The first shot has been taken off the ice.
By the Hosers.
Vernon Fire Rescue Services will play the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP in the inaugural Guns vs Hoses charity hockey game.
The event is set for 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Kal Tire Place. Admission is by donation at the door, with a minimum donation of $5. All proceeds will go to local charities, including Cops For Kids.
"We are very excited to be playing the cops to raise money for charity," said John Doorman with the Vernon Professional Firefighters' Charitable Society.
"Although we are sure it should be a good game, we feel that as long as there isn't a doughnut taped to the puck we should be able to win the foot races."
A quote that is likely to end up on the RCMP's dressing room wall, no doubt.
The police 鈥� perhaps taking the high road, or not wanting to give the hose people their own locker room fodder 鈥� have not responded, despite multiple requests for chirps, er, comments from a reporter.
Former two-time Royal Bank Cup champion and Vernon Vipers captain Dave Robinson, and Chris Ovington 鈥� draft pick of the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers 鈥� are expected to suit up for the firefighters.
The RCMP is keeping tight-lipped about their lineup.
The afternoon will kick-off with a barbecue outside the arena from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Hamburbers and hot dogs will be served by RCMP and firefighters. Kids will be able to check out RCMP vehicles and fire trucks. Mascots Sparky (VFRS), Safety Bear (RCMP) and Snipers (Vernon Vipers) will be on-hand.
A concession will be open during the hockey game but there will be no liquor sales.
The hockey game will feature two, 25-minute periods which comes after the national anthem and very special celebratory puck drop. There will be a frisbee toss at the intermission with prizes to be won, and there will also be a 50-50 draw and raffle. All proceeds go to the local charities.
The fun game is being played in partnership with the B.C. Hockey League's Vernon Vipers.
The Snakes will conclude their 2024-25 season immediately after the contest when they host the Cranbrook Bucks. Game time is 6 p.m.
If you're attending Guns vs Hoses, and are staying for the Vipers game (warm-up begins at 5:15 p.m.), you have to exit the arena, and re-enter with your Vipers' game ticket to be scanned.
