Walking into UBS Arena for the NYPD v FDNY hockey game, you're immediately enveloped by a wave of history and stories. It's not just the history of the teams or the exploits of each player on the ice, but the lives lived of every single person in that arena. Thousands gathered, united in their support for friends, family members, and the larger family of first responders. All that energy, support, and anticipation rested on the shoulders of a few dozen men, each looking to prove their mettle on the ice.
Gearing Up: Inside the Locker Rooms
In the FDNY locker room, the atmosphere was electric with camaraderie and music. The Game and 50 Cent's "Hate It or Love It" was spun several times, but while it declared "the underdog's on top," there were no underdogs in that locker room—these men were determined to extend their four-year winning streak.
When asked about their pregame rituals, forward Bobby Strafer and defenseman John Perretta had the same answer: keep things light with "the boys" while physically preparing for the match ahead. Defenseman John O'Brien took some credit for the music, adding that he needs "a lot of 50 Cent" to get ready.
In contrast, the NYPD team were fully locked-in ahead of the game. On the surface, things were similar to their opponent's locker room—music, sports drinks, and physical prep—but the intensity was palpable. Still, their steely demeanor didn't interfere with their brotherly spirit and sportsmanship. As they looked to get their first win in years, goalie Brandon Bassett said his pregame focus was to "stretch out, have a good time with our teammates, and go from there."
Sparks Fly on the Ice
Between the two locker rooms was one of the few impartial people in the stadium—or at least one of the ones who needed to maintain a veneer of impartiality. Billy Nevins, aka NYC EdgeMaster, sharpened both teams' skates at his station. As he prepped to put the skate up to the grinding wheel, he said something that proved prescient for the upcoming game:
"Here come the sparks."
And sparks did fly, both on the sharpening bench and on the ice. From the moment the puck dropped, both teams muscled for dominance. While this game didn't see the brawls of previous years, it was a highly physical contest between the teams. After a grueling struggle, the FDNY's "Bravest" team came up with a much-needed goal to break the drought.
Stories from the Sidelines
As the game unfolded, more and more small stories presented themselves behind the scenes. After spotting our HAIX gear, retired Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Battalion Chief Scott Nebrasky shared a story of breaking a zipper on his trusty pair of Airpower XR1s when he was only four months out from retirement. Already approved for a new pair, he later discovered a replacement zipper while cleaning out his locker. A simple repair allowed him to retire wearing his beloved boots—a symbol of his service—with a new pair ready to take over in the future.
One FDNY firefighter, who wore HAIX on the job, radiated gratitude and resilience as he reflected on his career so far: "20 years and I never had a bad day." The man, who asked not to be named for privacy reasons, was recently sidelined by an injury sustained while responding to a fire in Brooklyn. Now, he said, he's finishing out his career as the chauffeur for a division chief.
Leaving With Full Hearts
As the final buzzer sounded, it became clear that the night was about more than just the game*—it was about the stories, the history, and the shared experiences of everyone present. Fans poured out of the arena and back into the world, their spirits lifted by the sense of unity and camaraderie that permeated the evening. Players and fans alike went home with the emotional uplift that comes from a night steeped in love, laughter, and honor for the larger first responder community.
*Though, I'm sure FDNY would like everyone to know they won 6-2.