Guns n’ Hoses Charity Game Benefitting The Front Line Foundation Friday Night

Originally published January 23rd, 2024

Updated February 23rd, 2024 11:16 a.m.

(KNSI) – The Front Line Foundation has been selected as the beneficiary of the eighth annual Guns n’ Hoses Hockey Game.

The contest is organized by the Lino Lakes Volunteers in Public Safety organization. Board Chair Wes Pederson says it started as a competition between police and firefighters from Anoka County only. It now includes competitive tryouts leading with skaters hailing across the state.

Pederson says the series has been lopsided so far. “A little known fact is the fire team has never won. Over seven years, the police have beat them every single year. But I was actually able to attend the tryouts because it’s become very competitive who gets to play or who doesn’t. I gotta tell you, the goalie that the fire team found this year is legit.”

As much as $70,000 has been raised from past events. The Front Line Foundation helps the families of EMS, firefighters, National Guard members, and police officers who died while on duty.

This year’s event means so much more, given the tragic shooting of two Burnsville Police officers and a firefighter paramedic on February 18th.

The game will be held again at the Blaine Super Rink. The last couple of years have seen 1,000 people in attendance. Getting in is free. Pederson explains how the contest brings in money.

“We depend on money being raised through sponsorships, through local businesses and organizations. We depend on the generosity of individuals like many of your listeners. We also have raffle items that are donated from local businesses or individuals that we sell raffle tickets for their chance to win at the event itself.”

Donations can be given through the group’s website. A link is here. If you can’t attend, the game is being broadcast through North Metro TV or gnhnow.com.

Pederson says Invictus Brewing donates beer for concession sales, with 100% of proceeds going to Guns n’ Hoses.

The game is Friday, February 23rd. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

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