Lawmakers won their sixth consecutive game in the Congressional Hockey Challenge on Tuesday, scoring in the second period and preventing a lobbyist comeback.
“When you get on the ice, there's no difference between a Republican or Democrat,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer () said in a video released to X, formerly known as Twitter, before the event.
“There are only winners and losers, no political affiliations,” he said with a laugh.
Emmer, the only lawmaker to play last year, played alongside his colleague Rep. Mike Quiqley (D-Ill.), and other congressional staff and administrators to claim a 4-2 victory at the Medstar Capital Iceplex.
Other lawmakers, like Reps. Larry Buschon (R-Ind.) and Monica Cruz (R-Tx.), didn’t take part in the game, but later joined their colleagues on the ice to celebrate.
In the first period, Jeff Burton of the lobbyists scored a goal. However, Quigley then scored a “backhand top-shelf” shot, kicking off a scoring streak for the lawmakers in the second period. Three rapid goals were scored by Will Bensur, press secretary for Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.); Austin Yager, deputy chief of staff for Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.); and Roger MacGregor, a staffer on the House Natural Resources Committee.
Karl Alnzer, a retired NHL player on the lobbyists squad, secured a second goal, but the lobbyists couldn't catch up to the lawmakers as the game came to an end.
Emmer's son, Jack Emmer, a senior counsel on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, played his first game as a Congress employee.
A new addition to this year’s game was its sponsor, the National Hockey League (NHL), which will use part of the funds raised to support a grant aimed at involving more girls and young women in the sport.
Amber Moore, a legislative assistant in Sen. Dick Durbin’s (D-Ill.) office, was the only woman playing in Wednesday’s matchup.
Proceeds from the game also go towards supporting leagues for disabled veterans and underserved youth through organizations like Tampa Warriors Hockey Heals, the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program, and the Fort DuPont Ice Hockey Club.
“The money raised from the Congressional Hockey Challenge helps make hockey accessible for everyone, from everywhere,” said Kevin Coroneos, who managed communications for the event.
“Through the support of our sponsors, we’re improving access and empowering girls, underserved communities, and American veterans to lace up their skates and give the sport of hockey a shot,” he said.
According to the organization’s website, the friendly game has raised over $1.5 million for charities since 2009.
“It’s fun to get out here with the lawmakers, have a little sport, have a little competition, and raise money for a good cause,” Tory Mazzola of the lobbyists team told The Hill.
“I’ve been told that — we’re thinking the final number [for funds raised in 2024] will be close to $130,000,” said Nick Lewis, the lobbyist team captain.
Lewis didn't want to talk negatively after the loss to the now six-time undefeated lawmakers.
Lewis said, “I’ll repeat what I always say, which is that the real winners are the charities.”
He said, “What I enjoy about this game is that it’s very competitive, usually evenly matched, and everyone has a great time — of course, I would prefer to see a different result on the scoreboard, but we really have fun coming together.”
