A crowd of about 400 hockey fans packed the Rocky Arena on Feb. 28 for the fifth annual First Responders Face-off for Charity hockey game.

The annual game between local RCMP and firefighters raised $14,800 for this year’s benefit organization — West Country Family Service Association (WCFSA).

“The attendance was amazing, the community really supported us,” said organizer Devin Russell. “We actually sold out of our 300 tickets very early.”

Despite the great show of support, Russell, who plays on the firefighters squad, lamented that once again the RCMP won the game — 5-4 in a shootout. “That’s all five years for the RCMP”.

Returning this year was the $10,000 Shoot-To-Win. Russell says two contestants got very close to scoring in the shootout challenge, but no one walked away with the cash.

Russell thanked the evening’s sponsors, notably Nancy and the team at Rocky Credit Union.

He adds, the team looks forward to bringing the event back for 2027.

Previous charities included the Alberta Hunter Education Instructor Association (AHEIA) Youth Program in 2025, the Rocky Health Foundation in 2024, and the Lord’s Food Bank in 2022.