Police officers compete in sled hockey tourney for charity

Eagle Staff Report

April 06, 2025 Last Updated: April 07, 2025 07:01 PM Local News

Cranberry Police officer Benjamin Miller battles for the puck against an officer from the Northern Regional Police on Saturday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township. Northern Regional Police defeated Cranberry Police 1-0. Harold Aughton/Special to the Eagle

Officers from four police departments competed in the fifth annual Joyce Memorial Police Sled Hockey Challenge on Saturday to raise money for disabled children and adults.

Teams of officers from Cranberry Township, Northern Regional, Adams Township and Pittsburgh police departments faced off in a friendly elimination tournament at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township. Debbie Joyce started the fundraiser a half-decade ago to help generate more opportunities for her two sons, who both have autism, and other local children and adults with mental and physical disabilities.

Support for the event has grown alongside the program, which now includes five teams and more than 70 players.

Joyce’s goal was to raise $4,000 for the Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey program, which provides disabled children and adults opportunities to compete in a fun and adaptive version of the sport.

The Mighty Penguins Adult Black team won the 2025 Northeast Sled Hockey League Tier III title. Submitted Photo

Preston Korol, son of Cranberry Police officer Victor Korol, battles for position against the Northern Regional Police on Saturday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Northern Regional Police defeated Cranberry Police 1-0. Harold Aughton/Special to the Eagle

Police officers from Cranberry Township face off against officers from the Northern Regional Police Department on Saturday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Northern Regional Police defeated Cranberry Police 1-0. Harold Aughton/Special to the Eagle

Police officer Mark Shields chases down the puck during a sled hockey game against the Northern Regional Police on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township. Northern Regional defeated Cranberry Police 1-0. Harold Aughton/Special to the Eagle