Firefighters, Police face off on ice for Detroit youth

DETROIT (WXYZ) - To most of us, hockey is a rink, it's the drop of a puck, it's lacing up the skates.

Sometimes it's much more.

Sunday afternoon, members of the Detroit Police Department and Fire Department faced off at Clark Park to help youth hockey grow in the city.

More often than not, Detroit's youth is left on the outside of the rink looking in.

Financial problems consistently prevent boys and girls from getting on the ice at all. But Clark Park and Sunday's event found a solution.

The proceeds from the charity game helped fund free hockey provided to kids throughout the winter.

"It's an opportunity for kids to have an alternative, where they haven't had as much luck as the rest of us in life," four-time Stanley Cup champion Darren McCarty said.

McCarty suited up with the Police Department, wearing his familiar red and white.

"The people that are involved here do such a great job giving kids an opportunity," McCarty added.

Dozens of kids were on hand to watch their local heroes take to the ice. But one hockey fan in particular provided the moment of the day when he shared his dreams with a group of officers.

"I hope you guys win, because I want to be a policeman," middle school student Santino Codillo told the deputies.

The men in uniform gave Santino some advice.

"They were like, 'Stay in school and stay out of trouble.' I always get in trouble -- but not that much. They said that, then I thought, 'If I get in trouble, then I won't be a policeman."

The sentiment hit home with one officer, who Santino took a picture with in between periods.

"It means a lot. It really makes my day worth it. It makes my eight hour day worth it," Wayne County Deputy Sherriff Jeff Paison said.

The game went into overtime, with the firefighters winning 5-4. But on a day filled with goals, hits, saves, and moments to remember, it's the smiles that proved one thing.

There is much more to hockey.