The Fort Frances High School Muskies boys and girls teams will combine to take on first responders from the region tomorrow night on the Ice For Kids rink.
The event is organized by OPP Cst. Kristina Bombay who is also a Mobile Crisis officer in the region.
“Last year we donated all of the funds to Boots on the Ground, which is for mental health for first responders. This year we’re doing the OPP Youth Foundation,” she said.
“It’s to support disadvantaged youth within the province of Ontario, and I’m keeping all those funds within the community this year. So you know, I don’t know what that looks like just yet, but moreso, if you know a student, or a youth that wants to go to a camp or needs help with, hockey equipment or soccer equipment, or, you know, a bursary or something like that. It all depends on how much money we raise that night but I’d love to put it towards a bursary at the end of the year as well.”
Ahead of the 6:45 p.m. puck drop, opening ceremonies will include the national anthem, and a ceremonial faceoff conducted by the new detachment commander at the Rainy River District OPP detachment.
Players on the first responders team will come from a variety of services including the OPP and Treaty Three Police services, corrections staff from the Fort Frances Jail, Emergency Medical Services, and members of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Bombay says the team filled up quickly when she put out the request for players.
“I put out an email and within 12 hours the team filled up,” she said.
“It sucks because then I have to put out a waitlist for people that end up cancelling but nobody really cancels, they all really want to play on the hockey team because it’s a really fun night.”
The event is also receiving assistance from Bell and its Let’s Talk initiative which is paying for the ice rental.
“Bell has been amazing to work with,” Bombay said.
“They paid for the entire ice time, they sent up hats and swag to give out to the people attending. I think it’s such an important day and everybody in the community and everybody around that helps and supports has been so awesome.”
Bombay is also appreciative of Muskie coaches Christ Sinclair and Jordan Larson who she said have been very enthusiastic about participating in the event for a second year. She also expressed thanks to Fort Frances Minor Hockey for being flexible in rearranging schedules so the event could use the Ice For Kids rink.
Puck drop is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. and admission is by donation.
The Penalty Box Canteen has also indicated it will be open during the game on its Facebook page.
