Iqaluit firefighters, police face off in charity hockey game Saturday

Iqaluit’s firefighters hope to avenge last year’s 6-5 loss to the RCMP when they compete Saturday night in the annual Guns and Hoses charity hockey game.

The game is a fundraiser for the firefighters’ Movember campaign, which aims to raise money for programs related to men’s health issues.

“We’re looking forward to fighting back and then making sure that we bring that cup back to the fire department this year,” said fire Chief Steve McGean in an interview.

“We have some new hires here in the department and actually some of them have played some high-tier hockey down south.”

Team RCMP, however, believes it has what it takes to win back-to-back.

“Both teams are out there to win, and the last thing you want to do is give bragging rights to the other,” said Const. William Rochlow, who is organizing his team’s involvement in the game.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that the RCMP is going back-to-back, and I’ll make sure that [Chief Supt. Andrew] Blackadar will hold the trophy above his head again in front of the chief of the fire department.”

Playful rivalries aside, both responder services are looking forward to an exciting event to raise money for what they feel is an important cause. McGean and several of his staff have been growing moustaches for their Movember fundraising campaign.

“I know two friends that have had prostate cancer. They no longer are in the danger zone with it, so to see that the research and whatnot going forward, that they were able to be helped out, is a huge significance,” McGean said.

Rochlow said the game and public skate that will take place after the final buzzer are an opportunity for police and community members to connect.

“A lot of people in the community see us out in uniform on a daily basis,” Rochlow said.

“It’s a good way for the law enforcement and the firefighters to have that bond with the community, because they’ve got to get to see us on a more friendly level.”

Puck drop 6 p.m. Saturday at the Arnaitok Arena.

People who attend are asked to make a monetary donation to the fire department’s Movember campaign or bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.