The 44th Annual FDNY vs NYPD Charity hockey game took place this past Saturday night, March 18th, at the sold out Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn. Pre-game ceremonies included the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, FDNY/NYPD dignitaries, a beautiful rendition of God Bless America, soldiers from Hope for the Warriors, and our national anthem by the FDNY Ceremonial Unit. A moment of silence was held for all FDNY and NYPD members lost to LODD, 9/11 illnesses and for EMT Yadira Arroyo who was just tragically killed while working in the Bronx. Ceremonial Puck drop was by LODD families of DC Michael Fahy from FDNY, Detective Steve McDonald and Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo of NYPD.
The NYPD opened the scoring at 12:37 of the first period on a goal by John Antonaides (21) assisted by Kyle Gabay (12). Steve Romano (12) of FDNY tied it up at 8:25 with assists from Anthony Antenucci (13) and John Sullivan (19). At 6:23, FDNY took at 2-1 lead on a shorthanded goal by Chris Ryan (17). Chet Wakie (19) ended the first period scoring tying it up at 2-2.
A little more than 2 minutes into the second period Chris Princiotta (44) of New York’s Bravest scored with an assist from Tom Reno (25) and Joe Sanger (10). NYPD tied it back up at 3-3 with another goal from Chet Wakie (19) forty seconds later, assisted by Kevin Higgins (18). But that was the final goal for NYPD for the rest of the game. FDNY’s Wes Cookingham (14) received a pass from EJ Coyne (15) to put them up 4-3, also assisted by Tom Reno (25). After two periods the score was 4-3.
Julian Carney (11) scored a short handed goal at 17:14 of the third and later scored his second of the game at 8:57. Tom Reno finished out the scoring with an empty net with 2:40 left in the game.
Goalie Shawn Mullan was the winning goalie for New York’s Bravest. Game MVP’s went to Chet Wakie (19) of NYPD with 2 goals and Tom Reno of FDNY with 1 goal and 2 assists.
Photographs can be seen at www.NYFirePhotos.com which were taken by our team photographer, Dennis Whittam.
The FDNY Hockey Team would like to thank all fans and sponsors who supported us to make this years game such a great success…see you next year!!!