18th Annual Guns ‘N’ Hoses Charity Hockey Game Returns to Roanoke

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – The “Guns” came away with a 3-0 victory for the 18th annual Guns ‘N’ Hoses charity hockey game, but Saturday night was more than what happened on the ice.

“I really like the hockey aspect. But to be able to come here and have all the fans here and they help fundraise. We’re hosting an event for them, so they can give back to the community, it’s awesome,” said Issac Wilson, a member of “Team Hoses” and whose father is a retired Roanoke County firefighter.

“The scoreboard is good, but that’s not what it’s about. It’s about getting out here having fun, raising money, always for a good cause,” said Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nick Harper.

After being canceled in 2021, thousands came out for a few goals, a few fights and an overall great night.

“Tonight we gathered just over 6,600 people here and raised $30,000 for charity,” said Toby Martin, president of the Roanoke Valley Guns N Hoses Charity Hockey Group.

Over the years, the event has raised $400,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association since its inception. This year, leaders have chosen a few new charities in the Roanoke Valley to donate to.

“This year, we chose the Friends of Blue Ridge and Roanoke County Parks and Recreation to build an ADA accessible park at Explore Park,” Martin said.

Soon, players will trade their skates for tools. They plan to be part of the construction process for the new park.

“Our people and our players are going to go out and turn keys and put it all together,” Martin said.

“We’re actually going to be there building it ourselves, and we’re looking forward to being there and being able to participate in the community,” Harper said.

As long as everything goes according to plan, this construction will begin in 2022.

For more information on Roanoke Valley Guns N Hoses, you can find their Facebook here.