Las Vegas First Responders Raise Mental Health Funds Through 'Guns N' Hoses' Hockey Game

Annual charity hockey match brings together police and firefighters to support mental health resources for first responders.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Police officers and firefighters from across the Las Vegas valley traded badges for skates on February 28 at Lee's Family Forum, as the annual Guns N' Hoses Charity Hockey Game returned to Henderson in support of first responder mental health. The event, organized by the Henderson Silver Knights and Sin City FD Sports, featured players representing various Las Vegas-area law enforcement and fire departments, as well as Vegas Golden Knights alumnus Deryk Engelland.

Why it matters

The Guns N' Hoses game brings together the first responder community to raise funds and awareness for mental health resources, an issue that has become increasingly important given the stresses and trauma that police, firefighters, and other emergency personnel face on the job. The event also highlights the strong bond between the first responder and local hockey communities in Las Vegas, which was forged in the aftermath of the 2017 mass shooting.

The details

The hockey game featured a friendly rivalry between the participating law enforcement and fire departments, but the camaraderie off the ice remained the event's defining quality. Proceeds from the game benefited organizations working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues among first responders. LVMPD officer Robert Anderson emphasized the importance of seeking support, stating: "The strongest thing you could ever do is ask for help, and there's nothing wrong with that."

  • The Guns N' Hoses Charity Hockey Game took place on February 28, 2026.
  • The event was held at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada.

The players

Matt Wilson

A Las Vegas Fire & Rescue medic and firefighter, and the founder of Sin City FD Sports, which organized the event in partnership with the Henderson Silver Knights.

Deryk Engelland

A former Vegas Golden Knights player who returned to the ice to show his support for the first responder community.

Robert Anderson

An LVMPD officer who reflected on the impact of the October 1, 2017 mass shooting and the role of the Golden Knights in bringing the city together.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're all one brotherhood. We're all out there serving the public, doing our thing, working together.”

— Matt Wilson, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue medic and firefighter, founder of Sin City FD Sports (x1075lasvegas.com)

“Anything that they do, I support them in all ways because what they do on an everyday thing, every day, keeping our community safe.”

— Deryk Engelland (x1075lasvegas.com)

“When October 1 happened … what that did is changed the city for the better. We had our own team that was our own, and they were our boys.”

— Robert Anderson, LVMPD officer (x1075lasvegas.com)

What’s next

The organizers of the Guns N' Hoses Charity Hockey Game plan to continue the annual event, with the goal of raising even more funds and awareness for first responder mental health resources in the years to come.

The takeaway

The Guns N' Hoses hockey game demonstrates the strong bond between the first responder and local hockey communities in Las Vegas, and their shared commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of those who serve on the front lines of public safety. The event's success highlights the power of sports to bring people together and drive positive change in the community.