Fire stations face off for hospice — Airport claims bragging rights once again

Emma and Avery Linkert cheer from the stands as they support their dad, DJ Linkert, during the charity hockey game at the Brant Sports Complex.

George Le Gresley

Sports Correspondent

The Paris Fire Department can be described as two solitudes, divided by a four-lane highway: the Airport Fire Hall to the south and Paris Fire Hall to the north. They both have one purpose: to serve the Brant community in times of emergency, be it an injury, a fire, or any other calamity that occurs within the county. This is the second year that the two fire halls have gotten together at the Brant Sports Complex to play some hockey, raise some money for a charity, and have some fun – combined with a just a little bit of chirping. 

This year, Stedman Community Hospice was chosen as the recipient of 100 per cent of the proceeds raised at the game - a service that has touched many members of the firefighting community through its exceptional care and compassion, values that closely align with those of both organizations. The event’s co-chairs, Shelby McDonald of the Airport station and Phil Dalpe of the Paris station, set in motion all the volunteers manning the admission desk, draws and information on fire safety.

In the stands were the firefighters’ moms and dads, aunts and uncles, spouses and children, ready to cheer on their favourite firefighters on the ice. 

Last year’s game was won by Airport Hall, and the Paris side was clearly determined to reclaim victory this year. When asked who might earn MVP honours, Dalpe, Paris’ (unofficial) captain joked that their superstar hadn’t arrived yet - suspecting the player might still be doing pregame “elbow stretches” at one of the local establishments, and not the gym. Matt Amy gave a rousing pre-game speech to the Paris skaters, like those given by great coaches like Cherry, Clemons, and Rockne, with themes of brotherhood, courage, and teamwork! Meanwhile, in the Airport dressing room, there was calm that you would expect from a reigning champion, no bluster, no bragging, just a promise to do the best they can, have some fun, and to have the trophy in the place it’s been for the previous year. Who won? The Steman Hospice won, with over $1,500 being donated to that organization.  On the ice, a third period that seemed to gain a few extra, mysterious minutes left spectators puzzled, whether it was meant to give the trailing team a chance to catch up or simply to drain what little energy the players had left. Either way, the Cup and the bragging rights are heading south of the 403 to the Airport Fire Hall for another year.