The NYPD’s annual hockey game against the FDNY descended into chaos on Sunday night after players from both teams dropped their sticks and started a massive brawl on the ice.
Each year, New York’s police and fire departments face off in a legendary charity game in the Big Apple, but this year the players got more than they bargained for.
With the game tied at 2-2 in front of a bumper crowd at the Islanders’ UBS Arena, tempers frayed between the green of the NYPD and the white and red of the FDNY.
In a clip posted to social media, one of the firemen can be seen raining down punches on an opposing police officer – usually not a great idea! – before his teammates all steam in.
What occurs next is a brutal brawl between both teams, as help arrives from both fire and police departments as the referees try – and fail – to break it up.
Eventually the game continued, but on the final buzzer more violence was unleashed as the benches cleared and everyone got into it one final time on the ice.
Police officers and firemen rained down punches on each other at UBS Arena in New York
Referees tried – and failed – to calm down the aggression during the annual charity game
Helmets were tossed to the ice as players from both teams steamed in to join the violence
While raising money for a good cause each year, it is not uncommon to see the amateur players throw some punches and chaos often reigns on the ice.
Months of practice goes into the game for both teams, with it seen as a source of pride to be chosen to play in the historic game, which this year was being staged for the 52nd time.
Speaking ahead of the game, newly-appointed NYPD captain George Antzoulis explained how seriously the players take it.
‘Guys are missing work, missing overtime, missing things with their family, switching their tours around,’ he said, as reported by Outkick.
‘Guys are staying at work for three days straight, going from hockey back to work, sleeping in the office, sleeping in chairs, sleeping in their cars in the parking lot.’
In the end, this year’s clash was won 3-2 by the NYPD, giving them the bragging rights for at least another year until the 2027 showdown.
