Event: Newton Police Lace Up Skates for Charity

The will take to the ice tonight and face Canton Police Department in a hockey match that hopes to bring awareness and support for a cause that hits close to home.

During tonight's match, the Police Department will be holding a 50/50 raffle to benefit both Cops for Kids with Cancer as well as the family of a Newton Police officer who passed away with the disease.

Joseph Kelly, who passed away from a form of stomach cancer two years ago at the age of 38, served as a police officer for seven years. He was in the Newton Department for five of the seven years, according to Newton Police Capt. Dennis Dowling, one of the event organizers of tonight's event.

When Kelly passed away, he left behind a young daughter and son, Dowling said, Audrey and Tommy. Audrey is now 6 and Tommy is 4. The money raised tonight will benefit both the charity and Kelly's family.

The 50/50 raffle tickets will be sold for $5 a piece, Dowling said. There is no admission charge to the game.

In March, the department holds a hockey tournament for the same cause, this year bringing in 10 teams and raising around $10,000, Dowling said.

Tonight's event is a bit of a "grudge match," Dowling said, as the Canton Police are looking for a win after losing to Newton the last time they faced off. 

Following the match, which will be held at the Fessenden School ice rink, the 50/50 raffle will be drawn at the in Nonantum. Dowling said he expects people will gather at the pub around 9:30-10p.m.