Greater Sudbury police and fire services faced off at the Sudbury Community Arena Thursday night with a charity hockey game that raised thousands of dollars for the NEO Kids Foundation.
Thursday's game was the first time in a decade that the popular showdown - Fire and Ice - has taken place, said Greater Sudbury Police Service communications supervisor Kaitlyn Dunn, one of the organizers.
"So this is the first time in 10 years that we've hosted the Fire and Ice. We are looking to make it an annual event this year. We selected NEO Kids as it is near and dear to a lot of our members' hearts as well as fire services," said Dunn.
The Sudbury Arena had a big crowd. Dunn said 1,100 tickets had been pre-sold and many more were purchased as fans came through the doors Thursday evening.
Early estimates put the fundraising total at well over $12,000, but that tally is expected to increase once all the funds are in from the popular 50/50 cash draw held at the game.
The game began with a colour party and honour guard of firefighters and police officers escorting dignitaries onto the ice for a ceremonial face off, followed by the singing of O Canada.
The organizers were also pleased with the support from several sponsors that included Skater's Edge Source for Sports, RHP Training Centre, Doyle Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Greater Sudbury Police Service recruitment, Sudbury Police Association, Sudbury Regional Police Museum, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Greater Sudbury Fire Services, Sudbury Professional Firefighters, Freelandt Caldwell Reilly LLP and the Sudbury Wolves.
Sudbury Police hockey team took the win over the Sudbury firefighters, five to three.
