BOSTON — A night of hockey and community spirit brought local law enforcement and former NHL players together on the ice last week.

Officers from the Westford and Chelmsford police departments faced off against the Boston Bruins Alumni, a team composed of former Bruins players, in a charity hockey game at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton.

The exhibition game, held Saturday evening, was part of a fundraiser known as the Meghan McWeeney Melo Memorial Classic, bringing together community members, hockey fans, and first responders for a night of friendly competition.

Made up of former professional players such as Reggie Lemelin, Joe Mullin, Kevin Linseman and Dave Shaw, the Bruins Alumni regularly  travel across New England playing charity games and participating in benefit events that raise money for local causes.

WestfordCAT spoke to organizers, who said the annual matchup continues to grow each year, combining hockey, fundraising, and community support into one memorable night on the ice.

“We really don’t know who’s going to play until about a week or two ahead of the time,” Westford Police Lieutenant Brian Gendron said, who helped organize the event. “There’s always a few big names in there, Chara is always thrown in, last year it was potentially Marchand before the trade, even though he’s a current player. You never really know who you’re going to get.”

Proceeds from the event went toward cancer-related charities, including programs supported by the nonprofit Voices of Hope and the Mass. General Brigham Cancer Institute, helping fund research and support services for patients and families.

Fans packed the Bruins’ practice facility to cheer on both sides as officers traded checks and shots with former NHL players in a competitive but light-hearted matchup. 

While the officers lost to the Bruins Alumni 14-5, the game highlighted the close connection between local police departments and the communities they serve, all while raising thousands of dollars for a meaningful cause.

For local officers, the goal wasn’t just to win the game, it was to help score a victory in the fight against cancer.

“I think the event went wonderfully,” Gendron said.

“I just touched base with the head organizer of Voices for Hope and he informed me we raised over $25,000 from this event for Mass. General, which is great. And that’s after we paid off all our costs and everything. I think the value that (this event) brings to Westford and Chelmsford and all the people involved with Voices of Hope and Mass. General is immense. I don’t really think you can put into words how much an organization like Voices for Hope really truly appreciates the Westford and Chelmsford Police Departments being involved. And that being said, I don’t really think you can put into words how much the Westford Police and Chelmsford Police appreciate our community members who participate, our community partners, people who donate, people who come to the game… we can’t put that into words.”