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Firefighting Hoses douse RCMP Guns in Prince Rupert charity hockey match

Hoses washed the Guns out of being a fourth-time trophy holder on March 11 at the annual hockey fundraiser between the Prince Rupert Firefighters and local RCMP.

Hoses washed the Guns out of being a fourth-time trophy holder on March 11 at the annual hockey fundraiser between the Prince Rupert Firefighters and local RCMP.

The Guns-N-Hoses annual friendly on-ice competition was held last week for the first time since the global pandemic had all players hang up their skates, but the comeback game raised more than $6,000 in proceeds to assist Prince Rupert KidSport.

“It was a ton of fun, the atmosphere was great. It was nice to be back on the ice,” Firefighter Jordan Venditelli said on behalf of the fire rescue team.

“The last game was played in 2019, so it’s awesome to have the annual game back. Of course, it feels great to have the trophy back in the fire hall, but the real winners are the kids - which is exactly how it should be.

Venditelli said the arena was buzzing and the spectator stands are estimated to have held just less than 800, cheering on both sides.

While Firefighter Dylan Lawrence gave the Blazers an early lead scoring twice within a minute less than halfway through the first period, the RCMP roared back right at the beginning of the second period.

In the first half minute, Cst. Brody Hemrich, who also plays for the Rupert Rampage in the CIHL, made it a 2-1 game with assists from sergeants Dave Uppal and Shawn McLaughlin.

And, just a minute-and-a-half later, Kaden Andreeson, billed on the game program as a “future RCMP officer” tied the game up.

A short time later Hemrich fed Jordan Keatly who put the RCMP on top 3-4.

The lead would be short-lived, however, as Firefighter Jordan Fuzi netted one unassisted to tie the match at 3.

The Guns would take the lead back, however, early in the third period when Amir Basara combined with Uppal for the 4-3 edge.

The score would remain that way until the last minute of play and looked like the Guns all but had the trophy wrapped up when Lawrence got free of the defence on a breakaway. The firefighter put the puck in the upper right corner for his third of the night and a tie game with just 34.2 seconds on the clock.

The goal was called into question, however. A lively discussion ensued ultimately leading to the goal being disallowed.

But good sportsmanship won out over competitive rivalry with the RCMP insisting the goal stand.

The overtime frame almost went the whole five minutes, but with 33 seconds remaining firefighter Brandan Maag combined with firefighter Braedie Kereitz for the 5-4 victory.

“Even though we were pitted against each other, the camaraderie built through an event like this should not be overlooked,” Hemrich told The Northern View.

Hemrich said he was “blown away” by the attendance numbers and the energy emanating from the spectators made the atmosphere feel like he was playing in a Rampage game.

“Most importantly, events like this help a community come together, have fun and raise money for such a deserving charity, like KidSport,” the hockey-playing officer said.

Both first responder teams were extremely passionate about the yearly project, they said, and were excited for its post-pandemic return.

“This year, we worked as hard as we could to make this an amazing event. The efforts put forth by the firefighters, especially Marcus Jardim, Brody Bishop, Venditelli and Sarah McChesney, were incredible. Without their planning and organization, the event would not have been as successful as it was,” Hemrich credited.