NYPD tops FDNY in charity hockey game as fights break out at UBS Arena
Long-running rivalry between New York’s police and firefighters spills onto the ice during annual charity matchup.
Elmont, NY – A pair of on-ice brawls broke out during Sunday’s annual FDNY vs. NYPD charity hockey game at UBS Arena, interrupting play as the two departments renewed their long-standing rivalry. The matchup ended with a 3-2 victory for the NYPD, marking the department’s first win over FDNY in the game in a decade.
Tensions escalated early, with the game tied 1-1 about eight minutes into the first period when multiple players began fighting. The situation carried over to the final whistle, when another altercation broke out, briefly delaying the NYPD’s postgame celebration.
The initial brawl involved two pairs of players exchanging punches, as referees attempted to regain control. During the scuffle, an NYPD player stepped in as a linesman monitored another fight, attempting to stop an FDNY player from continuing to throw punches.
Key Points
- NYPD defeated FDNY 3-2 at UBS Arena in annual charity hockey game
- Multiple fights broke out during the first period and after the final whistle
- Victory marks NYPD’s first win over FDNY in the event in 10 years
Early fight sets tone for heated matchup
Video from the game shows players in red and green jerseys engaged in a physical altercation while officials attempted to separate those involved. The game, intended as a charity event, continued after order was restored, though tensions remained high throughout.
The FDNY-NYPD hockey game is known for its competitive edge, reflecting a broader rivalry between the two departments that extends beyond the rink.
History of brawls in charity game rivalry
Sunday’s incidents are not without precedent. On April 6, 2014, a similar charity game at Nassau Coliseum escalated into a bench-clearing brawl during the second period of a 3-3 game.
That altercation caused a 25-minute delay as players exchanged punches, threw equipment, and left the benches. Several players were ejected, though no serious injuries were reported. The NYPD went on to win that game 8-5, ending a five-game losing streak at the time.
The recurring physicality has often been attributed to the deep-rooted rivalry between the departments, even in a setting designed to raise money for charitable causes.
