Guns and Hoses match returns to Ashcroft on Jan. 31.

The sixth annual Guns and Hoses charity hockey match will be held at Drylands Arena in Ashcroft on Jan. 31, and proceeds will benefit the Ashcroft Volunteer Firefighters' Association.

The sixth annual Guns and Hoses charity hockey match will be held at Drylands Arena in Ashcroft on Saturday, Jan. 31. The game pits the Guns (law enforcement) against the Hoses (firefighters) and was first staged in Ashcroft in January 2020, an idea started by former RCMP constable Chris Buckland. The match paused in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in 2022. This year’s proceeds are designated for the Ashcroft Volunteer Firefighters' Association. Event details: - Date and location: Saturday, Jan. 31 at Drylands Arena; doors open at 5 p.m. and the puck drops at 6 p.m. - Teams and record: The Hoses have won four of the five previous matches, and the trophy currently resides in the Ashcroft fire hall. - Beneficiary and use of funds: Funds raised this year will go to the Ashcroft Volunteer Firefighters' Association and, according to deputy chief Greg Hiltz, will be used toward new rescue gear because some existing tools are outdated. - Game format and activities: Organizers plan three 20-minute periods of hockey this year, and the event will include a concession run by Thompson-Cariboo Minor Hockey, 70/30 draws, and a puck toss with prizes for pucks closest to centre ice. - Admission and past fundraising: Admission is by donation; previous events have supported local groups (the 2025 match raised more than $11,000). Organizers also note donations can be made by e-transfer to ashcroftfirefightersassoc@gmail.com. Summary: The Guns and Hoses match is a recurring community fundraiser that has supported local organizations since 2020 and returns this year to benefit the Ashcroft Volunteer Firefighters' Association, with proceeds earmarked for rescue gear. The scheduled event will take place Jan. 31 at Drylands Arena, with doors at 5 p.m. and the puck drop at 6 p.m.