RCMP Staff Sgt. Warren Brown says his team has something to prove next year after being at the wrong end of an 8-3 drubbing by the Williams Lake Fire department at the fifth annual Battle of the Badges Friday night.
Although the game — also dubbed the Dale Moon Classic Charity Hockey game — is a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, the outcome is also a matter of pride for both departments.
Over the last five years the RCMP has taken two and now the fire department, three.
“It feels pretty good,” says firefighter Troy Feist of the win. “It’s competitive, but there’s a lot of mutual respect between the departments so it’s good to come out on top.”
But both Brown and Feist agree the amount of money raised for the Canadian Cancer Society is the one thing that overshadows the rivalry.
The event raised approximately $3,000 and experienced a better turnout this year than last.
“The community support this year was phenomenal in all aspects from donations to turn out at the game,” says Feist.
As for the score, Feist thinks goaltending was the difference.
“We really had a good group of guys. We were pretty confident in our playing ability. Our goaltender was phenomenal.”
On the other bench, Brown joked that judging by the score neither he nor co-coach Sgt. Ken Brissard seen at the game in trademark red serge that evening, have what it takes to coach or motivate a team.
“In the heat of the game a lot of guys try to outdo, for competitive reasons, the other team. … We consider them our friends and a good lot of guys so we look forward to next year’s challenge,” he says.
In addition to the game, a cheque presentation was made to the Canadian Cancer Society and there was a 50/50 draw, a puck toss and door prizes.
Last year’s event raised nearly $4,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
