This upcoming Saturday (June 15), an epic battle will take place on the streets in the community of Heartland.

This was the first year Cochrane Fire Services threw out a challenge to communities to show off their festivity by decorating, coming out, and providing non-perishable food donations to support the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank. Rewarding the Heartland neighbourhood for their exemplary community spirit at Christmas time, Cochrane Fire Services is gathering up players for their upcoming pick-up street hockey game kicking off at 10:30 a.m on Paint Horse Drive.

The community was chosen by Cochrane Fire after their annual Christmas Eve Santa Run; Brad Hoey, Firefighter for Cochrane Fire Services, says the community has always been very supportive of the event. "Over the years, and even the year when it was -40 out and we were doing the Santa Run, they were out in full force. This past year again, the community had strength by numbers and they had all their kids out. It was a great time going through Heartland, so they were our first choice. Other communities were great too, but we are going to start it off in Heartland."

Anya Wharton, President of the Heartland Community Association, says they are looking forward to celebrating Neighbour Day and the kickoff of Great Neighbour Week by hosting a community game.  Hoping to see a number of residents come out and either play or cheer on their fellow neighbours is something she is looking forward to. "The whole community is really excited; when we put out our 'Save the Date' advertisement there were all sorts of comments about how exciting it will be. We are hoping to have a really good turn out. We are opening registration for people who want to play at about 10, and then hopefully the game will start by 10:30. If all goes well we should have a good hour and a half of game playing time."

Hoping Mother Nature is kind, Hoey says the firefighters will be pulling out all the stops for this Saturday's face off. With close to 15 members already signed up to play, Hoey says depending on schedules there could be more. Although Cochrane Fire has played a few street hockey games at the hall, this one is a first. "It is good for us to get out in the community. We reckon we may be in for a tough game but we've got a good goalie and he is coming out in full gear."

Wharton says the overall community is thankful for the opportunity to face off against Cochrane Fire, and this game is just another way for residents of Heartland to connect and continue to build positive relationships with their neighbours. "This is really cool! It is a great way for our town services to get involved with communities and vice versa. We are trying to foster a sense of community here and that is something that can lack in a big city. It will be so awesome to see everyone come together."

Hoey says the street hockey community face-off will become an annual tradition and this Christmas Eve, Fire Services will once again be on the lookout for the neighbourhood that rises above all the others. 

Besides the street hockey game, a group yard sale will take place in the Painted Horse Park, as well as a community barbeque following the game.

Celebrating the town proclaimed 'Great Neighbour Week' running June 15th to the 22nd, is a fantastic initiative for all Cochrane communities, says Wharton, whether at a community barbeque or inviting your neighbours over to hang in the back yard. Fostering community relationships makes for an awesome place to call home.