This community knows how to rally when it matters most. For over 10 years, Centre Ice Arena has been the place where support turns into action through the Annual Guns N’ Hoses hockey game. This year, on Saturday, Feb. 21, the community will come together at Centre Ice Arena again in support of the Miner Family.

The Grand Traverse Guns N’ Hoses hockey game began in 2014, from a drive to support a local law enforcement family dealing with a child’s cancer diagnosis. A group of other public service members came together to put on Guns N’ Hoses, a hockey game of firefighters vs. police officers from around the area. From then on, a rivalry on the ice and a legacy of community support off the ice began.

Since its inception, Guns N’ Hoses has given back over $300,000 to those in need in the Grand Traverse Area. The organization’s volunteer board spends its time outside of work putting together all aspects of the hockey game and the annual golf outing, as well as finding other ways to support the community.

Seeing the impact on the families after the event is over is what keeps these volunteers going. “After the event, when we sit down with the family and we give them that check, along with the continuing updates and feedback that we get from past families keep us going,” said Board Member Nick Lemcool. The families this board has helped have become part of the community and support system. “That’s one thing we’ve created with this is that family. We pick a family that we’re going to help out, and then they stick around and continue to help,” said Lemcool.

Behind every selection is thoughtful consideration and deep respect. When nominations open each fall, the board understands they aren’t just choosing a beneficiary—they’re choosing a family the community will stand behind. While a formal evaluation process helps guide the decision, it’s the impact that matters most. “It relieves some of the financial pressures on them for a time,” Lemcool said. “And everyone we’ve helped has been gracious. They always come back to help us and support others.”

The 2026 beneficiary will no doubt return to help in the future, as helping is at the heart of their foundation. Cherryland member Austin Miner lost his father, Lieutenant Jonathan Miner, unexpectedly in the fall of 2025. Lt. Miner lived a life of service to others; on the job, he served for 30 years with the Springfield Township Fire Department. At home, he and his wife Deena fostered 40 children and adopted four. “He was always the first one to jump up and do something when needed, and then when it was done, he’d take a shirt off and give it to you and say, ‘what else do you need?’” shared Austin Miner.

Lt. Miner’s legacy of service lives on through his son Austin, who serves with the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department, and his daughter, Kayla Grant, who is a firefighter/paramedic with the Springfield Township Fire Department, where he served. It is clear that Lt. Miner’s impact was felt even further. “It’s extremely humbling. You don’t really expect to be in this position ever. When all these places, Guns N’ Hoses included, reached out, it just shows the impact that he had. It’s been so amazing,” said Miner.

The Guns N’ Hoses board invites everyone to come out and join them on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Centre Ice to support the Miner Family. This impact will ripple through many communities as Lt. Miner’s legacy continues to shape future generations. The 21st is sure to be a night of community support and making memories, which is what Jonathan was all about. When asked what something is that they want the community to know, Austin shared this: “Make those memories with loved ones, families, friends. Don’t dwell on the past; just keep moving forward one day at a time. You don’t know if tomorrow’s coming. So make those memories and make ‘em count. It’s pretty much Dad.”

The Guns N’ Hoses 2026 Game will be Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Centre Ice. Learn more about tickets, volunteer opportunities, and silent auction donations on their Facebook Page, Grand Traverse Guns N Hoses.