Emergency service workers have high-stress jobs. Having a hobby away from the workplace can definitely relieve the tension.

For the police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel who play on the Ice Raiders in the Twin Ponds East Adult Hockey League in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, getting in a skate once a week is a big deal.

“Most of us are there to have a little bit of fun, get some cardio in, have the enjoyment of playing hockey and doing what we like to do,” Ice Raiders captain Mike Bowser said. “Do we like to win? Yeah. Do we always win? No. Does it make a difference to an older team? No. As long as we’re having fun, that’s why we’ve stuck together for so long.”

Bowser is one of about five or six police officers on the Ice Raiders. There are also four to five firemen and one EMS worker.

Matt Schmidt, who is a salesman, found his way onto the team when the police officers were playing in a local tournament and were in need of a goalie. Word of mouth spread, and Schmidt put on the pads. That was nine years ago — and he’s going strong with the team.

Schmidt enjoys playing with and interacting with the police, fire and EMS workers.

“There’s always great stories and they’re telling you what’s going on. It’s nice to have these guys in your back pocket in case you get maybe a speeding ticket, because there’s enough local departments and you can throw out names,” Schmidt joked. “They’re all a good bunch of guys.”

For the last 15 years, the team has consisted of eight to nine core members who play every season. There are two seasons in the league, fall/winter and spring/summer, and the Ice Raiders make sure they’re on the ice year-round.

What makes it so much fun to play with the Ice Raiders?

“Just because of who we are and what we do and personalities that come into play,” said Bowser, who at 51 is the oldest player on the team. “It’s beer-league hockey; we’re not out to win the Stanley Cup or Calder Cup or anything. If we win the division we get a T-shirt, which usually gets cut up and worn underneath the equipment for next season. You just go out and have a good time and relax. We have good camaraderie.”

Schmidt agrees that the personalities of the players really mesh well on and off the ice.

“Everyone gets along with one another,” said Schmidt, 35. “We’ve got skill level from inexperienced to some quality players. But no one’s really out there to score 100 goals and show off. Everyone’s there to help each other. Again, all the personalities get along with each other. We have a good time. It’s a lot of fun.”

Since half the team consists of emergency service workers and work schedules that often overlap with hockey, it’s a challenge to get more than 13 to 15 guys to compete every week. It’s rare for the Ice Raiders to have the same players on the ice two weeks in a row.

“In an adult hockey league, that makes it a little tougher,” Bowser said. “It’s not like you can just walk onto the team. You almost have to know somebody, and they’ve probably had to see you play at some point in time to know what the caliber is and know if you’ll be able to fit in with a bunch of type-A personalities.”

Even with a short bench some nights, the Ice Raiders have been known to be worthy competitors. A few years ago, the team won three straight division titles, and Schmidt recalls an unbeaten streak of 40-0-1 during a two-season stretch.

“Over the years, we probably try to win a championship one out of every three seasons,” Schmidt said.

Win or lose, it doesn’t really matter to the Ice Raiders. As long as the guys can get on the ice for an hour every week, blow off some steam and get in a good workout, that’s all that matters.

“It’s something I look forward to every week — it’s an outlet,” Schmidt said. “Good camaraderie. If don’t play for a week or two because I’m out on vacation, I get that itch. I’m like, when’s Wednesday night or Thursday night, whenever my game is.

“Playing hockey all my life, it’s one of those things I’d really miss it if I didn’t have it.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.