Hockey, heroes and heart at Blattner’s Warrior Showcase 2026

Written by Blattner Company | March 03, 2026

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.