Guns N Hoses Charity Hockey Classic marks 10 years of community, competition, and support for first responders

The Guns N Hoses Charity Hockey Classic has become one of the North Metro’s most enduring winter traditions, blending civic pride, friendly rivalry, and community generosity into a single night at the rink.

Now entering its 10th year, the annual event pits the “Guns” — local law enforcement officers — against the “Hoses” — area firefighters — in a fast-paced charity hockey game that raises funds for first responder families and wellness initiatives. Since its founding in 2017, organizers report the Classic has generated more than $300,000 in charitable support for Minnesota first responders and their families through sponsorships, raffles, and direct donations.

Event logistics and details

The 2026 Guns N Hoses Charity Hockey Classic is scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2026, at Blaine Super Rink, one of the largest amateur hockey facilities in the world and a regional hub for community sporting events.

• Venue: NSC Super Rink, Rink #1
• Doors open: 4:30 p.m.
• Puck drop: Shortly after doors open
• Admission: Free and open to the public

Organizers emphasize that the event is designed to be accessible and family-friendly, welcoming residents of all ages to attend regardless of whether they are able to donate.

Teams and participants

The on-ice matchup features first responders from across the North Metro:

• Guns: Officers from the Blaine Police Department, joined by personnel from other Anoka County law enforcement agencies.
• Hoses: Firefighters from the SBM Fire Department, which serves the cities of Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and Mounds View.

While the rivalry is real, participants routinely describe the game as a celebration of shared service rather than competition, with bragging rights taking a back seat to the causes being supported.

Supporting first responders and their families

Although admission is free, the Classic raises funds through event sponsorships, raffles, and voluntary donations collected throughout the evening. For the 2026 anniversary year, organizers continue long-standing partnerships with organizations focused on both immediate financial support and long-term wellness for public safety professionals.

One beneficiary frequently supported by the event is The Front Line Foundation, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that provides financial assistance to the families of fallen first responders. The foundation’s work is designed to help bridge the gap between a line-of-duty death and the arrival of state or federal survivor benefits, which can take months to process.

In recognition of growing awareness around mental health in public safety, the 10th anniversary also highlights support for the Anoka County Public Safety Peer Support Team. The team offers confidential peer-to-peer support, critical incident stress debriefings, and follow-up services for law enforcement, fire, EMS, and corrections personnel throughout Anoka County.

Why this year matters

The 2026 Classic carries added emotional weight for Minnesota’s public safety community as it continues a tradition of remembrance and solidarity following the 2024 line-of-duty deaths of first responders in Burnsville, a tragedy that resonated statewide and renewed public attention on the risks faced by those in uniform.

The evening is structured to balance reflection with celebration. In addition to the game itself, attendees can expect:

• Chuck-a-Puck contests and high-value raffles
• Concessions and community partners, including past collaborations with Invictus Brewing, which has previously donated proceeds to the cause
• Special guests, which in past years have included NHL alumni, local mascots, and youth hockey participants

For those unable to attend in person, the game is often broadcast live by North Metro TV, extending the event’s reach beyond the rink.

Learn more

Additional event details, sponsorship opportunities, and donation links are available at gnhnow.com, the official site for the Guns N Hoses Charity Hockey Classic.

MinneapoliMedia