The Charlotte Fire Hockey Team isn't just scoring on the rink. In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the squad recently made quite the assist off the ice too, by donating to the Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund at their local headquarters. Engineer Rob Griffin, who leads the firefighting and hockey team doubles, was at the forefront of the initiative, steering efforts that are more than the sum of game wins and losses.
According to a report from CharlotteNC.gov, the team, which recently claimed a 7-2 victory over CMPD in the Salute to Heroes Hockey Game, had a larger victory to score—raising funds for a cause close to their profession and hearts. “It’s not about one win,” Griffin stated. “It’s about using the game, every game, as a platform to do something meaningful. This team plays hard all year, and the goal is always bigger than the scoreboard.”
In a show of dedication that mirrors their daily firefighting heroics, the Charlotte Fire Hockey Team is known for its year-round participation in events aimed at supporting various charitable causes. The latest donation was presented with Fire Chief Reginald Johnson in attendance, going directly to aid burn survivors and their families through the non-medical assistance programs of the Fund.
“This team represents what Charlotte Fire is all about,” Johnson shared fondly. "They give their time, their energy, and their hearts to help others, on and off duty." Taking to quote Griffin, the theme was further underscored, “When people come to these games, they see competition. They see excitement. But what they might not see is what happens after—the check presentations, the hospital visits, the connections we build. That’s what we’re really skating for.”
The Fund the team supports, as per the CharlotteNC.gov article, operates more than 30 chapters across North Carolina and is involved in initiatives like Camp Celebrate and burn prevention education. .
Griffin evidently knows that the heart of the team beats much beyond the hype of the game. “Every dollar raised helps a child feel less alone,” he said. “Every game is a chance to make a difference. And every time we hit the ice, we know exactly why we’re there.”
