Roars of a sold-out, all-ages crowd could be heard from the Altoona Ice Arena (2300 Spooner Ave., Altoona) on Nov. 6, where the first-ever Police vs. Fire Charity Hockey Game was held in benefit of local charities, Kids N' Cops and Coats For Kids. 

Presented by Altoona Youth Hockey, the pitch to potential attendees was simple: “Two rivals. Two charities. One epic night.” (Plus, tickets were just $5/person.)

Team Police included active and retired officers from the Altoona PD, Chippewa Falls PD, Eau Claire PD, Eau Claire Sheriff's Office and Wisconsin State Patrol, among others. That team was coached by Ben "Chiller" Melland, of the ECPD.

Team Fire – coached by retired battalion chief, Joe "Tiny" Kelly – which also included active and retired responders from the Altoona Fire Department, Eau Claire FD and Chippewa Valley Regional Airport. 

Before game pucks hit the ice, a ceremonial toss was held in honor of Eau Claire firefighter Bryce Jungbluth, who passed away this summer. 

When all was said and done, Team Police took home the win, 4-1. Still, it was all love, with the ECPD Facebook page sharing online afterward, “Team Fire and Team Police may be rivals on the ice, but we are partners and friends in the field.”