For 50 years, the NYPD hockey team and the FDNY hockey team have faced off in the last game of the season. For 50 years, this rivalry has sparked joy for fans and raised thousands of dollars for charity. For 50 years, this matchup has been a way to see the first responders of New York City in a different light. The HEROES Hockey Game is an unrivaled rivalry, played with the same grit and courage these men bring to their jobs each and every day.
The NYPD and FDNY hockey teams play many games throughout a season, but the game where the two face off seems to be more important than the rest. This year, the annual rivalry game between the two was held on April 30 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. This was the first time the foes met in brand new UBS Arena, which opened its doors in late 2021.
Each year, the friendly rivalry between New York’s finest, FDNY, and New York’s bravest, NYPD, takes to the ice to shoot it out for bragging rights. And although both teams play in other tournaments throughout the year, this is the game that means the most. As Team Manager Derek Kern mentioned, “This is our Stanley Cup.”
Few people deserve to be celebrated more than the heroic men and women who risk their lives every day to keep us safe – we’re talking about firefighters! It’s important that we show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice, not just on September 11th, but all year long. Here are just some of the ways HAIX® is supporting firefighters throughout the year.