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SAULT STE. MARIE — It will be firefighters vs. police officers on April 5 as the Battle of the Badges charity hockey game returns to Sault Ste. Marie.
The Battle of the Badges was a long-running tradition in the Sault, with the games often drawing large crowds and raising funds for local causes. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the tradition, but this year the city's first responders hope to bring it back for good.
"I know people are practicing and playing more than usual to get ready for the big game," said Sault Fire Chief Ed Miller. "Most of the people in the area have grown up on skates. It's a fun event and I know our guys are getting ready and practicing. It'll be a good event."
This year's game is raising funds for a scholarship in the memory of a fallen firefighter.
Lieutenant Jason Carstens was a Sault firefighter, who first came to the area to study at Lake Superior State University. While he was studying wildlife and fisheries, he fell in love with the city and decided to stay.
Carstens died last year while on vacation with his family, and a scholarship was established in his honor. The scholarship is available to Sault residents who plan on becoming first responders.
"Lieutenant Carstens was well respected in our community. As the fire investigator, he worked hand-in-hand with the police department and had a lot of friends there," said Miller.
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In order to keep the game more interesting, and to keep raising more money, there will be another fundraiser going on during the game.
Fans of either the police or fire teams can buy a goal for their team by making a donation to impact the game itself.
"Between police and firefighters there's a huge sibling rivalry, and nobody wants to lose to that," said Miller. "So any chance we can get to try to level the playing field is fun, plus it's even better for the scholarship fund."
After the game, kids will have a chance to skate with their favorite first responder during the "Skate with a Hero" event. A 50/50 raffle will also be taking place during the game, giving people a chance to win a number of donated items.
The game begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 at Big Bear Arena. There is a $5 entry fee. Kids age 3 and under are free. All proceeds will go towards the scholarship fund.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: [email protected]
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Battle of the Badges charity hockey game set for April 5 in Sault
Continue reading...
The Battle of the Badges was a long-running tradition in the Sault, with the games often drawing large crowds and raising funds for local causes. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the tradition, but this year the city's first responders hope to bring it back for good.
"I know people are practicing and playing more than usual to get ready for the big game," said Sault Fire Chief Ed Miller. "Most of the people in the area have grown up on skates. It's a fun event and I know our guys are getting ready and practicing. It'll be a good event."
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This year's game is raising funds for a scholarship in the memory of a fallen firefighter.
Lieutenant Jason Carstens was a Sault firefighter, who first came to the area to study at Lake Superior State University. While he was studying wildlife and fisheries, he fell in love with the city and decided to stay.
Carstens died last year while on vacation with his family, and a scholarship was established in his honor. The scholarship is available to Sault residents who plan on becoming first responders.
"Lieutenant Carstens was well respected in our community. As the fire investigator, he worked hand-in-hand with the police department and had a lot of friends there," said Miller.
Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our coverage
In order to keep the game more interesting, and to keep raising more money, there will be another fundraiser going on during the game.
Fans of either the police or fire teams can buy a goal for their team by making a donation to impact the game itself.
"Between police and firefighters there's a huge sibling rivalry, and nobody wants to lose to that," said Miller. "So any chance we can get to try to level the playing field is fun, plus it's even better for the scholarship fund."
After the game, kids will have a chance to skate with their favorite first responder during the "Skate with a Hero" event. A 50/50 raffle will also be taking place during the game, giving people a chance to win a number of donated items.
The game begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 at Big Bear Arena. There is a $5 entry fee. Kids age 3 and under are free. All proceeds will go towards the scholarship fund.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: [email protected]
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Battle of the Badges charity hockey game set for April 5 in Sault
Continue reading...
