Among a crowd of 350 people, Kern County law enforcement officials and firefighters competed in a hockey match at Rabobank Arena on Jan. 30.
The event, called Guns ‘N Hoses, not only gave law enforcement and firefighting officials the chance to play together, but it was also for a good cause. This was the first year that the event has been a hockey game. In the past, the event has always been a boxing match.
The event was directed by Captain Brian Smith of the California Highway Patrol, John Nelson of Kern County Fire and Mike Campbell of the CHP.
This year tickets were $15 and all proceeds went to benefit the Chevron Fund, an organization that helps children recover from burn wounds.
According to Nicole Roberts, account manager with the Bakersfield Condors, the game raised $2,300.
Spectators of the event included friends, family and coworkers of the athletes, as well as some people who were just interested in seeing cops and firefighters fight on the ice.
Injuries were suffered on both sides, but spirits were high despite the pain involved.
A cut suffered from a high-sticking foul on California Highway Patrol Captain Brian Smith’s upper right cheek was dressed in a butterfly Band-Aid, and was bleeding slightly.
“They say I might need stitches, but I don’t think I’m going to get any,” said Smith, moments after his team won the game in a last minute shootout.
Ted Williams of Taft Community Correctional Facility said, “Bragging Rights,” as he sits on the bench recuperating from exhaustion.
When asked how it felt to be in the penalty box, Garret Drolen said, “It feels pretty good,” stopping to say, “My face hurts,” then joining in to laugh with his friend.
“It’s fun to come out here and see friends you haven’t seen in a while, and raise money for the unfortunate,” said Williams who played on the Guns’ side.
Rosemary Borlina, mother of number 3 Kip Borlina, said “That it’s nice to see them do this for a good cause.”
Rio Munoz, a lifelong friend of number 65 Matt Hernandez, said “It’s good to see his friend on the ice being awesome.”
Bob Hayes of the sheriff’s department said, “I’m not much of a hockey fan, but I came out to support my friends and coworkers.”
Throughout the game, both sides evenly held the score and as a way to interact with their fans, the Guns’N Hoses players tossed Bakersfield Condor trading cards into the crowd between periods.
The third period ended in a 4-4 tie and went into a 3-on-3 shootout with Guns’ player Chris Bagby scoring to win the game.