Our Daily Show Interview! Guns & Hoses Hockey Set for Saturday at East Alton Ice Arena!
EAST ALTON - Community members can support local first responders at the upcoming Guns and Hoses hockey game.
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On Saturday, March 21, 2026, local police officers and firefighters will compete in a hockey game at East Alton Ice Arena. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the game kicks off at 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 and is free for kids 5 and under. Proceeds will go to the Madison County Fallen Officers Memorial Fund.
“We all like to get together and play hockey. So if we like to get together and play hockey, we might as well raise some money for good causes,” explained organizer Zach Dellamano, a Troy police officer. “Not only is it a blast, but then we get to reward the community as well.”
In addition to the game, attendees can enjoy concessions, a 50/50 raffle, a booze barrel, basket raffles, and a chuck-a-puck game.
Dellamano emphasized that the event is great for families and kids of all ages. He hopes to welcome more kids out to enjoy an experience similar to watching the St. Louis Blues.
He admitted that while it’s not “NHL-caliber hockey,” the game is still a lot of fun for everyone who attends. The players enjoy the sport, but they get even more fun out of the chirping and scuffles, especially because everyone is friendly off the ice.
There will also be kids from an 8u hockey team who play between periods. These kids will be selling the raffle tickets throughout the day; Dellamano encourages attendees to bring cash so they can participate.
The Metro East First Responders Hockey Club hosts a Guns and Hoses competition every year, but their cause varies. They have donated to individual first responders and their families who are in need as well as causes like the Madison County Fallen Officers Memorial Fund.
No matter where the money goes, Dellamano assures people they are supporting a great cause. During the game, the organizers will present two jerseys to police officers who were shot in the line of duty last year. Dellamano believes this underlines the importance of supporting first responders.
“We really appreciate the community’s support,” he said. “It really makes us feel supported and that people are aware of some of the hardships that we face. We try not to be martyrs about it. But at the same time, I personally don’t have an issue with what I do, but maybe some guys do. Maybe some guys have PTSD or something like that. We can help out.”
Community members are encouraged to be a part of this support on March 21, 2026. For more information about the Guns and Hoses game, visit the official Facebook event page. To secure your tickets, email Dellamano today at zd197@troypolice.com.
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