On Friday February 3rd, the Watertown Fire Department Hockey Team will host the Worcester Fire Department Hockey Team in a benefit game to be held at Taft School’s Odden Rink in Watertown. Festivities begin at 7:00 PM; tickets will be available at the door. Admission will be ten dollars per person and all proceeds will benefit the Jon Davies Children’s Fund.
Inspired by a benefit game between the Bridgeport and Worcester departments, the Watertown Fire Department Hockey Team was founded late in 2010. In February of 2011, they hosted the Bridgeport Fire Department Team in a benefit game that raised more than $6,000 for the Bridgeport Fallen Firefighters Fund. Since then, the squad has faced off against teams representing other area departments, and closed out 2011 by hosting a six department tournament to benefit the Connecticut Burns Care Foundation.
On December 8th, 2011, Worcester firefighter Jon Davies lost his life in the line of duty. The Watertown team was anxious to help. Based on the success of last year’s game against Bridgeport, they felt another benefit game was the best way to do so.
“As much as we love to play hockey, we realize that this event is about something more important than the game.” said Watertown co-captain Brian White. “A fellow firefighter lost his life in the line of duty and if there’s something we can do to help it’s our responsibility to do it. After Bridgeport lost two firefighters in 2010, Worcester was right there to support them through a fundraising game. That inspired us to form our team and help Bridgeport in the same way. We’re saddened that Worcester has experienced a similar loss, but we’re honored to have the opportunity to help.”
“Last year’s benefit game was such a success.” added Watertown co-captain Spencer Bronson. “The community stepped up in a big way. The rink was packed and local business really helped out with donations and support. It was great to see so many people come together for a good cause and a good time. We know they’re going to come through again.”
In addition to the game itself, the night will feature other entertainment. Both the Watertown and Worcester Fire Departments will furnish honor guards for the presentation of colors. The Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums will be on hand to perform. The National Anthem will be sung by Brittany Braatz. Additional pre-game festivities will feature the Watertown Fire Department’s Chief Larry Black, WFD Chaplain Rev. John Cooney, Watertown Town Manager Chuck Frigon, State Representative Sean Williams, and State Senator Rob Kane.
Watertown Youth Hockey’s Red White and Blue program will play during the first intermission and the second intermission will feature a chuck-a-puck game. Ice dancers from the Watertown Skating Club will perform during both intermissions. There will be giveaways and raffle prizes, including tickets from the American Hockey League’s Connecticut Whale, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and Worcester Sharks. Concessions, commemorative t-shirts, and other souvenirs will be available for purchase.
“We’re excited for a great night of hockey and entertainment for a good cause.” said White. “We’re really happy with how last year’s game and December’s tournament went, but we expect this to top them both.”
For directions, tickets, or general information on the February 3rd benefit game, please contact the Watertown Fire Department Hockey Team via email at WFDhockey@gmail.com.
The Watertown Fire Department Hockey Team is a separate non-profit organization comprised of and operated by firefighters from Watertown and the surrounding area. For more information email us at WFDhockey@gmail.com, find us on Facebook as Watertown FireHockey, or follow us on Twitter @WFDHockey
