London police beat London fire in ‘Heroes on Ice’ game, thousands raised for Children’s Health Foundation

London police took on the fire department during the 'Heroes on Ice' hockey game, in support of the Children's Health Foundation. CTV's Brent Lale reports.

The rivalry between the London Police Service (LPS) and London Fire Department (LFD) heated up in a ‘Heroes on Ice’ contest which even featured a few fights.

Michael Rivard scored twice for the LPS who held off LFD 7-5 in the second annual contest at Canada Life Place in London, Ont. on Saturday.

The battle of badges raised funds for the Children’s Health Foundation (CHF).

“It’s great to win but the goal out of all of this is just to raise money for kids who are in need,” said Evan Harrison, captain of the LPS squad. “As good as it is to win two years in a row, what’s better and what both Scott [Miller, LFD team captain] and I fills our hearts is, the kids are getting the money that that they deserve. That’s going to help them through when they’re going through a hard time.”

Harrison says Rivard was the key contributor on the offensive side, but the flying fists is all part of the rivalry.

“The fans love that,” said Harrison. “A couple of scrums and a couple of fights got the boys going. Those intense plays get the boys firing.”

Everything in year two was bigger and better than the inaugural event including the attendance which was more than 1,500 fans.

“Definitely building off last year’s momentum,” said Miller. “Hopefully next year we can keep snowballing it and make it bigger. Get word out to the public and even get it out a little earlier, so everyone knows about the game and it’s accessible to everyone who can get to this day of, and I hope their donations and funds keep coming in.”

Prior to the game both unions for LPS and LFD presented cheques to the CHF totaling $7,000. A total dollar amount raised from ticket sales and other donations is yet to be released.

“First responders are just giving back to the kids that they help,” said Jennifer Baxter, director of community relations for the CHF.

She added, “If they have somebody who’s in an emergency situation, they know where the money goes. They know where the kids go. They know that they have to come to the Children’s Hospital, so they’re just giving back. Events like this mean new equipment, new programs and many new things that the Children’s Hospital can’t have without donors like this.”