It’s that glorious time of year when lawmakers and lobbyists bring their rivalry to the ice at the annual Congressional Hockey Challenge. Though the charity-driven game is all in fun, tensions are sure to run high when dueling teams step into the rink. NHL celebrities are known to make an appearance each year including former Capitals player, Peter Bondra and guest of honor, Willie O’Ree who famously broke the NHL’s color barrier in 1958 when he signed with the Boston Bruins.

“Reps Paulsen, Emmer, Meehan, Bucshon and Katko are back to defend their title against “loser lobbyists” like Nick Lewis, Seth Webb, Sean O’Neil and John Goodwin,” said Gerrit Lansing of Team Lawmakers. The event raises money for various hockey organizations as well as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

“This is always a competitive hockey game – lots of skill and grit on both sides – and it’s all for a worthy cause: to help make the great sport of ice hockey accessible to anyone who wants to play,” said Nick Lewis who will play for the underdog Lobbyists. “But this may be the only place on earth where members of Congress actually try to avoid taking checks from lobbyists. So, we think we have the upper hand.”

The big game will kick off  on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 7:00 PM at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex.

Get out there and see some of Washington’s most buttoned up get a bit roughed up, while supporting a great cause. Get your tickets here.