Amherstburg and Essex fire departments suit up for charity hockey game

Amherstburg captain Corey Beaulieu (centre) goes after a loose puck during the third period of Friday’s game.

A good game, for a good cause in front of a very good crowd.

The Amherstburg Fire Department hung on to beat their firefighting counterparts from Essex 10-8 in a well-attended charity hockey game April 17 at the Essex Centre Sports Complex.

Admission to the game was non-perishable goods which were donated to the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission and the Essex Food Bank.

“The two associations got together and wanted to do a charity game,” explained Essex Fire and Rescue Services Chief Jason Pillon.

His father, Ed, is a retired chief of the department and had the honour of dropping the ceremonial puck to kick off the game.

“There is a lot of camaraderie and bond between the fire departments in the county. This brings them together. We always say we are a family,” said Jason.

The game was a spirited one which saw Amherstburg jump into a quick 5-1 lead but Essex quickly extinguished the difference, narrowing the gap to 7-5 after two periods of play.

“I think we fell asleep for a bit, they (Essex) were skating,” said District Chief Rick Wismer, who coached the winning side.

Wismer’s son Ryan and nephew Christopher suited up for Amherstburg and that duo, along with team captain Corey Beaulieu were instrumental in the big win. Ryan Wismer played two years with the Amherstburg Admirals Jr. C team and one more in Essex with the 73’s. Beaulieu was a standout with the 73’s, where he was an MVP and leading scorer.

The two teams pose for a group photo after the April 17 game in Essex.

Patrolling the blueline was Cole Welsh, who has been a member of the Amherstburg Fire Department for three years and logged over 150 games with the Admirals.

He only got to play one period Friday before injuring his knee and was forced to watch from the sidelines.

“I spun around and my leg went the opposite way. The last time I was on the ice was three weeks ago,” said Welsh.

The third period was perhaps the most exciting as Essex tied the score 8-8 but with 3:22 left to play, Amherstburg got the winner and added one more into the open net.

“I think they like the competition between the county departments,” said Rick Wismer.

Off the ice both departments were busy in 2025 as Amherstburg responded to 454 incidents and Essex was called out to 346 emergencies.

Amherstburg and Essex fire departments suit up for charity hockey game

By Fred Groves