The Front Line Foundation has been selected as the beneficiary of the eighth annual Guns n’ Hoses Hockey Game, set for Feb. 23 at the Blaine Super Rink.  Entry is free.

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 and participating 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.”  Playing goalie for the firefighters this year is Clay Nestor, a 14-year volunteer fireman from Glenwood.

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.

“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 and readers. 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 at gnhnow.com. 

If you can’t attend, the game is being broadcast through North Metro TV or go online to gnhnow.com.