INNISFAIL – Final details for the 3rd annual Battle of the Badges have been put to bed for the big hockey game between Innisfail RCMP and Innisfail Fire Rescue and all that remains is bragging rights for the victor.
This year’s game on Jan. 3 at the Innisfail Twin Arena is a classic rubber match between longstanding professional rivals.
The Innisfail RCMP squad were easy 15-10 winners in the inaugural Battle of the Badges in 2023 but Innisfail Fire Rescue responded in 2024 with a thrilling and gutsy 9-8 overtime victory.
“We want it to be an exciting hockey game. We want it to be a close hockey game. We are trying to have the teams evenly matched,” said Innisfail RCMP Const. Craig Nelson, who is also on the event’s organizing committee that includes local firefighter Jayme Hendrick;, Rhonda Simpson-Turnquist, administrative assistant for Innisfail’s Fire & Protective Services and Courtney Malone, the local RCMP detachment’s service assistant and exhibit custodian.
“I expect the police will beat the firefighters because I'm on the police team, and that's going to happen,” said Nelson, adding both teams can supplement their rosters with three “ringers“ - higher level” hockey players – that will include a few from the Innisfail Eagles to add some expert shinny razzle dazzle.
“We hope we can bring enough of a crowd again this year that it benefits the food bank, right?”
And that is what is most important about the annual Battle of the Badges hockey game.
There is no admission cost for Innisfailians to come and watch the intensity on the ice between the two old rivals.
It is a fundraiser for the Innisfail and District Food Bank, and donations, either non-perishable food items or cash, will be greatly appreciated.
Last year, the more than 1,000 Innisfailians who packed the Arena brought 1,350 pounds of food and donated $3,349.10 for the food bank, the latter that included a $1,000 donation from the Innisfail Lions Club.
Nelson noted that while the game on Jan. 3 has a puck drop time of 6:30 p.m. the pre-game warm-up and ceremonies start at 6 p.m.
“I'm hoping people don't show up at 6:30 p.m. and are disappointed to have missed out on some of the pre-game ceremonies,” said Nelson, adding organizers hope this year’s event will once again have full community support.
“I've heard people have expressed their excitement for the upcoming game, and that’s encouraging.”
