It was a close-fought game that went into sudden death overtime, but the Hoses team came out on top during the fourth annual Guns and Hoses charity hockey match in Ashcroft on Jan. 27.
Around 450 people packed Drylands arena to watch the two squads battle it out for bragging rights. The Guns team, made up of law enforcement officials, had the run of the play for much of the game, leading by a score of 6–2 midway through the second frame. However, the Hoses team, made up of local firefighters, chipped away at the lead and eventually tied things up at six apiece.
The Guns scored the go-ahead goal late in the second period, and it looked as if that would be enough, but the Hoses fought back, pulling their goalie and tying the game at 7–7 with only 10 seconds to go. That sent the game into OT, where the Hoses managed to hit the back of the net to win their third title.
The game saw the usual on-ice pranks and hi-jinks, with the Guns team calling a timeout for a doughnut break. The Hoses team responded with their own timeout: a movie break where they enjoyed some popcorn while watching an episode of COPS. A “warrant” was issued for referee Nathan Talarico at the start of the game, ordering him to change jerseys and play for the Cops team, and Hayden Aie of the Hoses team squared off with Buckland for a fight that turned into a dance-off. It was (perhaps mercifully) interrupted by Ashcroft’s Monique Kopanyas, with the dancer/choreographer coming out on the ice to show everyone how it’s done.
There was also a concession, run by Thompson-Cariboo Minor Hockey, as well as raffle baskets to be won, two 30/70 draws, and a puck toss with prizes for the three people who got their pucks closest to the target. A new feature this year was merchandise available for purchase, including Guns and Hoses T-shirts and towels.
It all added up to a wonderful evening of entertainment, but the real winner was the Ashcroft and District Hospice Society. The volunteer-run group, which was been providing hospice and palliative care and services in the region for 35 years, was the beneficiary of this year’s game, and organizer Nancy Duchaine of Ashcroft Fire Rescue says that more than $11,000 will be going to the organization to assist them in their activities.
“Oh my God. Absolutely unbelievable. There aren’t words to express it,” says Deb Tedford, president of the Hospice society.
”We are absolutely stunned. How do you even react to that? It’s overwhelming. Thank you to everyone.”
Tedford says that going into the game, the society never envisioned that sort of result. “We thought $5,000 would be wonderful. We know what they raised last year for Honour Ranch, which is so big, and so well known throughout the region, and we’re so small. We’re so grateful. Now we need to put that money to good use.”
She adds that the game itself was a lot of fun, with some high-quality hockey on display.
“The game was a blast, and there were some really hot hockey moves on that ice. I have to give credit to both goalies. The score sounds like they weren’t doing their job, but they stopped some really good shots.”
The Guns and Hoses game, which began in 2020, is the brainchild of Cst. Chris Buckland of BC Highway Patrol (Ashcroft), who once more captained the Guns team and was gracious in defeat.
“The night was great, and we had a lot of really great community support,” he says. “The players had just as much fun as everyone watching, and we want to thank all the businesses who supported the event with donations, the community members who came out to support it, and all the volunteers who came out and gave their time.
“Going into this we thought we had the upper hand, but when push came to shove we just wanted the trophy to go to a good home.”
Chief Josh White of Ashcroft Fire Rescue says he’s still in shock after the nail-biting finish.
“I’ve got to say that the hockey was excellent, and the RCMP really gave us a run this year. At one point I thought our friends in the police service had this one, but I didn’t lose faith in our guys.”
White says the highlight for him was when the Hoses team pulled their goalie in the dying seconds and tied it up to force overtime.
“They made us work for the win, and they were great sports all round. They should be really proud of themselves, because they really brought their ‘A’ game.
“And I can’t say enough about our communities of Ashcroft, Cache Creek, and the surrounding area. The generosity that comes from this area is fantastic, and I’m simply amazed.”
White also has kudos for the people who worked hard behind the scenes to make the game a reality.
“The organizing committee — Chris Buckland, Nancy Duchaine, Margaret Moreira, Sue Peters, Richard Wright — and all the volunteers who came out and helped with the game: I can’t say enough about them. They’re the heart of this.
“The whole team pulled it together this year, and bless them for doing the job they do. My hat’s off to all those individuals. The planning for this starts in August/September, and by December it’s weekly meetings. Huge thanks to the community, the Lions Club, and all the people who volunteered to make this happen.”
