Firefighters Triumph in Guns and Hoses Cup, Raising $2,900 for Charity

Iqaluit firefighters showcased their skills on the ice Sunday night, defeating the Iqaluit RCMP 9-2 in the annual Guns and Hoses Cup. The charity hockey game held at Arnaitok Arena raised a record $2,900 for men’s mental health services, marking a significant achievement for community fundraising efforts.

Fire Chief Solomon Tagak expressed enthusiasm following the contest, emphasizing the importance of the event. “We’re already planning ideas for next year,” he said. The event not only provided entertainment but also served a charitable purpose, with the fire department and RCMP collecting six grocery bags for the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre.

The game began with a strong showing from the firefighters, who quickly established dominance. Defenseman Nick Dunphy was instrumental in their early efforts, clearing the puck from the crease after a save by goalie Connor Ogg. The firefighters scored their first goal five minutes into the match, setting the tone for the evening.

Despite several close calls, including shots from RCMP forward Josh Pollock that narrowly missed the target, the firefighters maintained control. Nathan Link scored the second goal for the firefighters, and they finished the first period with a commanding 4-0 lead.

As the second period commenced, the RCMP attempted to regroup. Pollock managed to score, bringing the RCMP on the scoreboard. However, the firefighters responded with an unassisted goal from Dunphy, increasing their lead to 5-1. The pace of the game remained intense, with both teams creating opportunities, but the firefighters capitalized on their chances, finishing the second period ahead 7-2.

The final period featured fast-paced action, with both teams exchanging shots and opportunities. The firefighters sealed their victory with two more goals, concluding the game at 9-2. Both teams acknowledged that the score did not reflect the competitive nature of the match.

“It was pretty evenly matched,” Dunphy noted, highlighting the fun atmosphere. The sentiment was echoed by RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Smith, who remarked on the camaraderie shared during the game. “There were a lot of smiles and laughter,” he said, reflecting on the positive community spirit.

In addition to the hockey game, the fire department will host its annual food drive on December 6, 2023. Community members can donate food items at Northmart from 9 a.m. to noon and at Arctic Ventures from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This initiative further underscores the commitment of both the firefighters and the RCMP to supporting local charities and fostering community engagement.