College Hockey South (CHS), a non-varsity ice hockey conference in the Southern United States.
2025 Champion
MTSU club hockey captured the College Hockey South Veterans Cup for the first time in program history in November 2025, defeating Kennesaw State University 13-1 in the championship game.
2026 Season
The 2026 CHS Playoffs run February 26 through March 1 at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs, Florida. A total of 29 teams compete across 35 games in four days — the largest postseason event in conference history.
How to Get Involved
College students interested in playing club hockey should contact their university’s club hockey program or visit CollegeHockeySouth.com for conference information.
Veterans Memorial Cup (Stonewall, Manitoba, Canada)
The Veterans Memorial Cup is one of Manitoba’s longest-running U13 hockey tournaments, held annually in Stonewall, Manitoba. The 43rd edition drew 18 teams competing across three divisions.
2026 Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 30 – February 1, 2026 |
| Location | Veterans Memorial Sports Complex, Stonewall, MB |
| Age Group | U13 |
| Teams | 18 teams across three divisions |
| Entry Fee | $1,100 per team |
Opening Ceremonies
The Stonewall Legion Branch No. 52 participates in the opening ceremonies each year, honoring veterans and military service.
Why It Matters
This Canadian tournament demonstrates that honoring veterans through hockey is not limited to the United States. The Veterans Memorial Cup name ensures that young players learn about the sacrifices made by those who served.
Pittsburgh Veterans Cup and Great Lakes Veterans Cup
Pittsburgh Veterans Cup
The Pittsburgh Veterans Cup is a youth hockey tournament held annually in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The 2026 event is scheduled for November 6–8 at Ice Castle Arena and other Pittsburgh-area rinks.
2025 Champions: Tecumseh Eagles U15 A went 4-0 to win the championship.
Great Lakes Veterans Cup
The Great Lakes Veterans Cup is a youth hockey tournament scheduled for November 6–8, 2026, in Michigan. It is organized by MYHockey Tournaments.
Coastal Virginia Veterans Cup
The Coastal Virginia Veterans Cup is scheduled for November 6–8, 2026, in Virginia, with two venues mapped for the event.
Eligibility and How to Participate
For Youth Tournaments (Elite Amateur Sports, Pittsburgh, Great Lakes)
Teams must register through the tournament website
USA Hockey registration is required for all players
Age divisions range from 10U to 18U
Entry fees range from $1,100 to $1,899 per team
For High School Tournaments (Traverse City)
Teams are high school varsity programs
The event is a single game between Traverse City Central and Bay Area Reps
No registration required; tickets available at the door
For Military and Veteran Tournaments (ASHA, Warrior Hockey)
Players must be 18 or older (17 with active military orders)
Veterans must have been discharged under honorable or general conditions
Warrior Hockey requires Purple Heart, VA rating of 10%+, or medical discharge
Teams register through ArmedServicesHockey.org or USAHockey.com
For College Tournaments (College Hockey South)
Players must be enrolled college students
Teams are part of the College Hockey South conference
Contact your university’s club hockey program for information
Benefits for Veterans: VA Resources
While the Veterans Cup tournaments are athletic events, veterans who participate or attend may also be eligible for VA benefits and resources.
VA Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free payment for veterans whose military service caused or worsened a physical or mental health condition.
How to Apply:
Gather service treatment records, personnel records, and private medical records
Obtain a current diagnosis and nexus letter from a qualified provider
Complete VA Form 21-526EZ
Submit online at VA.gov, by mail, or through an accredited VSO
VA Health Care Enrollment
Veterans who served in active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care.
How to Apply:
Apply online at VA.gov/health-care/apply
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ
Call 1-877-222-8387 for assistance
Veterans Crisis Line
If you or a veteran you know is in crisis: Dial 988, Press 1. This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7 to all veterans regardless of discharge status or VA enrollment.
Adaptive Sports Programs
VA supports adaptive sports programs for veterans with disabilities, including sled hockey and Warrior Hockey. Contact your local VA medical center for information on adaptive sports opportunities in your area.
Comparison Table: Veterans Cup Tournaments
| Tournament | Location | Type | 2026 Dates | Entry Fee | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Amateur Sports Veterans Cup | Fraser, MI | Youth | Sept. 18–20 | $1,899/team | Youth 14U–18U |
| Traverse City Veterans Cup | Traverse City, MI | High School | Jan. 17 | Free (tickets at door) | High school teams |
| Armed Services Hockey Tournament | Las Vegas & Jacksonville | Adult Military/Veteran | May & November | Varies | Veterans, active duty, 18+ |
| USA Hockey Warrior Classic | Utica, NY | Disabled Veterans | Sept. 24–27 | Varies | VA rating 10%+ or Purple Heart |
| Great Lakes Veterans Cup | Michigan | Youth | Nov. 6–8 | Varies | Youth 10U–18U |
| Pittsburgh Veterans Cup | Pittsburgh, PA | Youth | Nov. 6–8 | Varies | Youth 10U–18U |
| College Hockey South Veterans Cup | Southeastern U.S. | College Club | November | Varies | College students |
| Veterans Memorial Cup | Stonewall, MB | U13 | Jan. 30–Feb. 1 | $1,100/team | U13 players |
Common Questions
1. What is the Veterans Cup hockey tournament?
The Veterans Cup is a name used by multiple ice hockey tournaments in the U.S. and Canada. The most prominent is the Elite Amateur Sports Veterans Cup in Fraser, Michigan, a youth tournament established in 2014. Other events include the Traverse City Veterans Cup, the Armed Services Hockey Tournament, and the USA Hockey Warrior Classic.
2. Where is the Veterans Cup held?
The Veterans Cup is held in multiple locations. The Elite Amateur Sports Veterans Cup is at Crystal Fieldhouse in Fraser, MI. The Traverse City Veterans Cup is at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City, MI. The Armed Services Hockey Tournament is held in Las Vegas, NV, and Jacksonville, FL.
3. When is the 2026 Veterans Cup?
The Elite Amateur Sports Veterans Cup is September 18–20, 2026. The Traverse City Veterans Cup is January 17, 2026. The Armed Services Hockey Tournament Memorial Day event is May 22–24 in Jacksonville, and the Veterans Day event is November 12–15 in Las Vegas.
4. How much does it cost to enter the Veterans Cup?
Entry fees vary by tournament. The Elite Amateur Sports Veterans Cup costs $1,899 per team. The Veterans Memorial Cup in Stonewall costs $1,100 per team. The Pittsburgh Veterans Cup and Great Lakes Veterans Cup fees vary.
5. Who is eligible to play in the Veterans Cup?
Eligibility depends on the tournament. Youth tournaments are for players ages 10U–18U. The Traverse City Veterans Cup is for high school teams. The Armed Services Hockey Tournament is for veterans and active-duty service members 18 and older. USA Hockey Warrior Hockey requires a VA rating of 10% or greater, Purple Heart, or medical discharge.
6. Is the Veterans Cup free to attend?
The Traverse City Veterans Cup is a ticketed event with proceeds benefiting Mid-Michigan Honor Flight. Youth tournaments typically charge admission or have free entry depending on the venue. Check the specific tournament website for details.
7. Can disabled veterans play in the Veterans Cup?
Yes. USA Hockey’s Warrior Hockey discipline is specifically for disabled veterans. The 2026 Warrior Classic is September 24–27 in Utica, NY. Eligibility requires a Purple Heart, VA rating of 10% or greater, or medical discharge.
8. What is the Armed Services Hockey Tournament?
The Armed Services Hockey Tournament is the largest military and veteran hockey event in the U.S. It began in 2003 with six teams and now hosts more than 70 teams. It is held over Memorial Day weekend (Jacksonville) and Veterans Day weekend (Las Vegas).
9. How do I register a team for the Veterans Cup?
For youth tournaments, visit the tournament website (EliteAmSports.com, MYHockeyTournaments.com, etc.) and complete the registration form. For the Armed Services Hockey Tournament, visit ArmedServicesHockey.org. For Warrior Hockey, visit USAHockey.com.
10. What veterans benefits are related to hockey?
Veterans who participate in hockey may be eligible for VA disability compensation, VA health care, and adaptive sports programs. The Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) is available 24/7 to all veterans. Contact your local VA medical center for adaptive sports opportunities.
Key Takeaways
The “Veterans Cup” refers to multiple ice hockey tournaments in the U.S. and Canada, each honoring veterans and military service.
The Elite Amateur Sports Veterans Cup is September 18–20, 2026, in Fraser, MI, with a $1,899 per team entry fee.
The Traverse City Veterans Cup is January 17, 2026, and raised over $24,000 for Mid-Michigan Honor Flight in 2024.
The Armed Services Hockey Tournament hosts 70+ teams in Las Vegas and Jacksonville over Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends.
USA Hockey Warrior Hockey is for disabled veterans with a VA rating of 10% or greater, Purple Heart, or medical discharge.
The 2026 USA Hockey Warrior National Championships are April 23–26 in McKinney and Farmers Branch, Texas.
Eligibility varies by tournament; youth events are for ages 10U–18U, military events for ages 18+.
Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) is available 24/7 to all veterans regardless of discharge status.
VA disability compensation and health care are available to eligible veterans; apply at VA.gov.
Adaptive sports programs at VA medical centers provide opportunities for disabled veterans to participate in hockey.
Official Resources
Armed Services Hockey Association: ArmedServicesHockey.org
USA Hockey Warrior Hockey: USAHockey.com
Elite Amateur Sports: EliteAmSports.com
VA Disability Compensation: VA.gov/disability
Veterans Crisis Line: VeteransCrisisLine.net (Dial 988, Press 1)
VA Adaptive Sports: VA.gov/adaptive-sports
USA.gov Veterans Benefits: USA.gov/veterans-benefits
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