Bozeman’s bravest hit the ice in annual Frozen Frontline faceoff

The annual Frozen Frontline game returned to Haynes Pavilion for the third time last Friday, where the rink was prepped and ready for a night of fast-paced action between the Bozeman Police Department (BPD) and the Bozeman Fire Department (BFD).

Despite the unseasonably snowy weather, the Bozeman community showed up to cheer on first responders and support local charities.

The event was first organized in 2023 by Jonathan Stewart, co-founder of the Bozeman-based nonprofit EverGreen Adventures. According to its website, EverGreen Adventures helps those with chronic illnesses take part in outdoor adventures.

“I have a number of complex and serious health conditions, and have called on both our local fire and police officers in times of need,” Stewart said. “When my wife and I founded a local nonprofit, EverGreen Adventures, to support the chronic illness community, we were seeking ways to connect with the community and thank first responders.”

Stewart said his personal experiences around first responder hockey games inspired him to host a similar event in Bozeman.

“I grew up spending time at a firehouse in New York that my grandfather raised money for and actually became an active volunteer fireman,” he said. “I was introduced to the [New York City Fire and Police Departments] game at Madison Square Garden, which has a rich history.”

Throughout the week, both departments played into the rivalry with entertaining social media posts. These included videos of the police officers watching “Miracle on Ice” to prepare for the game and some firefighters dressing up as police officers to spy on other firefighters as they shot pucks at a net in the firehouse.

Admission to the game was donation-based, with a suggested $5 contribution. Merchandise was also available for purchase, including limited-edition Frozen Frontline pucks and ballcaps.

According to an April 2 NBC Montana article, the proceeds from the event are split equally between three nonprofits: the Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association — which organizes the hockey scholarship fund — the Bozeman Police Foundation and the Bozeman Firefighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 613 Benevolent Fund.

“Spotlighting the friendly rivalry between the police and fire departments in order to raise money for three local nonprofits has been a lot of fun and very rewarding,” Stewart said.

“This year, adding the hockey scholarship fund as a beneficiary has been a great way to connect the hockey and first responder communities, ensuring local kids are able to get on the ice and learn a game that so many of us love,” he said.

Though BPD claimed the first two Frozen Frontline games, last year’s matchup was close, with the victory decided by one goal.

“Both teams want to represent their respective departments and our community by getting a big win,” Stewart said. “I know BFD would like to dig out of an early series deficit. The good news is, after the final whistle, all the players will go back to supporting each other in service to our community.”

The puck dropped at 7 p.m. BPD played quickly, taking two shots on goal within the first few minutes. BFD held its ground, thanks to smart defensive plays and excellent saves from goalie Christian Drab.

Toward the end of the period, a short fight broke out, but the referees quickly split it up. The period ended with BPD leading 4-2.

BFD skated eagerly into the second period, determined to hold the trophy for the first time. Two scores from the firefighters tied the game 4-4. BPD responded with another goal, and a BFD player got sent to the box for a roughing penalty.

The firefighters scored a goal, bringing them back to full strength. Shortly after, the crowd at Haynes Pavilion watched as BPD shot a buzzer-beater to take the lead 6-5.

The score remained close throughout the third period, but a final goal from BPD sealed the match 7-5.

Despite the rivalry on the ice, Stewart said the real goal of the match was to connect first responders with the public.

“Showing the Bozeman community that the men and women of both departments also have interests like hockey, and are spouses, parents and are active members of our community is important,” he said.