Fire and Ice set to bring communities together for STARS

Fire and Ice 2025 - Herald Contributor photo

Crowsnest Pass Fire Rescue is bringing a successful cross border fundraiser home this weekend, with the Fire and Ice Charity Classic set for March 14 at the Coleman Sports Complex in support of STARS.

The event will feature a family skate from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by a charity hockey game between Crowsnest Pass Fire Rescue and Sparwood Fire Department at 5 p.m. Admission will be by donation, with additional fundraising through a silent auction and online 50/50 sales.

Crowsnest Pass Deputy Fire Chief Craig Marshall said the idea grew out of last year’s hockey fundraiser in Sparwood.

“Last year Crowsnest Pass Fire Rescue participated in Sparwood Fire Department’s Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game in support of Angel Flight. The event was a great success with approximately 400 people in attendance and close to $40,000 raised. We saw how the event brought our communities together for an amazing cause and we wanted to bring that home.”

Marshall said this year’s event is meant to combine family fun with community fundraising, while also highlighting the working relationship between the two departments.

The afternoon will begin with public skating, but there will also be a competitive element for those who want to test themselves on the ice.

“The event starts with a family skate at 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. We will have the RCMP and Community Peace Officers onsite with radar for anyone who chooses to try for the hardest shot/fastest skater at one end of the ice. On the other end, it will be a free public skate for everyone to enjoy.”

He said the teams will then take the ice for warm-up ahead of puck drop.

“At 4:45pm the teams will hit the ice for a warm-up and puck drop will be at 5:00pm. There will be three 25-minute run time periods with activities planned during each intermission. The food concession will be open thanks to the Crowsnest Pass Golf Club.”

Marshall said STARS was chosen because of the direct role it plays in emergency response across the region and the reassurance it provides firefighters on difficult calls.

“We are fortunate to have STARS provide services in and around our community. On several occasions throughout the year our firefighters work directly with STARS. From landing them in the mountains during a back country rescue mission, to motor vehicle collisions on the highway, or simply having them be on stand-by during a medical run. We find comfort in knowing there is always an advanced level of medical care ready.”

That connection, he said, makes the fundraiser about more than just a game.

Crowsnest Pass and Sparwood are already mutual aid partners, meaning the departments can support one another during firefighting operations when needed. Marshall said the event offers a chance to strengthen those ties outside of emergency situations.

“This event is a great opportunity for our two departments to strengthen relationships away from the emergency scene which will benefit both communities when it matters most.”

He added there will still be no shortage of competition on the ice.

“There will certainly be some friendly competition on the ice, but we are confident our Community Peace Officers and RCMP referees will keep us in line and call a fair game.”

Fundraising has already started through posters posted around the community and on social media, each with QR codes linking people to donation and 50/50 options. Marshall said organizers are hoping to see the online draw hit its maximum.

“We are striving to have the 50/50 max out at $20,000. Entry into the game will be by donation at the door and please take some time to visit and bid on the silent auction items donated by our amazing local businesses. All proceeds will go towards STARS.”

Volunteers will be at the doors to accept donations by QR code, cash or card. Marshall noted that 50/50 tickets will only be sold online before or during the game.

He also credited local businesses and community groups for helping get the event off the ground.

“Local businesses and community groups truly make these types of events successful. We have already reached out to a substantial number of businesses seeking prizes for the silent auction and so many of them have allowed us to advertise in their buildings. We encourage everyone to continue to spread the word and look forward to seeing you all there.”

The Fire and Ice Charity Classic will take place Saturday, March 14 at the Coleman Sports Complex, with organizers hoping for a strong turnout to support STARS and celebrate the partnership between two mountain communities.