If you are looking for something entertaining to do this Family Day Monday (February 18), you can come and cheer on our local fire department as they face off against neighbour rivals, Airdrie Fire.

Cochrane Firefighter, Harold Phillips says while in the past Cochrane Fire has battled against the Cochrane RCMP, this year they have decided to mix things up by challenging the Airdrie Fire Department to a two-game match with bragging rights for the winning department.

"We have played them a handful of times but we haven't played them in the past few years. We are going to play a two-game, total goal charity hockey event, with one here (in Cochrane) and then we'll get a return date (TBA) in Airdrie, where we will play them once more."

Good representation will be seen by both departments, says Phillips, even though Airdrie has a bigger crew than Cochrane. "Within our department, we will have 15 to 18 players. Typically this is pretty well received; we play a few games a year at various tournaments and play in different charity games. We don't play in a league per se with the firefighters, but we play with emergency services here and there. Airdrie has a bigger department than us so they have a few more players to draw on, and from what I understand there was quite a bit of interest also. There is usually quite a bit of banter out there, so we will see how it works out."

While there is no cost to attending the game, Phillips is hopeful that attendees will help support their initiative of keeping the shelves of our local food bank well stocked. "It's a free event sponsored by Spray Lakes but we encourage people to bring a dollar donation or a food donation for the food bank."

Puck drop is at two in the afternoon and the Cochrane Youth Singers will lead everyone in the national anthem with the Cochrane Legion also providing a two-person honour guard.

Come on out and cheer on the local department, says Phillips, as it might be the motivation they need to claim victory on home ice. "It certainly is a lot of fun and we are hoping to do a couple of kids things this year as well. Sparky the Alberta Fire Department mascot will have some prizes to hand out and we're going to do a puck toss just before the third period which will also go to the Cochrane Food Bank and winner of the toss."

Cochrane Fire has no set targeted goal as far as donations go, shares Phillips, but they are always in awe of the community's generosity. "We always go into it with an open mind and just try to collect as much as we can. We are always pleasantly surprised with the support the community throws our way for the Cochrane Food Bank."