Students at College Park School were able to get a preview of the spirited rivalry between the Border City’s first responders.
Lloydminster RCMP and the Lloydminster Fire Department had a quick game of ball hockey at the school to the delight of the students.
Constable Michael Hagel says the two have been engaging in friendly competition since the game was announced.
“If the fire department beats me then I’m going to be eating a lot of crow but I don’t think they’re going to beat us. This is going to be six in a row.”
The fire department had a good showing at the practice event, however, Assistant Fire Chief Bill Heesing says they still have some ideas that will help them get the win.
“We’re going to see what kind of surprises they come up with at the game. They’ve got a few ideas but we’ll see what they can make happen at the official Battle of the Badges game.”
“It’s time we win a few games against the RCMP so we’re waiting to get our name on the trophy again,” he adds.
Heesing says the new fire chief would not be playing but will be supporting the team at the event.
The 6th annual Battle of the Badges Hockey Todd Gustavson Memorial Tournament honours the passing of the former Fire Chief.
All proceeds from the game will go towards charities chosen by both. The money will be split between the Lloydminster Public School Division’s Breakfast and Nutrition program and the Lloydminster Catholic School Division’s Outreach program.
Heesing says ultimately the game is about getting the emergency services engaged with members of the community.
“It’s a lot of fun on the ice and a lot of fun for the guys that are playing the game but most importantly it’s supporting and being involved with the community.”
The game is scheduled for March 28 at the Civic Centre with a start time of 2:30 p.m. Tickets will be available online starting March 5 with a price of $10 per ticket. Children under 8 can attend for free.
