Although both Newtown Police Officer William Chapman and Newtown High School Athletic Director Matt Memoli only laced up ice skates for the first time this winter, these men suited up in hockey gear on March 12 and pushed themselves with a skills competition on the ice for a good cause at Danbury Ice Arena.

Chapman and Memoli put their skating and stick skills to the test at the Newtown-New Fairfield co-op hockey team’s practice and, in the process, raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics.

“It was a great afternoon at Danbury Ice Arena,” said Chapman, adding that Memoli was out to a close lead after the first two events before Chapman barely edged his competitor in the second half for the win.

“Most importantly, everyone had a great time, and over $5,000 was raised for Special Olympics,” Chapman pointed out.

Memoli added that it was a fun event for a great cause. Newtown’s athletic director noted that it was not easy to participate in speed and skill events on the ice with only a handful of weeks of skating in a backyard rink with his children for preparation.

Chapman and Memoli showed off their aim by shooting pucks at targets; did a skate, pass, receive, and shooting drill; a Superman obstacle course; and other drills put together by NHS Head Coach Paul Esposito and Assistant Coach Andrew Tammero.

“It started with an initial invitation for them to come to an NHS practice for fun as [Chapman and Memoli] were both learning how to skate,” said Esposito, adding that Chapman took it from there and came up with the idea for the Special Olympics fundraiser.

The event was streamed on the high school hockey team’s Facebook page, facebook.com/newtownnighthawksicehockey.

For more information about how to donate, visit https://give.soct.org/newtown-pd.

The same link is accepting pledges for the police department’s Penguin Plunge, scheduled for March 27.