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Police, fire rivals unite to benefit Humboldt

Apr 12, 2018 | 12:10 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Cst. Spencer Hodgson of Lethbridge Police and Lethbridge firefighter Phil Marischuk were texting each other, discussing the Humboldt tragedy.

The result of that conversation is Badges United, a charity hockey game to benefit the Humboldt Broncos Sunday, April 22 at the ENMAX Centre. All proceeds raised will go to support the Saskatchewan junior-A team following the crash of their team bus April 6, which claimed 16 lives.

“We want to make sure that we have them well in our hearts,” Hodgson explained. “We see tragedy far too much in our jobs, and we know that our hearts ache right now for that community. We know that we’ve got a local part to this as well, with the Boulet family, and we want to make sure that they know that we have their – in our world it’s called their “six” – we want to make sure that they know that we have that.”

Hodgson played junior-B hockey with the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Grand Forks Border Bruins. He remembers the many bus trips, in occasionally hazardous conditions.

“When we look at this scenario, it truly could have happened to anybody. It could have been any sport, it could have been baseball, hockey, football. I know there’s tons of us that get on a bus every day.”

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Marischuk said the police and fire services have had a rivalry in recent years, which has helped them raise money for various causes. He stressed that they’re united in their support for Humboldt, despite their competitiveness.

“We’re trying to really promote the Badges United for this. Even though we’ll be doing our best to win, and that goes without saying, what this really boils down to is for the community of Humboldt Broncos and everybody affected by the accident,” he said.

“It was really, really sad, and when these things happen it’s nice to see these things come together and that’s important for us,” Marischuk continued.

“Being first responders, we really have to relate with the individuals who were the first responders on the scene there. They’ve dealt with a lot, and the families – they’re going through a tough time as well.”

Two local NHL players will be there lending their support as well: Kris Versteeg of the Calgary Flames will be on the police team, while the firefighters will have Brandon Davidson of the New York Islanders.

Tickets are $10 for adults, free for children 15 and under, and are available at the ENMAX Centre box office. The event will also raise money with a 50/50 draw, “chuck-a-puck” contest, and silent auction. Fans are encouraged to wear Humboldt’s green and yellow.