Former New York Rangers player Colton Orr has been selected to take part in the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds’ “Hometown Hero” program ahead of the 2026 Air Dot Show New York.
The program recognizes community members who have made a positive impact through leadership, service and dedication to others.
Orr experiences F-16 flight before Air Dot Show
Orr flew with the Thunderbirds on Friday, July 31, at 2 p.m. from Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh.
During the flight, Orr rode in the back seat of an F-16 Fighting Falcon and experienced a 45-minute demonstration flight, including speeds and maneuvers that can create forces of up to nine Gs.
The flight came ahead of the Air Dot Show New York, scheduled for Aug. 1-2 at Orange County Airport in Montgomery.
Former Rangers player recognized for community work
Orr spent more than a decade playing
professional hockey, including time with the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. He was known throughout his NHL career for his leadership and dedication to his teammates.
Since retiring from professional hockey, Orr has focused on youth development and community service.
He currently serves as director of hockey at The Harvey School in Katonah, where he mentors student-athletes and teaches leadership, discipline and sportsmanship. He also coaches youth hockey with the Danbury Hattricks and previously served as head coach of the Connecticut Whale and assistant coach of the New York Sirens in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Orr continues charitable work across New York
Orr remains involved with the Rangers Alumni Association, supporting youth programs, community events and charitable initiatives, including efforts benefiting the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
His community work includes supporting families facing serious challenges, including a 2025 holiday season appearance where he presented a $10,000 donation to a Garden of Dreams family who lost their home in a fire.
He has also supported the Rangers’ Hockey Fights Cancer initiative and participated in fundraising events for organizations including Ronald McDonald House New York, the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation and the Northwell Health Foundation.
Orr also continues to promote youth hockey through Rangers youth camps and programs such as “Try Hockey For Free” and Rookie League events.
Air Dot Show New York lineup
The Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the fifth stop of the 2026 Air Dot Show Tour.
The Aug. 1-2 event at Orange County Airport will also feature the West Point Parachute Team, a UH-72 Lakota helicopter, a B-25J Mitchell bomber and aerobatic pilot Galen Killam, among other performers.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Former Ranger Colton Orr to fly with Thunderbirds at NY air show
