For the first time in a couple of years, Cochrane firefighters faced off against Airdrie firefighters in their first of two games supporting local initiatives yesterday afternoon (February 18) at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.

Even though our local firefighters dominated the game until halfway through the third period, a couple of openings brought the final score to a 12 all tie.

Chris Chyka, Cochrane Senior Firefighter, says the boys all played hard in front of a good-sized crowd and feedback thus far has been extremely positive. "It was a really competitive back and forth type of game, so we thought we put on a pretty entertaining product for everyone who came to watch us. We have had nothing, but positive reviews and Airdrie is pretty excited and wants to come back next year."

With this being the first of a two-game match, Chyka says they are currently working on a plan to face off in Airdrie shortly.

Besides trying to outscore each other, the two games are being played in support of a local charity, with ours being the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank. Collecting a huge storage tote full of non-perishable food items and $225 cash from the puck toss, Chyka, says giving back is what it is all about. "We want the community to know as much as they support us, we support the community, and we know there are people in need. So we took a hobby and turned it into a fundraising initiative where we can give back because we are treated very well by Cochrane residents. We are happy to be able to help those out who are less fortunate or finding they are a little bit tight in their budget by collecting some funds and collecting donations and then handing them over."

Being involved in an interactive, non-emergency way is also important to all those working for Cochrane Fire Services, shares Chyka. "We want people to know we are there for them as a department and not just when you need us for an emergency, but in a non-emergency type environment."

Already looking forward to the puck drop in Airdrie, Chyka, is pretty confident Cochrane Fire will come out victorious. Giving thanks to the couple dozen players on both sides who laced up for a good cause, community members that came out to cheer, and donated prizes from Dairy Queen, McDonald's, Montanas, and the Fairmont Palliser for the puck toss, Chyka says the event was an outstanding success.