First responders, SJ Sharks alumni raise $40,000 for North Bay fire relief with hockey game

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) -- First responders and San Jose Sharks alumni had a hockey showdown on Friday evening to raise money for victims of the devastating North Bay fires.

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You didn't have to be a hockey fan to love and respect the matchup on the ice.

North Bay firest responders, better known as the "Guns 'N Hoses" hockey team joined forces to battle veterans from the San Jose Sharks.

"We may have some injuries, these guys aren't getting any younger," joked former San Jose Shark Curtis Brown.

Brown jumped at the chance to get back on the ice to help local fire victims.

"When it's linked to a tragedy like this, it's a no-brainer. If we can bring anything positive, that's what we're going to do," he added.

"It's what we do, regardless if I'm involved or not," said Robert Nappi of the Rancho Adobe Fire Department. "I want to give back. I love to play hockey. Nothing wrong with that."

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The ice rink was built by the late cartoonist Charles Shultz.

Sadly, the Shultz' family home burnt in the fire. His widow Jean says the community hasn't forgotten the North Bay fire victims.

"All the love comes out, helps us to heal," said Jean. "We get some and it heals us all."

The Sharks' team won the game 7 - 3 but both sides scored big raising $40,000 to benefit fire relief charities.

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