Cops and firefighters to face off in rematch hockey game.

Smoke Eaters vs. Law Dogs. Ready to face off.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

VICTORY TWP. — Area firefighters are going to try to take the hockey champion title back from area law enforcement during the second annual Smoke Eaters vs. Law Dogs hockey game, Wednesday, April 8 at West Shore Community Ice Arena.

Last year the cops won 7-5.

“That’s not happening again this year,” said Lt. Justin Melchert of Custer Fire Dept., one of the event organizers. “They got lucky.”

“I don’t see the firefighters winning,” said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole, who coaches the Law Dogs team. “Law enforcement guys are just a bunch of big hairy American machines and the Smoke Eaters don’t have a chance.”

“The firefighters are ready,” said Riverton Twp. Fire Chief Joe Cooper, coach of the Smoke Eaters. “We’ve been practicing and I see a stronger team. Our guys avoid the doughnuts and I know those Law Dogs won’t be able to go all three periods with us. They don’t have the endurance we have.”

The rivalry is for fun, of course, but the proceeds go to a serious cause, the Mason County Fire Relief Fund. The fund was created to help families or individuals who are in need because of the loss of a home due to fire. Last year’s event raised $4,200. “Last year one family found itself in need of the fund’s services,” Melchert said. “We have a surplus and are hoping to increase the fund even more this year.”

“When it comes down to it, firefighters, cops, paramedics, do what they do because they want to serve the community,” Cole said. “Being able to get together like this and have some fun is just another way we can help out our neighbors and friends. The public won’t be disappointed in this game.”

Hockey players will be coming from departments in Mason, Oceana and Manistee counties. “We’ve got about 34 people playing,” Melchert said. “This is really all about having fun and raising money for a good cause.”

The night will include a silent auction and door prize drawings throughout the game with festivities starting at 6 p.m. and the game starting at 6:30 p.m.