UNITED HEROES LEAGUE, NHLPA ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF ALL-STAR HERO CAMPAIGN
In recognition of their heroic service, Staff Sergeant Michael Spidell, Master Corporal Lucas Mayo, Sergeant First Class Sean Harjala, Chief Petty Officer Roy Jaquez and Erica Brophy, widow of Major James Brophy, were selected as special guests of the NHLPA for the 2020 Honda NHL® All-Star Weekend
TORONTO/HASTINGS, Minn. (Jan. 21, 2020) – The United Heroes League (UHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) have announced the five 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. Staff Sergeant Michael Spidell, Master Corporal Lucas Mayo, Sergeant First Class Sean Harjala, Chief Petty Officer Roy Jazquez and Erica Brophy, widow of Major James Brophy, will each receive a once-in-a-lifetime 2020 Honda NHL® All-Star Weekend experience with a guest.
The five service members, of an estimated 5,000 submissions, were selected for their inspiring dedication and actions by the UHL after the public was asked to nominate their military hero’s service story.
Staff Sergeant Michael Spidell of the United States Army
Staff Sergeant Michael Spidell, originally from St. Louis, Missouri, served three tours over seven years with the United States Army. Staff Sergeant Spidell is now medically retired after his vehicle was hit by an IED. He has received numerous awards for his service. He now resides in Lynden, Washington, and will be attending the weekend’s festivities with his eight-year-old son, Tyler.
Master Corporal Lucas Mayo of the Canadian Forces
Master Corporal Lucas Mayo, originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, has been deployed multiple times as an Infantry Soldier and he is currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. MCpl Mayo has been decorated twice for overseas deployments and now resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba with his spouse, Second Lieutenant Nathalie Mayo, who will be joining him this weekend in St. Louis.
Sergeant First Class Sean Harjala of the United States Army
Sergeant First Class Sean Harjala, originally from Calumet, Michigan, has over 20 years of service with the United States Army and 48 months worth of combat service. Currently serving as a Special Forces soldier, he is the NCOIC of the Special Operations Forces Multi-Purpose Canine program. Sergeant Harjala has been awarded four Bronze Stars and received a Purple Heart after his vehicle was hit by an IED. SFC Harjala will be joined this weekend by his six-year-old daughter, Lily.
Chief Petty Officer Roy Jaquez of the United States Navy
Chief Petty Officer Roy Jaquez, of Frederick, Maryland, medically retired following 14 years of service in the United States Navy. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device after he and his Marines were hit by a SVBIED. He is one of only a few Navy members to receive the Army Soldier’s Medal. Chief Petty Officer Jaquez will be joined this weekend by his five-year-old son, John.
Major James Brophy of the United States Marine Corps
Major James Brophy grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was killed in action in a mid-air collision. Major Brophy was a decorated pilot who was the recipient of the air medal and two strike flight awards. With 13 years of service, he received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. His widow, Erica, and his son Jack will be attending this weekend.
For full details on each of the five service members, click here to read their profiles on NHLPA.com.
The 2020 All-Star Hero campaign
Amid NHLPA Goals & Dreams celebrating its 20th anniversary, the All-Star Hero campaign has returned for a second straight year. Each of the winners, or a family member, and their guest will receive air travel to St. Louis for the chance to meet and interact with players in the NHLPA All-Star Lounge at the 2020 Honda 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 or Instagram for the behind-the-scenes experience of these heroes over the course of the 2020 Honda NHL® All-Star Weekend.
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*updated 10:20 a.m. ET, Jan. 22
