Each of the winners and their guests received air travel to and accommodations in San Jose, where they met and interacted with many players in the NHLPA All-Star Lounge, as well as attended NHL All-Star Skills and the NHL All-Star Game.

“The support that the players have for the military, the support they have for their country, they have just been absolutely fantastic,” MCpl. Stephen Giza spoke to his weekend experience.

“We’re eating our breakfast and they’re interrupting us to talk to us. Just taking that time to come down and talk with us and give us that opportunity to interact with them, it just really shows you how much they really care for the military and servicemen and women that do what they do.”

The service members were unaware of their nominations until they were notified that they were headed to San Jose, with NHLPA members and UHL player ambassadors Brent Burns, Jake Gardiner, Matt Hendricks, and Vinni Lettieri delivering the news.

“I was told I had to do this conference call with my son. Really didn’t expect to get a call like that to say we were being invited to come out to the All-Star Game… It’s beyond a dream come true. I can’t even, I still can’t describe it,” said Sgt. Michael Brewer.

The experiences of these heroes were tracked through #YourAllStarHero across social media platforms, including @NHLPA on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.