NYPD and FDNY Renew Storied Hockey Rivalry at UBS Arena

Annual charity game between New York's first responders draws passionate crowds and intense competition.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:38am

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The annual hockey game between the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the New York Fire Department (FDNY) is a highly anticipated event, with the two teams battling it out on the ice in front of a packed crowd at UBS Arena. The game, which dates back to 1974, is filled with physical play, flying fists, and high-octane action as the first responders from both departments compete for bragging rights.

Why it matters

The NYPD-FDNY hockey game is more than just a sporting event - it's a celebration of the brotherhood and camaraderie between the city's first responders. The game serves as a way for the departments to come together, honor their fallen comrades, and showcase the intense rivalry and pride that exists between the two groups.

The details

The game, which is set to take place on Sunday at 1:30 pm, is a highly anticipated event that sells out NHL arenas year after year. Both teams have been training hard for months, with players sacrificing overtime, missing family events, and even sleeping at the office to be in top shape for the big game. The action on the ice is intense, with bone-crushing hits, open-ice fights, and players leaving the game limping. The FDNY holds a 31-18-2 all-time record against the NYPD, but the cops are determined to end that streak this year.

  • The annual NYPD-FDNY hockey game has been a tradition since 1974.
  • This year's game will take place on Sunday, March 28, 2026 at 1:30 pm at UBS Arena.

The players

Nick Battaglia

A firefighter and goalie for the FDNY hockey team.

Charlie Venticinque

The general manager and former captain of the NYPD hockey team.

George Antzoulis

The newly anointed captain and defenseman for the NYPD hockey team.

Dan O'Donoghue

A center and alternate captain for the NYPD hockey team, who was in Islanders rookie camp in 2010.

Stephen Kelly

A right wing for the FDNY hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“This is basically our Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.”

— Nick Battaglia, Firefighter and goalie

“The first two minutes of that game, everyone wants to kill each other. Nobody's worried about the puck. If you have the puck, you're getting tanked.”

— Charlie Venticinque, NYPD general manager and former captain

“Seeing the stands fill up, then you do the 9/11 remembrance, the bagpipes, and the national anthem ... you try to take it all in. It goes really fast.”

— Dan O'Donoghue, NYPD center and alternate captain

“That passion runs through you. ... We stand up for each other, we look out for each other. It's just like your family at home. You're going to defend them ... whether you're at work or on the hockey rink. That's the fire department brotherhood.”

— Stephen Kelly, FDNY right wing

“We're due. Man, we need one ... it's something I'm dying for.”

— George Antzoulis, NYPD captain and defenseman

What’s next

The NYPD and FDNY hockey teams will face off at UBS Arena on Sunday, March 28, 2026 at 1:30 pm in the 52nd annual matchup between the two departments.

The takeaway

The NYPD-FDNY hockey game is more than just a sporting event - it's a celebration of the brotherhood and camaraderie between New York's first responders. The intense rivalry and physical play on the ice showcases the passion and pride that these public servants have for their respective departments, while also honoring the memory of those who have fallen in the line of duty.