The Puck Drops for the Congressional Hockey Challenge on March 25

Lawmakers, Lobbyists face off in annual charity hockey game

Washington, D.C. – The 2026 Congressional Hockey Challenge, the annual charity hockey game between lawmakers, administration officials, and staff versus lobbyists, will be played at the Washington Capitals practice facility, MedStar Capital Iceplex, on March 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

“The game of hockey continues to grow, and the Congressional Hockey Challenge is proud to be a part of the story,” said Nick Lewis, co-founder and President of the Congressional Hockey Challenge. “For the 16th year, we’re lacing up the skates to support charities that bring hockey to communities across America, including the NHL Foundation and its grant to help grow the game for women and girls, the Fort DuPont Cannons, and our veteran’s charity partners.”

Members of the Administration and Congress who have expressed interest to play in this year's game include FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Kate MacGregor, Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), George Whitesides (D-Calif.), Tony Wied (R-Wis.), and Rob Bresnahan (R-Penn.).

“Hockey is the greatest sport on earth, and the Congressional Hockey Challenge provides the opportunity to grow the game by giving communities everywhere access to the sport,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “I look forward to the chance to give back to the hockey community that is near to my heart.”

"The Congressional Hockey Challenge is a great tradition that supports great charities to make the game more accessible. I was proud to play in my freshman year of congress,” said Rep. George Whitesides. “While I grew up playing ice hockey, I was impressed by the level of skill and athleticism displayed by both teams.  I am sure we’re going to take that trophy back from the lobbyists this year!"

Since 2009, the game has raised more than $1.5 million for charities including the NHL Foundation, Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club, USA Hockey Warriors Ice Hockey Program, Capital Warriors Beltway Hockey Program, the Tampa Warriors Hockey Heals event, and the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (which helped accelerate the development of the Professional Women’s Hockey League).

“The Congressional Hockey Challenge plays a key role in supporting the NHL Foundation U.S. and our work to expand access to hockey for women and girls across America,” said Rob Wooley, Executive Director of the NHL Foundation U.S. “This annual charity game is a powerful reminder of why we play this sport, bringing lawmakers from both sides of the aisle together for the greater good while raising critical funds to drive meaningful change in communities nationwide.”

“Each year, the Congressional Hockey Challenge makes a lasting impact well beyond the rink through its core focus of giving back to the community,” said Washington Capitals senior vice president of marketing Amanda Tischler. “With its charitable focus, the Congressional Hockey Challenge removes barriers to participation, provides access to programs and resources and inspires the next generation of hockey players in ways that last well beyond puck drop.”

Last year’s thrilling game brought the Lobbyist team their first win since 2016, ending the Lawmakers six game winning streak. The Lawmakers team is ready to get back in the win column in what should be another exciting edition of the Congressional Hockey Challenge.

For tickets, additional information, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.congressionalhockeychallenge.com.

Contact:
Kevin Coroneos
congressionalhockeychc@gmail.com
856-237-7050

About the Congressional Hockey Challenge
The Congressional Hockey Challenge is an annual ice hockey game for charity featuring federal lawmakers, congressional staff and administration officials from across the political spectrum against lobbyists representing a broad array of interests. The Congressional Hockey Challenge is committed to the advancement of the sport of ice hockey, ensuring that this incredible and dynamic sport is accessible to everyone who wants to play. Since 2009, the game has raised over $1.5 million for charities including the NHL Foundation, Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club in Washington, DC, Capital Beltway Warriors Hockey Program, USA Warriors Hockey, and Tampa Warriors annual “22 hours of Hockey” event.