CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Charleston resident Larry Wood was selected as one of four finalists for the 2025 NHL Stick Tap for ServiceTM program, presented by the Navy Federal Credit Union. He was among 2,000 nominees.
Wood is a captain and coach for the Charleston Warriors Sled Hockey team. It’s an adaptive hockey team for veterans and people with disabilities. Wood says for veterans like himself, it’s more than just a game.
“Recreational therapy helps with our mental health,” Wood said. “Everybody has a different story and different situation that happened. Just coming back and being around other veterans because finding a sense of purpose and the comradery again like we had when we served, because its hard to find.”
Wood is a Navy and Air Force veteran. The NHL Stick Tap for Service program recognizes members of the military community who have made outstanding contributions to their community through a variety of service initiatives. As a second runner up finalist, Larry received a $5,000 donation for the Charleston Warriors Sled Hockey team.
In a release from the program it said Wood was chosen because of his dedication to fostering a welcoming space where veterans and community members thrive through adaptive hockey. It added that Wood volunteers over 500 hours a year as a player, coach, captain and grant writer—helping to double the program’s participation and secure critical resources.
He says donations help run the league so that they can provide equipment for players as well as help with travel costs.
“It’s expensive,” Wood said. “If we can get all that for them, then they can focus on the recreational therapy and the team and playing instead of worrying about ‘I need a helmet, gloves, and an expensive sled.”
Wood says an average sled can cost around $1,000.
The Charleston Warriors have about 15 team members right now, consisting of both men and women. They play in the South East Sled Hockey League (SESHL). They travel across the country to play other teams. Last year, the Charleston Warriors won their regional.
The Warriors are currently the only sled hockey team in South Carolina. Wood has goals of expanding to other cities in the state one day. He says he would also like to eventually have two teams – a beginner level and a more experienced team. He says the league is all adults right now, but he wants to have enough equipment to offer kids the opportunity to try sled hockey as well.
If you are interested in getting involved in playing or donating to help grow the adaptive hockey league, Wood says to check out their website here.
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