LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — On Thursday, firefighters and police officers around the Las Vegas valley switched their badges and uniforms for hockey sweaters and sticks. Instead of facing danger, they got to relax, lace up their skates, and practice the game they love.
"I think that's what hockey does," Henderson Silver Knights goaltending coach Fred Brathwaite said. "Hockey is such a great game, everyone comes out. It brings out the kid in them."
The Las Vegas Police Knights and the Vegas Valley Fire Hockey team are teaming up to raise funds for the Vegas Fire and Rescue Charitable Association. This year, a portion of the proceeds from the "Guns and Hoses" game will support the families of Sgt. Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix, who lost their lives in the line of duty on Nov. 30.
Both teams said this event is something they look forward to and circle on their calendar every year.
"Coming to the rink, that's what we all grew up doing is playing hockey, spending our days and nights at the rink on the weekends and traveling, being able to get back in the locker room and lace up with these guys on the ice is a great time," firefighter Sean Rynes said.
"Getting to know the fire guys, we love them 364 days out of the year. And then, that one game, we're not friends anymore so we have a good time," police officer Josh Garber said.
Rynes said as much checking and chirping as they do, at the end of the day, this game has a much bigger meaning.
"It's about charity. It's about raising money and bringing that attention to the city of Vegas and the whole Vegas valley that we we're here. We like to play hockey against the cops," Rynes said. "We got another cop over here to take his turn, but that's what it's all about, is coming together and having a great time. It's about the charity."
Those interested in attending can only get tickets by purchasing tickets for the Silver Knights’ game against the Colorado Eagles on Saturday at 7 p.m. through this page. Fans with tickets to that game will receive entry into the Guns vs Hoses face-off at 1 p.m. at The Dollar Loan Center in Henderson.
