Battle of the Badges lives up to the hype!

For the first time in four years Battle of the Badges returned to the ice, and the wait was worth it as the RCMP, SFD, and Wheatland EMS put on an exciting game! EMS was involved in the game for the first time, and they played on both sides.

The RCMP started off hot, earning a 4-0 lead at the end of the first period, but the SFD battled back and tied the game midway through the second, only for the RCMP to once again take a big lead, with a 7-4 score heading into the third. The third period was just as back and forth as the first two, as the SFD battled back to tie the game 9-9 with only around 5 minutes left, but the RCMP came out on top as they scored four goals in around a 2-minute span to take a 13- 9 lead with 3:42 left in the game, which would end up being the final score.

RCMP team captain Ryan Dahl from Wheatland EMS said his first Battle of the Badges was great, and even though he wasn't part of the previous RCMP loss, he said it felt good to avenge that defeat.

"We couldn't let Fire win two championships in a row. Our line, we've been clicking all game, and we found a way to get the puck to the net and fortunately they just went in. We were fortunate some of the bounces went our way and it turned out good," Dahl said.

RCMP goalie Constable Randy Romkey was part of the previous team, so it felt extra sweet for him to get the trophy after so many delays and years of waiting.

"It felt great, we were down to the last few seconds and we had a four-goal lead and I was thinking 'wow, we finally won one,' so it was a great feeling for sure," Romkey said.

Battle of the Badges was exciting for more than just the game, as there was also a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and games during intermission. First intermission featured a tricycle ice race, while the second held a sharp shooting contest.

While this was Dahl's first Battle of the Badges, he certainly hopes it won't be his last. While earning the win definitely felt good, he said at the end of the day what matters most is that it's a fun community event that supports charity.

"The fans were awesome, the charities that we're donating to are for a good cause, we like to support the community. If we can keep this going year after year it's going to be awesome, it's just going to get better and better as we go on. First one was great, glad to have it under the belt, and hopefully they get better from now on," Dahl said.

Battle of the Badges supports School Fuel and Strathmore District Play School.