Skate for LA Strong: A Game That United a City

By Avery Wildes

Courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez via Getty Images

c

With a packed house of 12,167 Fans at Crypto.com Arena, the night wasn't just about hockey; it was about giving back.  Every dollar raised went to wildfire relief efforts, benefiting organizations like the Red Cross, The LA Fire Foundation, Cal Fire Foundation, and Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund 

A Full-Circle Moment for One Firefighter

For Roger Sackaroff, a 17-year veteran of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, this game was more than just a night on the ice. A longtime JB hockey pickup and youth hockey coach, Roger once had a different career – he was a sports reporter for NHL.com in New York City. Then 9/11 changed everything. 

“It changed the perspective of what I was doing, and I felt I had a bigger impact to make.” Roger states, 

Now, years later, he found himself playing in a game that merged his past and present in the most meaningful way.

 “It was a full-circle moment for me”

A Hero on and off the Ice

Fireman Jason Northgrave was on the front line of the Palisades wildfire in early January. The devastation was massive, but the outpouring of support was even greater.  

“Immediately there was an outpouring of love and support for us and what we were doing, which we felt. So to do something like this, it’s just phenomenal. We’re super thankful for it; it’s a fun game. There are so many great things about this.”

Courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez via Getty Images

Hollywood Meets Hockey

The celebrity coaches added some serious star power to the night:

Courtesy of Sujey Luna via The Sporting Tribune

Team Black: Will Ferrell and Snoop Dogg 

Team Red: Vince Vaugn and Cobie Smulders

Team Blue: Danny Devito and Al Michaels

Team White: Hannah Stocking and Andrew Whitworth

The games were fast, furious, and full of laughs, with two 10-minute periods per matchup. Team Blue and Team Red battled their way to the finals, but in the end, Team Blue dominated with a 4-0 shutout. 

More Than a Game

 Throughout the broadcast a QR code allowed fans at home to donate, further fueling fire relief efforts. With wildfires damages exceeding $250 billion according to LA Times, every bit of support counts 

David Boreannaz, a longtime hockey fan, summed up the night's impact : 

the “I know a lot of people who have lost their homes and in speaking with them, it doesn’t stop. The grief doesn’t stop. It stays with them. This is an opportunity to give some healing.

And of course, legendary broadcaster Al Michaels– the voice behind the iconic 1980 “Miracle on Ice” call– put it best: 

“People have been suffering like crazy and will for a while. But if you have events like this, it adds a little spirit and throws a little sunshine into an otherwise dark environment.”

A Community United, A Cause That Continues

As the final horn sounded and Team Blue celebrated their victory, the real winners of the night were the people of Los Angeles– those who had lost homes, fought on the front lines, and rallied together in the face of devastation. 

Courtesy of Sujey Luna via The Sporting Tribune

But while the game ended, the mission didn't. The Wildfires left scars that will take years to heal, and the work of rebuilding is far from over. That's why events like Skate for LA Strong matter. They Remind us that in times of crisis, community, and compassion can be just as powerful as any goals scored on the ice. 

For the first responders who put their lives on the line, for the families who are still recovering, and for everyone who watched, cheered and donated– this game was a symbol of resilience. 

 So whether you’re lacing up your skates, opening your wallets, or simply spreading the word– the fight continues– but so does the unbreakable spirit of LA.

Edited by Madeleine Meneguzzi