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

ORLAND PARK, IL — Some of Orland's finest and bravest, will hit the ice with the Eagles Hockey Club, in the return of an 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 Friday, March 14 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. Doors open at 6 p.m., puck drop at 7 p.m.

In its debut last year, the event saw 450 attendees take in the matchup.

"It's really a great event with our first responders and our high school hockey players giving back to the community," said Eagles President Joe Rihani.

The event features a basket raffle, Chuck-a-Puck, and more. Last year's game featured approximately 15 baskets up for grabs, with a variety of items such as a TV, gift cards, beauty products, sports memorabilia, food and drink items, golf lessons, electronics, memberships, experiences, etc. Rihani is still accepting items to be included in the raffle, with a wish list including gift cards, electronics, tools, trips, hotel stays, sports tickets and/or memorabilia. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available, with options ranging from $100 to $2,500.

Anyone with questions regarding sponsorships or donations, or to request a pickup of a donation, should contact Marisa Walsh at teachwalsh5@aol.com or (708)277-4715 or Martha Montalvo at mikenmarth@comcast.net or (708)261-6174.

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.

Tickets for adults are $10, and $5 for students age 6 through 18. Children 5 and under are free. Online ticket sales will close on Thursday, March 13. Tickets at the door are $15 per person.