FOXBORO, MASS. (WHDH) - State police troopers from across Massachusetts hit the ice in Foxboro on Friday as the Massachusetts State Police Hockey Memorial Fund hosted its 15th annual Charity Hockey Tournament.
The event gathered troopers to play and raise money, with over 180 skaters participating.
“This is the one event where we all come together,” said Steve Valair of the MSP Hockey Memorial Fund. “…And we raise a lot of money for a good cause.”
The tournament allowed troopers to take a break from patrols to pass the puck regardless of skill level.
“Some of the guys can’t even skate,” said State Police Association of Massachusetts President Patrick McNamara. “They’re out here just to have a good time.”
“It’s just about the camaraderie, being together,” McNamara said.
Some famous faces made an appearance at the event.
Among them was former New England Patriot and two-time Super Bowl champion Rob Ninkovich, who showed his support for the cause.
Ninkovich said he started to come to this event in the past and has continued to attend each year.
“It’s a great event here at the Foxboro ice hockey arena,” he said.
The competition benefited the MSP Hockey Memorial Fund, which provides support for the families of troopers killed in the line of duty.
Among those supported by the event was the family of fallen Trooper Tamar Bucci, who was killed last year in Stoneham when a truck crashed into her cruiser while she was trying to help a motorist on the side of the road.
Her legacy will soon be honored on the national level as well.
“Trooper Tamar Bucci will be placed on the wall this year down in Washington D.C.,” McNamara said. “Anytime that we’re at an event that honors troopers past, present, but specifically those that gave their life in the line of duty, it’s sombering and it’s an event of remembrance.”
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