If the Williams Lake Fire Department has anything to say about it, the Williams Lake RCMP won’t be making it a third consecutive victory at this year’s Fifth Annual Battle of the Badges charity hockey game.
“They’ve won the last two in a row but I think we’re going to take this one by a score of 5-3,” said the Williams Lake Fire Department’s Troy Feist.
The game — also dubbed the Dale Moon Classic Charity Hockey Game after the late Williams Lake fire chief who passed away in 2008 of cancer — is, first and foremost, a charity game.
Proceeds from the game, which pit the lakecity’s RCMP versus the fire department, go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society.
“It’s a great family event where all the proceeds go to them,” Feist said.
“This is the fifth year. So far we’ve won two and the RCMP have won two.”
Locked at a stalemate, this year’s Battle of the Badges will, like other years, be a fun-filled, action-packed game with both sides looking to break the annual series tie.
“Last year it was a lot of fun,” Feist said.
“It’s competitive, but not too overly serious. There’s always a great turnout and we’re hoping to continue that.”
Feist said the community and business support throughout the years has been tremendous.
In addition to the game a check presentation will be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and there will be a 50/50 draw, a puck toss and door prizes to be won.
“We’ve had really great community support and the local businesses have been fantastic with donating prizes,” Feist said.
The City of Williams Lake is also on board for the event, and invites everyone in the community to attend.
“Every year, this is an entertaining game,” said Williams Lake mayor Kerry Cook.
“No matter who scores the most goals, it’s the cancer society that benefits, so I’d urge residents to come out and support our police and firefighters as they raise money for this important cause.”
Last year’s event raised nearly $4,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
The game goes Friday, April 1 at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $5 and are available from the Williams Lake Fire Department, the Williams Lake RCMP detachment, Caribou Ski Source for Sports and at the door.
