Defenders of community safety will square off against each other in the name of charity.
On Feb. 16, Wetaskiwin Fire Services and the Wetaskiwin RCMP detachment members will lace up their skates, buckle their helmets, and await the puck drop in the inaugural Battle of the Badges.
The community ice hockey event is being held to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Alberta-Wetaskiwin.
This event is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch for Special Olympics Alberta, the largest grassroots fundraising and awareness vehicle for Special Olympics.
While viewers will recognize many of this community heroes on the ice it may not be the only familiar figure they see that evening.
The Wetaskiwin Fire Services team will be joined by Calgary Flames alumni Martin Sonnenberg, and the Wetaskiwin RCMP team will play alongside Vancouver Canucks alumni Harold (Harry) Cameron York.
“We’re excited to have law enforcement and fire services come together and battle on ice to support Special Olympics,” said Cst. James Jones with the Wetaskiwin RCMP, in a media release.
“This is the first year Wetaskiwin law enforcement services and fire services take on a charity hockey game to provide awareness and funds for Special Olympics athletes. Our goal is to raise $10,000 through the donations from admission and the tailgate party,” he added.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from our law enforcement and fire services for making this event possible. We can’t wait to see who takes the Battle of Badges Cup,” said Lorrie Sitler, provincial manager for Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta.
“Wetaskiwin has always shown great support for Special Olympics from sitting on rooftops in the summer and now taking on a hockey rivalry for winter. Not only will this event create awareness for the local Special Olympics program, it will support over 60 local athletes who take part in daily sport activities,” she added.
The Battle of the Badges will be held at the Wetaskiwin Civic Centre Twin Arenas. The tailgate party runs from 5 to 7 p.m. with the game starting at 7:15 p.m.
Tickets for admission will be by donation, which will go towards the Special Olympics Alberta-Wetaskiwin’s goal of $10,000, as will the event’s silent auction.