What started as an idea for a friendly hockey game between the Delta police and fire departments has turned into a much larger event bringing together the community they both serve.
The departments play hockey together as one team regularly, but back in November decided to have a friendly game against each other, said Const. Mo Parry, who is organizing the game and is also captain of the Delta police team.
"We then thought we could open the game to the public and try and raise a little bit of money for charity," said Parry. "When some of our local businesses heard about the idea and asked to help out, it really just took off."
The two teams will face off in the first-ever Battle of the Badges this Saturday night at North Delta's Sungod Arena.
With the assistance of large donations from Westshore Terminals, Westcoast Instant Lawns, Delta Pacific Benefit Brokers and MK Delta Lands, the organizing team has been able to purchase blocks of tickets to give out to elementary students, minor hockey associations and the Boys & Girls Club.
"The response from these community businesses has been overwhelming," said firefighter James Bercic, captain of the fire department team. "We honestly didn't expect anything like this and to see these companies stepping up and allowing us to help out our community groups has been a great experience in itself, never mind the hockey game."
Aside from the battle on the ice, there will be prizes and giveaways, a booth that will allow spectators to have their photos taken wearing police and fire gear as well as other interactive activities.
The police's K9 unit and trauma dog Caber will be on scene for meet and greets, while White Spot will bring its mobile kitchen to cook up burgers by donation. In between periods, each department will be doing an interactive demonstration.
With all proceeds going to the Delta Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation, Special Olympics and Cops for Cancer, there's nothing but bragging rights and a little pride on the line.
After the final whistle, the chief of the losing team will have to present the trophy to the winning team and, at a later date, serve the team a catered lunch while wearing the winning team's jersey.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the puck drops at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids. They can be purchased (cash only) at the Delta police headquarters in Ladner, the North Delta Public Safety Building or at www.vtixonline.com.
