Uniondale - - Over the weekend I attended the FDNY-NYPD hockey game for the first time in years. My first experience was very positive and this one was just as positive. FDNY (Bravest) won this game 10-7 but they actually had a 4-0 lead and the NYPD (Finest) fought back to make it a game in the third period.

The 75% full Nassau Coliseum was rocking all game long. Instead of being the Mausoleum there was a lot of life in the building and it shows that fans will show up to that arena to watch hockey. As I was speaking to a lot of the fans they have just given up on the New York Islanders (who are currently ranked 29th in attendance) and that’s sad.

I watched this arena being built and I’ve attended a lot of events there over the years and this was one of the best. Fans were there early, tailgating, imbibing, but it was a fun-loving crowd and while I was visiting with some folks and making new friends the game was like a big family affair. The atmosphere felt like a big hug, except for the guys playing their hearts out on the ice.

This game didn’t have a fight and just one penalty that I can remember. There seemed to be more FDNY fans in the crowd and for some reason there was a lot of negativity being slung at the policeman, maybe it’s their image but I’m not sure.

For those of you that love the FDNY sweater here is how you can get them and it’s a charitable donation!

FDNY
http://www.firezonestore.org/fdhoje.html

If you haven’t checked out this game then get out to one. It’s an all day event and the fans there are die-hard hockey fans and most of them know some of the players and that sets this game apart.

Next year is the 10th anniversary of the post 9/11 game and I was there and I’ll be at that game as well.