GUNS N HOSES: Inaugural Hockey Tournament |

A Des Moines based ice hockey tournament will pit Midwestern police officers against firefighters to raise money for Make A Wish Iowa. 

The annual Guns N Hoses benefit hockey game each March will run in to its 8th year this time round. Last year’s event raised over $20,000 with all the money going to the Children’s Cancer Connection.

Capitalizing on the success of that event, the organizers will hold the first annual Guns N Hoses Winter Classic hockey tournament set to take place on January 18th and 19th.  

“We’ll still have our annual benefit game on March 3rd but wanted a chance to invite police officers and firefighters from other cities to participate and raise even more money for Make A Wish,” explained Travis Hamilton, event coordinator and Johnston police detective. “This will be a good time of camaraderie and fun-filled rivalry with our brothers from other states.”

It will take place at the Des Moines Buccaneers Arena and Metro Ice Sports Facility with tickets going for $5 per day at the door.

The following teams are set to compete: 

Des Moines Metro Police

Des Moines Metro Fire

Quad Cities Police/Fire

Omaha Police/Fire

St. Louis County Police

St. Louis Fire/EMS

Chicago Fire

Nashville Fire

“We are expected some really good hockey to be played and hope our Des Moines teams will have a good showing. We are thrilled to have eight teams this year and hope the tournament continues to grow,” Hamilton said.

 Volunteers and sponsors are encouraged to contact Travis Hamilton at thamilton@cityofjohnston.com