There's a lot of hockey happening at the Pee Wee Arena right now.
Not that hockey is out of the ordinary at this particular location, but the duration and cause behind this current event are a somewhat unique.
Sault firefighters have laced up and issued a challenge to other area teams to support their annual SSM Professional Fire Fighter Hockey Marathon.
The 10th annual 24-hour hockey marathon began Friday when the first teams hit the ice at noon.
Play continued until midnight as our firefighters faced off against teams representing St. Mary's College, Superior Heights, Dave Giulietti, Jamie Henderson, Korah Collegiate, kids of the firefighters, the Northern Treatment Centre, and Chad Bouchard.
"We've had a lot of support from area high schools and all funds raised go to support local charities through our Association," said Joe May, off-ice assistant coordinator. "Events like this help people who are unable to afford some of the devises that are required to make their lives easier and more fulfilling."
"Through events like this, we've been able to help out a lot of families that otherwise wouldn't have been able to reach out for help," said Marty Kenopic, president of the Association of Fire Fighters. "Word is getting out about the event and participation has grown over the years. We keep adding on to the event and more people are supporting it. Sault Ste. Marie is a hockey town, so an event like this just makes sense."
In previous years, the Professional Fire Fighter Hockey Marathon has raised anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 for local charities, and Kenopic said event coordinators hope to see that total increase at this year's event.
In addition to 24 hours of hockey (broken into two blocks of 12 hours), the marathon also featured a Friday night pasta and meatball buffet, and a Saturday morning pancake breakfast with all proceeds going to support the cause.
A number of door prizes are also up for grabs, including autographed hockey jerseys from the Nashville Predators and the Soo Greyhounds.
Play continues today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pee Wee Arena.
For more information about the Sault Ste. Marie Professional Fire Fighters, please click here.