Are you looking for a fun-filled, action-packed, family-friendly night of entertainment that features old rivals, tense drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, food, and raffles, and which benefits a great local cause as well?
Then look no further than the fifth annual Guns and Hoses charity hockey game, taking place in Ashcroft on Jan. 25. This year’s match-up will benefit the Ashcroft HUB, and Ashcroft Fire Chief Josh White says that the organizing committee was in agreement about the recipient.
“We had a few great ideas put forward, and the committee agreed that the HUB does a bunch of fantastic things for the community. You’d be hard-pressed to find people who haven’t used the HUB at some level, whether it’s for daycare, the gym, theatre, or anything else.
“At every level it really affects our community, because there’s something there for everyone. We know that they have the building under their ownership now, so we decided let’s go with the HUB this year.”
"We’re really honoured that they chose us, and are looking forward to the game," says HUB executive director Jessica Clement. After leasing the former Ashcroft Elementary School building from School District No. 74 since 2015, the HUB Society took ownership of the property last year, and is now looking at two major renovation projects: replacing the roof and the HVAC systems in the aging building, which is projected to cost about $1.2 million.
"We're hoping that people are as generous as they were last year [$11,500 was raised], and all funds raised will be going to those projects," says Clement. "Every little bit helps."
The Guns and Hoses game was the brainchild of Ashcroft RCMP Cst. Chris Buckland, and the first match — in January 2020 — benefited Ashcroft Fire Rescue, allowing them to purchase and install smoke detectors for residents without them.
The match had to be cancelled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in 2022, with funds going to the Lytton Fire Department. The 2023 beneficiary was Honour Ranch near Ashcroft, and in 2024 the Ashcroft and District Hospice Society was the organization chosen.
Those who have attended past Guns and Hoses games know what to expect: two periods of fast and furious hockey action (as well as some spirited hi-jinks) in which teams composed of (mainly) firefighters and (mostly) police officers battle it out for bragging rights. Buckland, who has been transferred to Merritt but is captain of the Guns team (the Hoses team is captained by Greg Hiltz), says that his team is composed of RCMP members from detachments around Ashcroft, as well as a retired member from the Lower Mainland, one person from the military, and family members, adding that there is likely going to be one “surprise” member as well.
White says that the Hoses team is made up of firefighters from Ashcroft and Cache Creek, as well as a few people associated with the department. The firefighters have won three of the four games thus far, and White says that while there will be the usual on-ice antics during the match, there will be some good hockey as well.
“A question we get is ‘Are the scores fixed, is there some set-up?’ No. We have the antics, but the ladies and gents on the ice are playing to win, so it can get a little competitive out there. That said, we don’t want to have a blow-out; we want to make it fun for everyone.”
This year’s game is on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Drylands Arena in Ashcroft, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the puck drop taking place around 6 p.m. Admission is by donation, and there will be a 30/70 draw, a puck toss contest between periods, and a concession run by Thompson-Cariboo Minor Hockey, with proceeds from that benefiting the association.
All other proceeds will go to the HUB, including the money raised on the prize basket raffles. White says that the donations for the baskets have been incredible, and that he can’t thank donors, the local communities for their support, and the Village of Ashcroft for donating the ice time enough.
The Ashcroft Firefighters’ Association is accepting donations on behalf of the HUB for anyone who would like to donate but cannot attend the match. To donate, send an e-transfer to ashcroftfirefightersassoc@gmail.com.
The winner’s trophy currently resides at the Ashcroft fire hall, with three red plaques representing the winning Hoses teams and one blue one. “We call it the bruise, and say it got dropped during the hall renovations,” jokes White. All kidding aside, he adds that “Bragging rights are part of it, but it’s a blast.”
Buckland is determined to balance out the colour scheme on the trophy a bit more. “We’re tired of losing and we’re taking no prisoners this year,” he promises.
Both men agree on one thing, however: the real winner is the charity of choice. “Ultimately, every year, that’s who wins,” says Buckland, and White echoes the sentiment.
“It’s good representation for firefighters and the RCMP, and shows we really stand for our community, but the real winner is the charity we’re raising the money for.”
