Guns ’N Hoses charity event fills the stands

by Jim Boyle

Editor

More than 700 people packed the Kiser Arena inside the Furniture and Things Community Event Center on March 10 to watch some good-natured fun in a game of boot hockey between Elk River Police and Fire, and they were rewarded with all that and more.

Kiser Construction, who sponsored and marketed the event, will be bringing a $6,000 check to the Elk River Police and Fire departments on Monday. The money will then be delivered to the Benevolent Fund, which is being distributed to the families of Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth.

The police and fire departments have faced off in boot hockey before, but those games were more informal and held down in the Handke Pit.

This more public event gave police and firefighters a chance to show off their competitive spirit in front of a standing-room-only crowd.

It was also a new way for people in the community to cheer on first responders and their families.

The game was announced by Cal Porter, Elk River’s city administrator, and John Osterman, the “voice of the Elks.”

The game also included the national anthem, announcements of all the coaches and players, many of whom came up with their own schtick for celebrations, hairdos and props.

Osterman offered a reminder of the bigger purpose of the event when he asked for a moment of silence before leading the entire crowd in singing the national anthem.

Shot totals were not kept during the game; however, both goalies proved to be difficult backstops with many great saves preventing the tennis ball from getting into the back of the net.

Play got a little physical at times, and there was even a “hockey fight” at one point in the game, but it was determined the players were just looking for a five-minute break in the penalty box.

“We were super excited with the turnout,” said Sgt. Andrew Zabee of the Elk River Police Department. “We didn’t think it would be as big as it was.”

The men and women in blue won the game 5-3. Zabee said there were no injuries on either side, thankfully, but did think the fire department might still be a little distraught after the loss.

There’s already talk of a rematch, and maybe even a softball or kickball game in the summertime.

“You’re looking at two professions that have some of the most competitive people,” Dickinson said. “We knew it was all in fun, but I guarantee everybody is talking about how we’re going to beat them next time.”

Darren Kiser, the head of Kiser Construction, thanked everyone for coming before the game and handed Elk River Police Chief Ron Nierenhausen the trophy.

Darren and the rest of the Kiser Construction team were so thankful to everyone who attended the first annual Guns ’N Hoses charity hockey game.

“We had approximately 725 people in attendance and were so excited about everyone who showed up to not only support our local heroes but to help these families,” said Melanie Clemons, a Kiser Construction employee who helped coordinate the event. “We look forward to hosting this again next year and hope to keep growing it from year to year.”