FDNY Firefighters to Play Hockey Game versus Russian Firefighters

Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano with members of the FDNY Hockey Team, the EMERCOM Russian Firefighters' Hockey Team and the Russian American Foundation.

It's bound to be a great weekend of hockey.

Members of the FDNY Hockey Team are playing a charity hockey match against EMERCOM Russian firefighters on June 18; then joining former members of the New York Rangers to play against legends of U.S.S.R. hockey team on June 19. Sponsored by the Russian American Foundation and the New York Daily News, both events will take place at Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn as part of the 9th annual Russian Heritage Festival.

"This speaks of the bond between firefighters, no matter where they're from," Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano said during the announcement at the quarters of Engine 39/Ladder 16 in Manhattan on June 13. "This event is firefighters coming together and celebrating their athleticism and camaraderie."

Vice President of the Russian American Foundation, Rina Kirshner, added, "We hope this introduces and continues a positive dialogue between Russian and American firefighters."

Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano shares a laugh with Russian firefighters, CEO of the NY Daily News William Holiber and President of the Russian American Foundation Marina Kovelyou.

Proceeds from the games will go to the FDNY Widows and Children's Fund, in remembrance of the upcoming 10th anniversary of September 11.

Tickets are available through the Russian American Foundation's website.

"It's an honor to be a part of this important event," said William Holiber, CEO of the New York Daily News. "I hope this shows how well we work together."

After exchanging gifts and taking photos together, the players said they were excited for the game.

"These are special friendship games," said Vladimir Rozanov, a firefighter playing for EMERCOM.

Lt. Tom Reno from Engine 281, who is captain of the FDNY hockey team, added: "It's an honor for us to represent New York City. We have a bond as firefighters - but we'll try to keep that off the ice."

Learn more about these two games.