Mass brawl breaks out in New York police and fire department CHARITY hockey game

By Mike Dawes

Published: 05:01 EST, 7 April 2014 | Updated: 05:01 EST, 7 April 2014

An annual charity ice hockey game between police and firefighters in New York erupted into a mass brawl.

Every year, the New York Police Department and the Fire Department of New York get together for a friendly ice hockey game, all in the name of charity.

However, this year's match was overshadowed by a huge fight between the two teams during the second period in Long Island.

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Bench-clearing: Players from each side brawled at a Fire Department vs NYPD charity ice hockey game

Bench-clearing: Players from each side brawled at a Fire Department vs NYPD charity ice hockey game

Regular: The charity match has been held for 41 years, but this year it saw a huge brawl

Regular: The charity match has been held for 41 years, but this year it saw a huge brawl

According to the website, the event is 'all about coming together to enjoy sportsmanship and helping others.'

Players from both sides cleared the bench to join the brawl, which left the ice littered with hockey sticks and gloves.

The only two players who didn't appear to be involved were the goalkeepers. The pair stood together in the middle of the rink watching the chaos going on around them.

The fight caused a 25-minute delay as players were penalised and equipment picked up off the ice.

New York Police Department eventually won the game 8-5.

Observers: The only two who appeared not to be fighting were the goalkeepers in the middle of the rink

Observers: The only two who appeared not to be fighting were the goalkeepers in the middle of the rink