Pigs ’N Heat: Rivalry on ice
HOUGHTON — Copper Country police and firefighters will renew their annual rivalry on the ice for a good cause Friday night in Houghton.
The Pigs ‘N Heat hockey game and fundraiser will take place 7 p.m. Friday at the MacInnes Ice Arena, with doors opening an hour earlier.
Proceeds go to Copper Country Police and Fire Relief Fund, which provides funds for victims of crimes, fires or car crashes.
“If their house burns down, or they’re the victim of a crime, we can help them pretty immediately with money, instead of waiting for something like insurance that might take longer,” said Jett Heinonen, a patrol officer with the Houghton Police Department. “This helps people get in the right direction after a tragedy happens, so it’s a great program.”
The B teams — Law Hogs and Leftover Heat — will lead off for the first period before the top players from each squad take the rink for the final two periods.
Police will be looking for a repeat of last year’s performance, which netted them a 10-7 win.
“I grew up playing hockey my whole life, so it’s really fun to play a competitive game,” Heinonen said. “It’s a little rivalry between the cops and the firefighters, so we keep that going.”
There will also be plenty of entertainment beyond the game, as people can enter a raffle for cash prizes of up to $1,000 or for a gun. People must be 18 to enter. Thousands of dollars worth of other prizes will also be awarded during the game.
Between periods, people can also win by entering the Chuck-A-Puck competition to hit the target from the stands.
Tickets are $5 for adults; for children 17 and under, the cost is $1 or a presold raffle ticket.