Orange County, Orlando firefighters to hit the ice to help families of fallen first responders

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando and Orange County firefighters will be hitting the ice for a good cause this weekend.

“Our mission is to help the families of fallen first responders,” said Lt. Bradley Shanks.

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Shanks is part of the Orlando Firefighters Hockey Club.

He will be on the ice Saturday as the Orlando Fire Department takes on the Orange County Fire Rescue Department in a heated rivalry game.

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“It always starts off pretty friendly. We kind of work in the same areas. Know a bunch of guys on each team. Once the clock starts ticking down nobody wants to lose the game so you can expect a good competition out there,” said Asher Blumenthal.

But it’s what happens before the game that matters most.

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“The pre-ice festivities with the tribute is very heartfelt,” Shanks said. “We bring the families on to the ice. We talk about each individual that passed away in the line of duty. The pre-ice festivities are just as much of a draw as the actual game itself. Because that’s why were here doing this. We love hockey. But we also want to do something great for our community and help our first responders.”

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The festivities start at 4 p.m. Saturday at the RDV Ice Den. Tickets are $10.

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