Earlier this month, the Battle with the Broncos — Fire vs. Police hockey game took place at the Olds Sportsplex following the Town of Olds Santa Claus Parade of Lights in front of a crowd of approximately 500 fans.
The event began in 2023 as a partnership between the Broncos and Olds first responders to create a hockey-focused community fundraiser for a selected local charity. Last year's game featured the Olds RCMP and Olds Fire Department versus the women’s Broncos hockey team. This year, it was reimagined to feature a faceoff between the RCMP and the Olds Fire Department, with the women’s Broncos hockey team split into two to round out the fire and RCMP rosters.
The participation of Olds RCMP and Olds Fire Department makes this event truly special for the community.
“Olds RCMP and the Olds Fire Department are thrilled to be able to take part in this fundraiser for a second year in a row,” said Mitch Price, RCMP officer and lead organizer of the event. “The community of Olds is not just where we work, it’s also where we live and raise our families. When we get an opportunity to work with an organization such as the Christmas Angels and help provide for those in need throughout the holiday season, we will do everything we can to help.”
Mixing the teams proved to be a great choice as it turned into an exciting game that went into overtime with nine goals scored. The game began with a ceremonial puck drop featuring Debbie Thompson, interim president, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology; Warren Wright, Olds RCMP staff sergeant; Justin Andrews, Olds Fire Chief; and Town of Olds Mayor Judy Dahl.
Team Police were first on the scoreboard, holding Team Fire to zero goals in the first period. Going into the second period down by one, Team Fire brought the heat with three goals. However, the police weren’t ready to go down without a fight, scoring two goals of their own and tying the game 3-3 going into the third period. After the second intermission, both teams returned to the ice ready to win. Matching each other's efforts, the final regulation period ended tied at 4. In overtime, Team Fire won with six minutes left on the clock.
It was a big win for Team Fire, with both teams playing hard to make it an entertaining game. The Broncos goalies put in significant work, facing more than 100 combined shots.
In addition to the main hockey game, two U13 fastest skater competitions were held, featuring players from the female minor hockey tournament that weekend. Before the game, Team Fire and Team Police cheered on the U13 teams racing each other. The same format followed during the first intermission.
During the third period, the big $10,000 Shoot-to-Win, sponsored by Hildebrand Motors, took place. Three randomly selected spectators from the raffle were invited to the ice for a chance to shoot a puck through a small net opening. Despite encouragement from the crowd, no one succeeded. However, raffle prizes worth $1,000 each and six sponsor-donated door prizes were awarded throughout the event.
Admission to the game was a non-perishable food item donation to the Student Association of Olds College food bank program, The Pantry. All monetary proceeds, including raffle and 50/50 ticket sales, were donated to the Olds Christmas Angels, a local group supporting families and individuals during the Christmas season and throughout the year.
Turning their love of hockey into a way to support the community was something the Broncos were grateful to do.
“The Broncos are excited to once again be a part of this fundraiser,” representatives said. “We appreciate all the support we get throughout the season and love being able to give back to the community. The Christmas Angels make such an impact in Olds, and we are so excited to help make this fundraiser a success so they can continue to support those in need.”
Organizers are already looking forward to next year's game and appreciate the community support that makes these events successful. Team Police is especially eager to return and reclaim victory from Team Fire.
Mike Lipiec
Ben Opheim
TJ Young
Dave Mitchell
Hunter Guhl
George Holdstock
Josh Halladay
Matt McKnight (WHKY Broncos Coach)
Jerika Pashnia,
Kaebree Young
Avery Kendall
Paisley Arntsen
Jenna Rhody
Caybri De Jong
Jenay Hyndman
Sienna Radies
Eric Thompson
Mitch Price
Tim Stevens
Derick Bear
Jessica Dagg
Ben Brace
Klara Mattey
Emerson Stuparyk
Tessa Knisely
Paige Urichuk
Ava Dalebozik
Brogan Carlson
Zenith Vanstone
Keera Tiringer
Paige Budgell