The firefighters are pitting themselves up against the cops again this year for a great cause.
The Battle of the Badges will pit the bruised RCMP against the Hope fire department with all the funds raised going towards Constable Betker’s third year as a local Cops for Cancer rider.
Organizer George Johnston has a unique position with the two teams not only being a Hope volunteer firefighter but a retired RCMP officer.
Now backing the smoke-eaters, Johnston has a few tricks up his sleeve, in the battle against his former comrades at arms - and he may need them.
“We spanked them last year… but this year they are taking it seriously,” says Johnston.
The RCMP are bringing some great players for the fundraiser. The RCMP Eastern Fraser Valley Provincial team will take to the ice in Hope, after returning from the RCMP provincials.
Skating for the RCMP will be Aaron Hoggan, a former Hope resident, a former UBC Thunderbird, and now an officer with the RCMP, says Johnston.
“It’s going to be a flyer this year; this time I will be the old guy just holding the gate for the faster players.”
But not only are the cops looking to bring in a few ringers in benefit of the fundraiser but the fire department is eyeing a few smoke-eaters from the lower mainland.
Tickets for the game are available from any RCMP officer, firefighter, or at Romano Photo, Cheyenne Sports and Lordco in Hope.
Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 for students and seniors, and $20 for a family of four.
Game time is 5:45 on Saturday, February 19th.