Firefighting and ice hockey . It may seem like an odd combination , but for the Fire Department of New York hockey team , being on the ice is more than just a game .

The FDNY team was founded in 1968 and is made up of firefighters from

multiple firehouses in New York . Apart from winning games , the main goal of the team is to raise money for a variety of charities , and all members volunteer their time outside of work to commit to the program .

For player Stephen Kelly , hockey has always been

a part of his life . He says being on the team provides him with an outlet to continue playing a sport he clearly cares a great deal about .

Says Kelly , “ I was very lucky to make the team , and now it ’ s my eighth year . And I ’ m still able

to play with some of the younger guys .” The team even plays against some minor professional hockey teams in the U . S ., he adds .

The selection process is competitive . Open tryouts every September attract close to 40 people , with some 30 asked

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