The NYPD and the FDNY are having a hockey face-off for a good cause

The annual clash between the NYPD and the FDNY is returning to the ice once again, as the two agencies prepare for the 52nd installment of their long-running charity hockey rivalry. The upcoming “Bravest vs. Finest” game, officially presented by Ford Motor Company, is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, continuing a tradition that has brought together New York’s first responders for more than half a century.

The event features active members of the NYPD and FDNY lacing up their skates for a full-scale hockey matchup that blends competition with community support. The FDNY roster includes firefighters and paramedics from companies and stations across the city, with Engine Company 309’s Jim Becker serving as team captain. Assistant captains Bryan Elfant of Ladder Company 151, Derek Kern of Ladder Company 176, and Stephen Kelly of Ladder Company 127 will help guide the lineup, which also features multiple goaltenders, including Nick Battaglia of Ladder Company 169 and Lieutenant Joe Meola of Engine Company 10.

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While the game highlights athletic competition, its broader purpose centers on fundraising and support for charitable causes associated with both departments. The annual contest has become one of the most visible events celebrating New York’s first responder community, drawing large crowds and strengthening the longstanding camaraderie between firefighters and police officers.

Recent history adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup. In April 2025, the FDNY defeated the NYPD 6–2 during the 51st edition of the game at UBS Arena. That victory extended a dominant stretch for the firefighters, who have gone 6-0-1 in their last seven meetings with the police department. FDNY players typically take the ice wearing black uniforms, while the NYPD squad skates in white.

The rivalry itself stretches back more than 50 years and has grown into a signature event for the city’s first responders. As of early 2025, the FDNY held a 30-18-3 edge in the all-time series. The teams’ physical style of play and strong departmental pride have helped turn the matchup into one of the most anticipated charity sporting events in New York.

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Beyond the scoreboard, the game underscores the shared mission of both agencies: protecting the city and supporting the community.