Dropping the gloves for charity
Traditionally, the game is "cops and robbers."
But at the annual Guns 'n' Hoses charity hockey game, it's cops against firefighters in one night of icy competition.
Police officers from Naperville to Niles will face off against firefighters from Lake County and the Western suburbs Saturday at Rosemont's Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road.
The public servants will play three games beginning at 11:15 a.m., when the NWS Guns will play the NWS Hoses.
From 1 to 2:30 p.m., the Hosers will face the Suburban Firefighters.
A game from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. will pit Skatin' Bacon against the Lake County Firefighters.
And at 7 p.m., a professional game will be played between the Chicago Wolves and the Peoria Rivermen as part of the charity event.
Guns 'n' Hoses was initiated eight years ago when Dan Rozenblat, the Chicago Wolves' director of sales and new business development, contacted Lisle police officer Chris Loudon.
"He approached me and asked if we wanted to try and get something together for some kind of fundraiser," Loudon said.
Rozenblat's suggestion was well-received because Loudon says many of his fellow police officers have played hockey for years.
"The idea of being able to play the game we love and make money for a charity is a perfect blending," Loudon said.
This year, the charity games will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. For every $17 ticket purchased from a police officer or firefighter, $5 will be sent to the JDRF.
The chosen charity hits close to home for many of the officers and firefighters involved.
"When we announced we were going to play for (JDRF), we found out all these players that have family members who are afflicted with (the disease)," Loudon said.
"People have no idea how widespread this is and how many families it affects."
Proceeds from the very first Guns 'n' Hoses game were sent to families of a New York fire station that lost several firefighters after the attacks Sept. 11, 2001.
Back then, area police officers and firefighters formed one team each and the event consisted of only one game.
After that, the fundraiser grew in popularity until three games were required to make space for all the players.
"More and more policemen and firemen heard about this … and now we have a waiting list for my team," Loudon said.
"It sounds cool," he added, explaining the increased interest. "You get to skate on a pro-hockey ice surface with, hopefully, some fans there."
Loudon said he expects anywhere from a few hundred to 1,000 people to attend the games this year.
In addition to admission, fans are invited to purchase raffle tickets for $2 ($5 for three tickets) to benefit JDRF, with prizes ranging from pencils to TVs and bicycles donated from area businesses.
Attendees should expect to get their money's worth out of the night.
ˆ½"The minute the game is over, we all forget and have a drink afterward," Loudon said. "But no one wants to say that they lost and have to go a whole year with (the other team) saying, 'We beat you'… There's a lot of competition."
The group hopes to raise more money than usual this year. Loudon said they're aiming to donate around $10,000 to the JDRF.
Guns 'n' Hoses has donated more than $60,000 total to various charities throughout its seven-year existence, he said.
Those who are unable to attend the games on Saturday still may send donations to JDRF with Guns 'n' Hoses in the memo.
To purchase tickets or for details, contact Loudon at (630) 271-4200.
If you go
What: Annual Guns 'n' Hoses charity hockey game.
When: Saturday, first game starts 11:15 a.m.
Where: Rosemont's Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road.
Cost: $17 per ticket; $5 from each ticket purchased from a police officer or firefighter goes to JDRF.
Info: Cops and firefighters compete in three hockey games, ending with Chicago Wolves vs. Peoria Rivermen.