After a successful 2025, the First Responders Face-off for Charity is set to return Feb. 28 in support of West Country Family Service Association (WCFSA).

Organizers hope the game will provide a financial boost to WCFSA, which provides a wide range of services for the region.

Services provided by WCFSA include Meals On Wheels, Adopt-A-Senior, Lifeline, grocery delivery and home support. Volunteer drivers with WCFSA also dedicate thousands of hours annually to transporting local seniors to health care appointments.

The annual hockey game between local firefighters and RCMP officers raises funds for a different charity each year. Over 10,000 was raised in 2025 for the Alberta Hunter Education Instructor Association (AHEIA) Youth Program, which teaches young Albertans safe and responsible outdoor practices.

“We did do pretty good last year, but we’d like to do better this year,” says organizer Devin Russell, who adds, a goal has been set to raise $15,000 in 2026.

Funds are primarily raised through donations before and during the game, 50/50 sales, and game day ticket sales.

Tickets are available at the door, and are $10 for adults, youth ages 2-15 are $5, with kids under 2 admitted free. Family passes are also available for $25.

Additionally, students from West Central High School’s class of 2026 have stepped up to help out with 50/50 sales at this year’s game, with funds split between the charity and the grad class.

Returning for 2026 is the $10,000 Shoot-To-Win where one attendee will have a chance to shoot a puck the length of the ice into a puck-sized slot for a chance to win the cash. Russell says the contest, sponsored by the Safety Depot in Rocky Mountain House, has yet to be won in the game’s five-year history.

Marina Kulich, executive director for WCFSA, says the organization is thrilled that Face-off for Charity has come alongside them this year.

She adds, while much of WCFSA’s programming is supported by grants, anywhere between 13 to 20 per cent of operational costs is supported annually by fundraising.

“It was a big surprise — the good kind — to be recognized for the important work we do,” says Kulich.

Last year’s game saw the RCMP edge local firefighters 2-1 in a closely-contested match.

“Unfortunately, the fire department has yet to beat the RCMP,” says Russell, who serves as a firefighter out of Station 10 in Leslieville. “Hopefully we can sneak a win out.”

The game is set for Saturday Feb. 28 at the Rocky Arena. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with the game beginning at 5 p.m.

(First Responders Face-Off for Charity)