Blattner was honored to host the sixth Annual Blattner's Warrior Showcase on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the SCHEELS Athletic Complex in Sartell, Minnesota. It was a night where community, competition and gratitude came together on the ice.
This annual tradition honors U.S. military veterans and raises support for the Minnesota Warriors Hockey Program, which helps wounded, injured or disabled veterans find camaraderie and healing through hockey. This year, our community raised more than $47,000, bringing the lifetime total contributed to more than $243,000.
Supporting the Minnesota Warriors
The Minnesota Warriors Hockey Program turns ice time into connection, competition into confidence and teams into a support system. Funds raised at the Showcase help cover ice time, travel to tournaments and essential program expenses, ensuring veterans continue to experience the therapeutic value and friendship that hockey and teamwork provide.
Rivalry and pride on the ice
This year’s Showcase featured a doubleheader. The first game saw two Minnesota Warriors teams facing off in a spirited, intrasquad matchup. Then Blattner’s hockey team went up against the Minnesota Warriors in a high-energy tilt.
Between games, we paused to recognize the people who make this event possible—fans, sponsors, volunteers and especially veterans and their families.
Honoring service
This year’s honoree for the ceremonial puck drop was Ziyad “Zee” Mashhadani, former liaison officer with Iraq Special Operations assigned to the U.S. Marines and Lead Continuous Improvement Analyst at Blattner. During six years as a liaison officer, he served as a high-risk intelligence scout and advisor during major operations, earning multiple commendations, including the Iraq Commitment Medal and a lifesaving award. He immigrated to the U.S. in 2010, became a citizen in 2014 and now applies the same dedication of safety, honor and integrity to his work at Blattner.
Community Support
We were also proud to welcome back numerous community members for their support, including:
- John deCausmeaker, U.S. Navy submarine veteran and professional national anthem singer,
- Minnesota Special Hockey, providing penalty boxes and clock, and
- Sartell Fire and Police Departments.
Those interested can watch the game replay. To learn more about the Minnesota Warriors organization or donate, please visit www.mnwarriors.com/donate.
Thank you to our sponsors and donors!
Your support fuels this mission and the impact it delivers for veterans.
Marco Technologies Yale Mechanical
RDO Equipment Albany Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram
EVS Engineering McDowall Company
MidCentral Door Performance Film
Sunbelt Rentals W. Gohman Construction
D.J. Bitzan Jewelers DLR Group
Rice Companies Virnig Painting
Zenzen & Ketelsen Consulting LLC Freeport Electric
Bolger Printing Leighton Media
St. Cloud Orthopedics Blue Cord Painting
SCHEELS Stella Seim Sewing & Lyn Toth
StoryBrooke Designs Uncommon Endurance
United Heroes League Scotia Bella Graphic Design
SCHEELS Athletic Complex/Bernick’s Arena
Photos courtesy of Scotia Bella Graphic Design and Blattner.