ROCHESTER - As a precaution due to an impending snowstorm, local police and firefighters have postponed their charity hockey game scheduled for Friday.

The 6th annual charity hockey game will now be played Feb. 15 in the Rochester Arena. The arena, located at 63A Lowell St., donates the time on the ice for the event.

Doors are set to open at 6 p.m., and the game should start around 6:45 p.m.

Fire Chief Norm Sanborn said the decision to postpone by a week was prudent to keep everyone safe and to ensure the city is ready for any emergencies as a result of the storm.

"It's definitely the right move to make and people won't want to come out in the snow," Sanborn said. "It's all about having fun."

Spectators will be able to meet and talk to the players from both teams - made up of police, firefighters and their families - according to Detective Steven Gahan.

Local firefighters hope to break the streak, as police are defending their undefeated record.

The entry fee to the game is a nonperishable food item which will be donated to Gerry's Emergency Food Pantry, which provides assistance to Rochester residents and families in need. The pantry - located in the Rochester Community Center at 151 Wakefield St. - assists an average of 300 to 350 people, including families, older residents and couples, each week, according to co-coordinator Anne Ackerman.

Ackerman said the pantry is always in need of donations, especially peanut butter and personal care products such as shampoo, soap, deodorant and shaving cream.

For more information about Gerry's Emergency Food Pantry, visit www.sharefund.org.