DEA Downs the FBI In Charity Hockey Match

When most folks imagine a day in the life of a federal law enforcement officer, they probably picture scenes from CSI: Miami, rather than Mighty Ducks 3. But on Saturday night at the , the DEA and FBI took a break from busting bad guys to compete in a charity hockey match to support the DEA's Survivors Benefit Fund. While both teams were successful in their efforts to raise funds and awareness for the charity, the DEA ran away with a dominating 7-4 win over the skating G-men.

"The Survivors Benefit Fund supports the families of agents and task force officers who are killed in the line of duty. It is an educational fund, and we take care of all of the college expenses for dependants of the fallen, all the way up through grad school, law school, or medical school," said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tony Ryan, who served as the team spokesman and played right wing. 

After a ceremonial puck drop by Loudoun County sheriff-elect Mike Chapman, both teams took to the ice and displayed a surprising level of skill, speed and teamwork that provided a fast-paced and entertaining game. The DEA team – which hung jerseys behind their bench with the names of fallen comrades Chad Michael, Forrest Leamon and Michael Weston, who were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2009 – struck first on a breakaway goal and never relinquished the lead.

The game's prettiest goal came in the third quarter when the DEA's Ed Cassin started a two-on-one break and sent a perfectly placed cross-ice pass to center Ryan Goins, who lifted a beautiful shot over the right shoulder of the FBI goalie and into the back of the net.

Leading the DEA's offensive output were Cassin, Goins, and Ben and Colby Brainard.

The FBI outshot the DEA for the first two periods, but never tied the game after going down 1-0 early on.

"We gave it a good try," said FBI player-coach Dan Storey, "They did skate really hard, and we'll look for a rematch against our buddies here at the DEA."

In addition to accepting donations for the charity, the DEA sponsored a silent auction for tickets and memorabilia donated by the Washington Capitals, and raffled off door prizes with all proceeds going to the SBF. The success of the match and others being scheduled – including the FBI's annual showdown with the U.S. Secret Service Feb. 11 at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington – has both teams looking forward to getting back on the ice again soon.

"We love coming out here with the Bureau guys. They're all class acts, they all come out every year to help us out, and we support their charities as well. It was a lot of fun," Ryan said after the game.

To donate to the DEASBF, visit the website.