Saskatoon street hockey players got a boost Friday afternoon from NHL and WHL talent.

Over 20 teams took part in this year's "Sticks on 23rd" street hockey tournament.  Defenceman Luke Schenn of the Toronto Maple Leafes, Kyle Calder with the LA Kings, Mike Sillinger from the New York Islanders and Atlanta Thrashers forward Colby Armstrong are just a few of the stars that faced off downtown.

The celebrities joined average players to raise money for the Saskatoon Fire Department's Pediatric Fund.

According to Rory Picklyk, an organizer, a key to the event's success is getting "Armstrong and some of his colleagues last year."

"They saw how much fun it is," explains Picklyk.  "They saw how much fun the kids have that come out and play."

Armstrong says it's not a problem to round up some friends.

"For the most part I see a lot of these guys at other charity events that they're doing and train with some of them in the morning, so it's a bit of a no-brainer for all of them."

The event has more than tripled in size in its second year -- attracting 22 teams.  Just half a dozen squads took to the street in 2008.

Organizers hope to raise over $10, 000 for the Saskatoon Fire Department's Pediatric Fund, "The Shooting Stars Foundation."