LOS ANGELES — In January, Jason Northgrave joined his fellow firefighters from El Segundo to fight the Palisades blaze, one of several wildfires affecting Southern California.
Northgrave was not alone. He and other first responders teamed up with former NHL players and celebrities for a charity hockey game called Skate for LA Strong. The event, organized by the Los Angeles Kings and NHL, aimed to aid fire recovery efforts.
“The support we received was incredible,” Northgrave said at Crypto.com Arena. “Participating in an event like this feels amazing. We’re grateful for it. Plus, playing hockey is a lot of fun!”
Another participant, Roger Sackaroff, now a firefighter in Los Angeles, once worked as a sports reporter. He shared how the September 11 attacks shifted his outlook on life and work. “I wanted to make a bigger impact,” he reflected. For 17 years, he has dedicated himself to service through firefighting.
“It’s overwhelming,” Sackaroff added. “We don’t do this for recognition. We do our jobs quietly. So, this appreciation means a lot to us.”
The event featured four teams competing in two semifinals with two 10-minute periods. Team Blue, coached by Danny DeVito and Al Michaels, made it to the finals against Team Red, guided by Vince Vaughn and Cobie Smulders. Team Red emerged victorious with a score of 4-0.
Vaughn praised the event, saying, “It’s tragic that disasters lead to moments like these, but it’s wonderful to see the community unite. The support from across the country speaks volumes about who we are as people in tough times.”
Overall, the event not only raised funds but also fostered community spirit and appreciation for those serving on the front lines.
