David Archambeau/For the Gazette Team Heat’s John Erickson fires a shot during the Annual Pigs n’ Heat game Friday night at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton. Team Pigs won the game.

HOUGHTON — After a three-year layoff due to COVID, local police and firefighters squared off once again for a worthy cause.

Thousands turned out for Friday night’s Pigs n’ Heat hockey game at the MacInnes Ice Arena. Proceeds from the event go to the Pigs n’ Heat fund, which helps victims of fires and other emergencies.

Some of the beneficiaries of the Pigs n’ Heat fund were in the building. Members of Lambda Chi Alpha, the Michigan Technological University fraternity whose house is being rebuilt after a June 2022 fire, volunteered during the game.

The high-scoring event had less experienced B squads play the first period before the A squad took over for the final two.

The Pigs withstood a furious rally from Heat to pull out a 10-7 win. The pace of goals sped up as the game went on. Several goals in the third period arrived before the previous one could be announced.

Halfway through the first period, the game paused so the jersey of former Houghton County Sheriff Brian McLean could be retired.

It’s an honor that would have thrilled him, said his wife, Kelly McLean. She thanked all the law enforcement, firefighters and emergency personnel who serve the Copper Country.

“I thank you all for being here and supporting this event that helps fire victims,” she said. “…Slim’s looking down from heaven and he’s saying, ‘Go Team One.'”

Three years worth of Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards were presented to retiring Laurium Police Chief Robert Kyllonen, Sgt. Beth Maatta of Michigan Tech Public Safety and Det. Lt. Charlie Klein of the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department.

They also recognized this year’s Firefighter of the Year, Mike Bianco of the L’Anse Fire Department.

Players described a good-natured rivalry and a sense of camaraderie.

“There’s good healthy fun back and forth,” said Alan Narhi of the Michigan State Police.

“There’s good competition. It’s awesome because a lot of people come out to this in support of the community … That’s my favorite part is just seeing all the community come out, come together.”

Narhi admitted there’s some fun associated with being on the winning team.

“There’s a little bit of bragging rights,” he said. “You want to keep the trophy.”

Nick Trezona of Lake Linden Fire Department is in his second year. The event is fun and good for the community, he said. His favorite part was watching people receive awards.

“It’s all one big community supporting each other, and all the law enforcement and volunteers that help everything,” he said. We come together and we just have fun.”

For Aaron Hainault of the Laurium Police Department, playing in the game was the culmination of a dream he’d had since he was a child. It’s a great organization, and a great atmosphere, he said.

“It’s just fun seeing the pep band up there,” he said. “It gives you that College Division I feel. Also they have great prizes, and it’s just everyone coming together for a good cause.”