It is easy to take for granted how much one hockey game does for our community. But Wednesday night’s Pigs-N-Heat Fire Relief Fund benefit hockey game deserves a huge round of applause.

Now in its 32nd year, the game is the major money raiser in support of the fund that helps local residents who are fire victims.

It is estimated that this year’s game brought in approximately $15,000 for the fund.

It’s another amazing showing from this awesome effort.

For those unfamiliar, the game at Lakeview Arena pits two hockey teams in spirited action: The police, aka the Pigs, and firefighters, aka the Heat.

Admission tickets are just $1 for all ages and attendance has been great, year after year.

Money raised from the ticket sales, as well as other donations, goes to the Pigs-N-Heat Fire Relief Fund, which provides three nights of lodging and a monetary donation of $500 or more, depending on family size, to individuals who have lost their homes because of fire.

This year, pregame festivities honored various officials from area departments for their service, including Marquette City Fire Department Chief Tom Belt, who was presented a plaque by Marquette City Manager Bill Vajda, after a ceremonial face-off at center ice between Belt and the Pigs team coach, Marquette City Police Chief Mike Angeli.

Third-grade students from Sandy Knoll Elementary were part of the evening, offering song, and a local color guard took part as well.

In the end, the Pigs were the victors, defeating the Heat, 9-4. While we’re sure the police officers are enjoying having bragging rights, we know all those involved will agree the biggest winners were the fund itself and the families who will be taken care of through the Pigs-N-Heat Fire Relief Fund at a time when they most need support.

Congratulations to all who planned and participated in this annual game and thanks to all who attended or offered support in any way to Pigs-N-Heat.