In recognition of their heroic service, Warrant Officer Sean Collins and Master Warrant Officer Donald Evans of the Canadian Armed Forces, and Command Sergeant Major Wade Scott and First Sergeant (Ret.) Michael Taylor of the United States Army were selected as special guests of the NHLPA for the 2024 NHL® All-Star Weekend
TORONTO/HASTINGS, Minn. (Jan. 31, 2024) – The United Heroes League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association have announced the four winners of this year’s All-Star Hero campaign, which recognizes military personnel and their families for their service through the players’ NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund. Warrant Officer Sean Collins and Master Warrant Officer Donald Evans of the Canadian Armed Forces, along with Command Sergeant Major Wade Scott and First Sergeant (Ret.) Michael Taylor of the United States Army will each receive a once-in-a-lifetime 2024 NHL® All-Star Weekend experience with a guest.
The service members were informed on a recent video call with Tom Wilson, NHLPA member and a two-time All-Star forward for the Washington Capitals, “A huge thank you on behalf of the NHLPA for what you guys do. ... It makes us able to do what we love to do every day. It makes me able to go out and play hockey and do the job I love.”
After thousands of submissions from the public, this group was selected by UHL for their inspiring dedication and actions while serving their respective countries’ Armed Forces.
Warrant Officer Sean Collins (Canadian Armed Forces)
Warrant Officer Sean Collins, of Gagetown, New Brunswick, has served 20 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. He began his career in the reserves and later moved on to the Regular Force. Warrant Officer Collins is a serving member of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadian), which is based in Edmonton, Alberta, and has been deployed to Ukraine. He is currently posted through to the Combat Training Centre in Gagetown, after a long stint at armor school. Warrant Officer Collins will be attending this weekend’s events with his daughter, Neveah.
Master Warrant Officer Donald Evans (Canadian Armed Forces)
Master Warrant Officer Donald Evans, of Oromocto, New Brunswick, has served 21 years with the Canadian Armed Forces. He served a combat tour in Afghanistan and has been awarded multiple Combat Training Center (CTC) Commendations. A proud father of three children – Matthew, Lauren and Ryan – and husband to Lori, he and his entire family are avid hockey fans. Ryan plays competitive U13 hockey, while Matt enjoys playing in a neurodiverse ice hockey program and Special Olympics floor hockey. Master Warrant Officer Evans will be joined in Toronto by his son, Ryan.
Command Sergeant Major Wade Scott (United States Army)
Command Sergeant Major Wade Scott, of California, has served 22 years in the United States Army. He has served many years in Iraq and Afghanistan, in addition to other operations and training responsibilities. Command Sergeant Major Scott has received the Bronze Star Medal (two), Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three), and Army Commendation Medal (eight, and one with C device) as well as the Combat Action Badge. Command Sergeant Major Scott will be bringing his son, Liam, to the events in Toronto this weekend.
First Sergeant (Ret.) Michael Taylor (United States Army)
First Sergeant (Ret.) Michael Taylor, of Assonet, Massachusetts, served 21 years in the United States Army, with 20 years on active duty and multiple deployments. After starting as a Field Artillery Radar Operator, he later served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. Included in his awards are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (four), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (two) and the Navy and the Marine Corps Achievement Medal. While he was selected last year in the All-Star Hero campaign, he was unable to attend due to illness. First Sergeant Taylor will be joined this year in Toronto by his son, Chase.
The 2024 All-Star Hero campaign
With NHLPA Goals & Dreams now in its 24th season, the All-Star Hero campaign has returned for a fourth year. Each of the winners and their guest will receive air travel to Toronto for the chance to meet and interact with players in the NHLPA All-Star Lounge at the 2024 NHL® All-Star Weekend. Tickets to NHL All-Star Skills and the NHL All-Star Game will also be provided, along with hotel accommodations, ground transportation and other prizing.
Track #YourAllStarHero on social media and follow @NHLPA on Twitter and Instagram for the behind-the-scenes experience of these heroes over the course of the 2024 NHL® All-Star Weekend.
