Members of the Westfield Fire Department join a group of children in front of a fire truck as part of a fundraiser kickoff celebration Friday. The annual event will feature former Boston Bruins legends facing off against the Westfield Fire Department team at the Amelia Park Ice Arena, March 10, 2013. The afternoon event will feature a children’s clinic at 3 p.m. with game time at 5 p.m. The fundraiser is sponsored by firefighters Union 1111 and proceeds will benefit not-for-profit organizations throughout the city. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – Those who crave some hockey action because of the National Hockey League lockout will be in for a treat come March, when former Boston Bruins stars, known as the Black and Gold Legends, take the ice at Amelia Park to play the Westfield Fire Department’s Local Union 1111 in a charity ice hockey game at Amelia Park Arena.
The event will take place at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 10 and give locals a chance to see former Bruin greats skate against Westfield firefighters, all while supporting the WFD’s Local 1111, which sponsors Westfield Youth Hockey, Little League, and other sports teams throughout the Whip City through its “Save a Life” program.
The event is free and open to the public, but donations are being sought prior to March 10, and two paid clinics for youth run by some of the Bruins players will take place before the game.
The first clinic will take place from 3-4 p.m. the day of the event and is for children that play in MItes and Squirts divisions. The second clinic will be for children who play in Pee-Wee divisions and up and will take place from 4-5 p.m. Cost for children to take part in either clinic is $30 per child.
“This will be a nice family event that will be good for kids and parents,” said Westfield firefighter/EMT Ray Nielsen, who is coordinating the event for a second consecutive year. “Westfield is a hockey town, so we’re hoping the arena will be packed with hockey fans that night. It’s a great way for people to support the community and enjoy some hockey.”
Westfield firefighters, emergency personnel, and others will play against the Black and Gold Legends, who have featured former Bruins such as Lyndon Byers, Wayne Cashman, and John McKenzie.
Last year’s charity game featured former Bruins Andy Brickley, Bob Beers and Don Marcotte.
The event will also include raffles for autographed memorabilia, a silent auction, and more.
Additional details will be forthcoming as the event approaches.
