Orland Police & Fire, Eagles Hockey Club To Face Off For Charity

ORLAND PARK, IL — Some of Orland's finest and bravest, Eagles Hockey Club will hit the ice in a new event to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Illinois, in addition to supporting the high school hockey club.

The Guns & Hoses Fly With Eagles charity hockey game is set for Saturday, March 16 at Arctic Ice Arena, 10700 160th St. The Eagles team, made up of Sandburg High School students, will face off against members of the Orland Park Police Department and Orland Fire Protection District. Proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics and hockey club.

"By supporting this event, you will directly affect the lives of our 21,000 athletes of Special Olympics Illinois and to continue their commitment of excellence," organizers wrote of the event.

The event includes a raffle featuring 24 baskets including items such as a puck signed by retired Blackhawk Chris Chelios, and a Blackhawks hat signed by Seth Jones. First intermission entertainment will include a Skills Competition featuring JV hockey players and skaters from the police and fire departments. A second intermission will feature Chuck-a-Puck and a relay race featuring the house league Arctic Fury players.

The Eagles program is a club hockey organization that has been affiliated with high schools from the Orland Park area since the early 1980s. The club originally incorporated players from Sandburg, Stagg, and Andrew high schools and was first known as the D230 hockey team. Several years later, as the popularity of hockey began to evolve in Orland Park and around the Southland, the Eagles became purely affiliated with Sandburg High School only. In addition to growing awareness for the program, league board members face challenges such as keeping the program’s collective head above water with higher costs for ice time, league fees, and other costs that make hockey economically difficult for many.

Student and athlete tickets are $5 each. Adults are $10. A family ticket can be purchased for $20. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies and puck drop at 6:15 p.m.

Split the pot tickets will be pulled after the third period, along with announcements of basket raffle winners and final award presentation.