INNISFAIL – The 1st Annual Battle of the Badges Charity Hockey Game is all fired up and ready to go tonight (Jan. 6) at the Innisfail Twin Arena with both sides getting on-ice support from veterans of the Calgary Flames Alumni.
The highly anticipated hockey game between members of the Innisfail RCMP and Innisfail Fire Department, believed to be the first-ever of its kind in town, will start tonight with a players’ warm-up at 7:30 p.m., followed by a land acknowledgement, cheque presentation and ceremonial puck drop by Town of Innisfail Mayor Jean Barclay at 7:40 p.m.
Rhonda Turnquist, administrative assistant for Innisfail Fire and Protective Services and one of the key organizers for the event, said there has been a “great response” for the event since it was first publicized last month.
“People want to support both sides of the RCMP and the fire services. It will be a family event. Sparky and the Safety Bear will be there as well, and I know Innisfail Minor Hockey has put it up on their (web) page,” said Turnquist.
The game, which will have three full regulation periods and officiated by a referee, will start at 7:50 p.m. It will be free to the public but attendees are being asked to bring a donation, either an item or money, for the Innisfail and District Food Bank.
The arena concession will be donating $1 from each taco in a bag sold to the food bank.
The Calgary Flames Alumni is also donating $2,500 to the food bank.
The Innisfail Lions Club will be at the game doing a 50/50 draw.
The Innisfail Eagles will have the beer gardens open.
Meanwhile, both teams will benefit with three players each from the Calgary Flames Alumni.
“We reached out to Jamie Macoun, the president of the Flames alumni, just before Christmas and he put it together, and got a few guys to come our way,” said Turnquist.
She said local firefighters, who will be using the dressing room of the Innisfail Eagles, will have the skill and talent from former pros Kevin Smyth, Tony Stiles and Ryan Stone; giving the team a total of 15 players. Stiles is originally from Carstairs.
The Innisfail Mounties, who will have a total of 18 players, will get Jeff Schultz, Martin Sonnenberg and Lindsay Carson.
The winning team of the game will receive a new Battle of the Badges trophy.
“We’re expecting this to be a big event,” said Turnquist. “We’re hoping to pack the house.”
