College Hockey South is honored to partner with The United for the Fallen (TUFF) for the 3rd annual Wirka Cup.
TUFF was founded in memory of Warrant Officer John Wirka, who passed away in January 2021. John was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group Green Berets and tragically lost his life in a non-combat-related incident in El Salvador.
Enlisting in the United States Army in February 2010, John served with distinction, deploying multiple times in support of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. In 2020, he was commissioned as a Special Forces Warrant Officer and assigned as the Assistant Detachment Commander for SFOD-A 7215. His service was marked by exceptional dedication, earning numerous accolades, including two Bronze Stars. Above all, John was a devoted family man who lived a life of love and honor in service to his country.
John is survived by his wife, Erica, their daughter, Audrey, his parents, John and Allison, his brother, Daniel, and his sisters, Christina and Julia.
Following John’s passing, his family and friends came together to find a meaningful way to honor his legacy while supporting veterans and families like theirs. From this mission, The United for the Fallen (TUFF) was created.
TUFF is dedicated to serving and supporting the children and families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. Through their work, they continue John’s legacy by providing much-needed assistance to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Alumni Classic kicks off on Friday, March 28th, at the Atlanta Ice Forum in Duluth, GA. Over three days, six College Hockey South alumni teams will battle for bragging rights and the coveted Wirka Cup. This year’s tournament features alumni squads from the University of Mississippi, Kennesaw State, Florida State, Georgia Tech, the University of Tennessee, and a combined Central Florida/South Florida team.
For the first time, the Alumni Classic will take place in Duluth, GA, after the previous two tournaments were held in Savannah. The defending champions, UCF/USF, will look to retain the Wirka Cup and fend off a competitive field eager to claim this year’s title.
2025 Wirka Cup – Game Schedule
Friday, March 28th
5:40 PM EST – Ole Miss Alumni vs. Kennesaw State Alumni
5:50 PM EST – UCF/USF Alumni vs. Florida State Alumni
7:15 PM EST – Tennessee Alumni vs. Georgia Tech Alumni
Saturday, March 29th
12:40 PM EST – Florida State Alumni vs. Ole Miss Alumni
3:20 PM EST – UCF/USF Alumni vs. Tennessee Alumni
4:10 PM EST – Kennesaw State Alumni vs. Georgia Tech Alumni
5:35 PM EST – Ole Miss Alumni vs. UCF/USF Alumni
7:00 PM EST – Florida State Alumni vs. Georgia Tech Alumni
8:25 PM EST – Tennessee Alumni vs. Kennesaw State Alumni
Sunday, March 30th – Playoff Round
The United for the Fallen Mission
Over the past 35 years, approximately 25,000 children have lost a parent serving on active duty in the military. Among those families, 60% struggle to make ends meet.
Through dedicated fundraising efforts and support programs, The United for the Fallen provides critical assistance to help meet the immediate and ongoing domestic needs of these children and families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.
Resource Help Center
If you or someone you know is in need of support, please click below to explore organizations that can help.
22 a day is 22 too many. Let’s stand together to support our servicemen, servicewomen, and veterans.
How to Help
Please support The United for the Fallen's mission by clicking the button below to donate. Your contribution helps fund TUFF's programs, events, and efforts to assist families in need.
The United for the Fallen is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Every donation makes a difference.
ABOUT College Hockey South: Founded in 2008, College Hockey South is a 30-school, 50 team intercollegiate hockey conference spanning eight southeastern U.S. states that competes in AAU College Hockey. College Hockey South is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization.
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