Firefighters face off on ice for hospice fundraiser

Pictured from last year’s charity game, Paris goalie Tyler Svirk makes a dramatic dive and save during the third period.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Firefighters from two County of Brant stations will trade hoses for hockey sticks later this month as the Paris Fire Station and Airport Fire Station square off in a friendly charity hockey game in support of Stedman Community Hospice.

The fundraiser takes place March 29 at 3 p.m. at the Twin Pad Arena (Gurney Pad), with admission set at $5, and all proceeds going toward the hospice, which provides compassionate end-of-life care for patients and families across the Brantford-Brant region.

While the cause is serious, the rivalry on the ice promises plenty of spirited competition.

Airport Station enters the matchup as the defending champion, after defeating Paris in front of a packed crowd last year. Unofficial team captain Shelby McDonald says the win wasn’t luck.

“It was a perfect blend of calculated skill and strategic conditioning,” McDonald joked. “While we’d love to say Paris just had a wardrobe malfunction with their skates, the truth is we simply outworked them.” 

Paris Fire, however, is determined to change that outcome.

Its unofficial team captain Phil Dalpe says last year’s loss has provided plenty of motivation heading into the rematch.

“Losing that game is motivation enough,” he said. “The team will bounce back from the outcome of last year.” 

The Paris squad has been putting in extra ice time throughout the year, building chemistry and adding a few new players to the roster.

“We’ve been practicing shinny more than ever,” Dalpe said. “We’ve got a couple of gritty new additions as well.” 

Airport Fire, meanwhile, isn’t revealing too many details about their training program.

“We can neither confirm nor deny the existence of high-intensity drills in full bunker gear,” McDonald teased. 

The friendly trash talk goes both ways. When asked how he would describe Paris Fire’s hockey style, McDonald offered three playful words: “Persistent, loud and… hopeful.” 

Dalpe responded with confidence of his own.

“They have a team over there that doesn’t play together,” he said. “We’ve been practicing. Talk is cheap.” 

Despite the competitive edge, both teams agree the real purpose of the game is supporting an organization that means a great deal to the community.

Stedman Community Hospice, located in Brantford and operated by St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre, provides 24-hour residential end-of-life care for people living with life-limiting illnesses. The hospice relies heavily on community support, with approximately half of its operating budget funded through donations and fundraising efforts.

Nearly 150 volunteers contribute more than 12,000 hours each year, helping ensure patients and families receive compassionate support during one of life’s most difficult moments.

“Stedman is a pillar of the Brantford and Brant County community,” McDonald said. “Almost everyone on our team has been touched by the incredible work they do providing comfort and dignity to families during their hardest moments.” 

Dalpe echoed that sentiment.

“Stedman Community Hospice is top notch,” he said. “We’ve all had someone there that we love. They don’t get enough credit for what they do.” 

The game also reflects the strong bond within the fire department itself.

“It shows how tight-knit the department is,” Dalpe said. “We’re a big family and it’s nice to show the community we mean business in community events as well as serving.” 

As for the final message ahead of puck drop, the defending champions are confident.

“Paris should be prepared for a long sixty minutes,” McDonald said. “We’ve still got the trophy, we’ve still got the hunger, and we’ve got a whole lot of community support behind us.” 

Fans are encouraged to come out, enjoy an afternoon of hockey and support a cause that touches many families across the region.