Excitement is building for the annual Guns-N-Hoses hockey match, scheduled for Feb. 10, when the Kitimat RCMP face off against the Kitimat Fire Department.
Entry to the game is by donation. All proceeds from the door, raffles and 50-50 draws will go directly to KidSport – a program that provides grants for children’s sports registration costs to families in the region facing financial challenges.
Concession and a beer garden will be open to the public.
Last year, the event raised about $10,000 after the firefighters beat the RCMP 4-3, a result RCMP Sgt. Rob Gardner hasn’t yet accepted.
“There’s been a year-long investigation to see how they stole that win from us,” he said. “We’re using all of our resources to ensure that theft doesn’t occur again.”
While the big match is still two weeks away, the teams’ mascots, Safety Bear representing the RCMP and Sparky the Dog for the fire department, offered up some pre-game action with a competitive race around Tamitik Arena Jan. 22.
Sparky was first to skate across the finish line, closely followed by Safety Bear who tripped up and slid into a second place finish.
Those wishing to contribute to the fundraiser but cant attend the game can drop off their donation at the Kitimat RCMP detachment.