Shane Hudella

Shane Hudella founded Defending The Blue Line (DTBL) a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the spring of 2009 to help military families with the high costs of hockey and help ensure that children of military members are afforded every opportunity to participate in the great sport.  Hudella’s vision expanded in 2016 as DTBL turned into United Heroes League to serve all sports and reach a broader base of military kids. Prior to running United Heroes League, Hudella was on active duty for the Minnesota Army National Guard and was deployed for Operation Desert Storm in 1990.  He brings over 23 years of military leadership experience to the organization. Hudella retired on 30 JUNE 2012 at the rank of 1SG(First Sgt) Some of his military awards/decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal (2), Southwest Asia Service Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Medal.

Hudella is a 1989 graduate of Hastings, Minn. High School and attended the University of St. Thomas before being deployed for Operation Desert Storm. He and his wife, Jessica, have four sons, Patton, Joey, Zach and Cooper. The family is very active in the hockey community and the military.