OPERATION BLACK FOREST: LZH TAKES ON GERMANY

September 25–27, 2026 | Füssen, Germany

TWO TEAMS. FOUR NATIONS. ONE MISSION.

Level Zero Heroes Hockey (LZH) returned to Europe for another unforgettable international tournament, bringing together 22 players representing the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Netherlands.

For three days in Füssen, Germany, two LZH teams competed against international competition in a 17-team tournament, united by something far greater than hockey: raising awareness and funds for our beloved SameYou Foundation, supporting survivors recovering from brain injury.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

LZH teams delivered impressive performances throughout the tournament, battling their way to top five finishes.

LZH TEAM 1

• Overall Record: 3–2–2
• Final Standing: 4th Place

LZH TEAM 2

• Overall Record: 4–3
• Final Standing: 5th Place

17 Teams | 2 LZH Teams | 22 Players | 4 Nations

With both teams finishing among the tournament's top five, LZH demonstrated what can happen when players from different backgrounds and countries come together under one banner.

TOURNAMENT MVP HONORS

Congratulations to our two tournament MVPs:

Brenden Smith — LZH Team 1

Xavier Noel — LZH Team 2

Both players demonstrated outstanding effort, determination, and leadership throughout the tournament, representing everything our program stands for.

$2,025 RAISED FOR SAMEYOU

While the competition on the ice was memorable, our greatest victory happened off it.

Our original fundraising goal for Germany was $1,000. Thanks to the generosity of our players, families, friends, sponsors and supporters, we more than doubled that goal.

Total Raised: $2,025

202% of Our Original Fundraising Goal!

Every dollar raised through this campaign went directly toward supporting SameYou and its mission to help brain injury survivors rebuild their lives.

For LZH, the scoreboard tells only part of the story. The real victories are the lives we can help change through the game we love.

MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR SUPPORTERS

A special thank-you goes to Just 4 Veterans Enterprises and Grayfighter, LLC, whose generous support played a major role in making our Germany tournament possible.

We also extend our appreciation to all our sponsors, families, friends, and supporters who continue to believe in what Level Zero Heroes Hockey represents.

Because of your support, we were able to bring together two international teams, create lifelong memories, and continue raising awareness for a cause close to our hearts.

MORE THAN HOCKEY

As we close another chapter of our 2026 international tournament season, we look ahead to the opportunities awaiting us in 2027.

The friendships will continue. The adventures will grow. And our commitment to our beloved SameYou will remain stronger than ever.

To everyone who was part of Operation Black Forest — thank you.

To the survivors and families fighting their own battles every day — WE SEE YOU.

Level Zero Heroes Hockey — Established 2016

MORE THAN HOCKEY. ONE MISSION.

STAY ON MISSION.