The cold weather doesn’t seem to have an effect on the heated rivalry between Lloydminster first responders ahead of the 2019 Battle of the Badges.
The Fire Department and Lloydminster RCMP settle their ongoing rivalry this weekend at the 5th annual 2019 Battle of the Badges Hockey Todd Gustavson Memorial Tournament. Former Fire Chief Todd Gustavson passed away in 2015 after serving 37 years with the fire department.
Every year the proceeds from the game go to two charities, which are chosen by both sides. This year the RCMP will support Mother Teresa Early Childhood Education Center’s program Outdoor Classroom, which will allow students to learn outside. The fire department has chosen to raise funds for the Salvation Army’s program Pathway of Hope, which provides individuals with resources to overcome poverty.
The rivalry continues to amp up before the hockey battle at the Centennial Civic Centre. Team captains Constable Grant Kirzinger for the RCMP and Fire Chief Jordan Newton faced off for the donut drop before the tournament in late Feburary. Both sides haven’t stopped chirping ever since.
“We’re required to submit a roster to put them in the program and I actually caught wind of a new roster the fire guys did,” Constable Kirzinger says the fire department has been up to shenanigans as their new roster shows some players not employed by the department. “when you lose four in a row I guess you need help.”
Assistant Fire Chief Bill Heesing says they’re allowed to adjust the roster and thought they’d reach out to some other local emergency services for help.
“Some of the gentleman from the local ambulance service will hopefully help us out and maybe we will score a win this year. Lloydminster fire for the win!”
The fire department will look to break the four-game losing streak this Saturday at 2:30 PM against the Lloydminster RCMP. Tickets for the charity fundraiser can be bought on the City of Lloydminster website. Tickets are $10 a person and free for children 8 and under.
“We’re just super happy that we’re able to bring emergency services together and have a game that’s family-friendly and one that everyone is able to enjoy. As you can tell a little bit of friendly competition and rivalry, but it’s for good causes and we’re just really excited and want to encourage everyone to come out to this game.”