Fallen officers honored through charity ice hockey match

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Law enforcement officers from across the region will take to the ice next week for an ice hockey charity event that will honor two fallen officers from Winston-Salem.

The Greensboro Police Department will host the Sgt. Hutchens Police Charity Hockey Event for the third year running on April 14.

The event serves as a benefit to honor fallen police officers and is named for Winston-Salem police sergeant Mickey Hutchens, who was shot and killed in October 2009.

Fund-raising efforts this year are being expanded to also honor Russell Willingham, another Winston-Salem police officer who died in the line of duty.

Families of both officers will be on hand and plan to take part in the pregame ceremony.

A team of Winston-Salem officers will take on a composite team of officers from the Triad, FBI, ATF, and even the NYPD.

The game will begin at 4 p.m. at the Greensboro Ice House, on 6119 Landmark Center Boulevard in Greensboro.

A silent auction and 50/50 raffle will be held for fans in attendance.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $9, or at the door for $12.  Children under the age of 5 will get in free.

Proceeds from the game will be donated to the Sgt. Mickey Hutchens Memorial Scholarship Fund and The Russell Willingham Benefit Fund.

To purchase tickets, contact PoliceCharityHockey@yahoo.com or visit the Greensboro Police Department website.