A rivalry-on-ice is set to take place in just over a week with the return of the “Battle of the Badges.”
The Todd Gustavson Memorial “Battle of the Badges” hockey game will take place on Saturday, March 15, at the Centennial Civic Centre.
The annual event brings the Lloydminster Fire Department and RCMP together in a fun and competitive match while raising funds for local charities.
Read more: Battle of Badges game a nailbiter
The city produced a video promoting the event, it can be found here.
“The Battle of the Badges hockey game celebrates the strong partnership between the Lloydminster Fire Department and RCMP while honouring former Fire Chief Todd Gustavson,” said assistant fire chief Kris Hill.
“This annual event brings the community together to raise funds for local charities right here in Lloydminster and gives businesses a chance to give back through prizes and draws.”
Lloydminster RCMP Insp. Brian Nichol described the event as a “Fun and quite competitive challenge between the police and firefighters in Lloydminster.”
“There is always a deep-seeded competitive streak between the two groups that always culminates in a fun and entertaining time for all those playing and in attendance to watch,” he added.
The event supports three local charities: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster, The Olive Tree, and The Salvation Army Lloydminster. Entry is by cash or non-perishable food donation.
“All proceeds and donations go to the Olive Tree, Salvation Army, and Big Brothers and Sisters,” said Nichol. “It is cash or food donation at the door.”
“The event is typically attended by 400-plus local folks,” added Hill.
The rivalry may be intense, but it’s all in good spirits.
“The rivalry is always a pressure cooker between the two,” said Nichol. “They tend to get very competitive with each other, and because it is hockey, it can be a little chippy at times! This is all in good fun.”
The event also features family-friendly entertainment.
“Attendees can also meet Sparky the Fire Dog and Monty the Safety Bear, who will be signing autographs and handing out limited-edition hockey cards at the game,” said Hill.
In addition to the game, there will be prize draws throughout the day.
“It is a great commitment of a lot of people in both of our organizations that put a lot of their own personal time and effort into helping out in our community by donating their time, donating money and food, as well as enjoying the amazing folks in our city,” said Nichol.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the puck drops at noon.
Read more: Battle of Badges supports community needs
