By Shannon Lukens for Steamboat Radio News/Blizzard Broadcasting.
Routt County First Responders will take on members of the Steamboat Ski Patrol Saturday, in a benefit hockey game at Howelsen Ice Arena.
Here’s Steamboat Springs Firefighter/Paramedic Quint Friesell.
“Well, we’re looking forward to the game on Saturday, and it’s going to be interesting to see how well ski patrols’ downhill ability transfers to a flat sheet of ice.”
Here’s what Patrick Gamble had to say with Steamboat Ski Patrol.
“Ski Patrol cannot wait to see you guys down at the Howie Dome, Saturday, the 31st. Bring it on, fire department.”
The big game is at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Howelsen Ice Arena. Tickets are $10 for general admission. Money raised will help support a second sheet of ice at Howelsen Ice Arena and the Routt First Responders Foundation Memorial Scholarship. All money raised stays in the Yampa Valley. The QR Code below has more information.
Also, registration is open for Adult Hockey League for spring. www.steamboatsprings.net/adulthockey
Press Release from the City of Steamboat Springs; Jan. 22, 2026.
First Responders Face Off in Community Hockey Showdown
High-Energy Community Hockey Night Supports 2nd Ice Sheet & Local Scholarships
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-January 22, 2026-A friendly rivalry takes center ice this winter as local first responders and mountain first responders go head-to-head in the First Responders Showdown, a high-energy, family-friendly community hockey event benefiting two meaningful local causes.
The showcase game takes place Saturday, January 31 at 7 p.m. at Howelsen Ice Arena, bringing together Routt County First Responders and the Steamboat Ski Patrol in a spirited, good-natured hockey competition celebrating teamwork, local pride, and community investment.
Tickets are $10 for general admission, with proceeds split evenly: 50 percent supporting the Second Sheet of Ice at Howelsen Ice Arena and 50 percent benefiting the Routt First Responders Foundation Memorial Scholarship, which honors fallen first responders and supports local students pursuing careers in public safety.
“This is about more than hockey,” said Lt. Devon Borvansky of Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue. “It’s a chance to bring the community together, highlight the people who serve it every day, and raise money for projects that directly benefit Steamboat Springs.”
Designed as an “ABC-style” showcase game, the evening will feature an emcee and announcer, music, spotlight introductions, intermission fan games, raffle drawings, and sponsor shoutouts throughout the night. Fans can also expect opportunities to meet first responders, take photos with gear and apparatus, and participate in interactive on-ice contests.
The event is expected to draw hundreds of spectators, with every dollar raised staying in the Yampa Valley. Funds will directly support improvements to community recreation through the Second Ice Sheet project and invest in the future of public safety through local scholarship support.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses, with simple, accessible packages designed to maximize community impact while keeping participation easy.
