Facing off for charity (7 photos)

There were no referees and no numbers on the scoreboard, but none of the players on the ice at the Soo Pee Wee Arena Sunday cared. They were there for the 12th annual charity hockey marathon hosted from 8 a.m. to midnight by Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services.

Firefighter and event coordinator Chris Huckson told SooToday that last year’s event went far beyond expectations, raising $15,000 for local charities. This year he projects a fundraising tally around the $10,000 mark.

“This event brings a lot of us together and it’s a lot of fund. Any time we’re raising money for charity is an awesome experience,” he said.

Firefighters were on the ice for the entire 16-hour fundraiser, facing teams that included those entered by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, OPP, Jamie Henderson, St. Mary’s College, Superior Heights, and Korah Collegiate.

They were facing off against the Korah Colts when SooToday visited the event Sunday afternoon. And Huckson said spectators should ignore the blank scoreboard.

“We keep score in our head, depending on who’s playing, especially the kids. We know who’s winning right now,” he joked.

All proceeds from the annual hockey marathon fund a variety of charities the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services support throughout the year.