PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It was cop against cop at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night, when the Philadelphia Police Department ice hockey team faced off against the New Jersey State Trooper squad. The match was part of a Philadelphia Flyers initiative to honor first responders.
“I’m a police officer, too, so it’s cool to come out and support them and see them play,” said Steve Weis, who sides with Jersey.
“It’s nice to get out. It’s cold out, so we’re inside, and it’s free. So it’s a nice little event to come out to.”
Over on the Philly police side, Stephanie Byrd and her friends were cheering on an old coworker. Byrd said she had two wishes: “Just a real good game. And for him to stay out of the penalty box.”
Less than 10 seconds after the game got started, Philadelphia scored the first goal. About two minutes later, New Jersey tied it up.
Related
“I mean everybody that’s here knows the feeling, having a family member that’s a police officer. It’s trying but it’s also rewarding,” said Emily Burkitt, whose husband plays for Philly.
“It’s really nice to know the Philadelphia police has a community of hockey players, too, that he could merge the two passions that he has,” she said.
Philly won, 10-5, but the camaraderie between the two sides shone through.
The Flyers will be back at Wells Fargo Center at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Starting then, fans must show proof of vaccination to enter the arena.