By Rozanna M. Martinez
The Albuquerque Journal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Area police officers and firefighters will skate for charity Saturday - on opposing teams in the second annual Salute to Badges hockey game at the Santa Ana Star Center.
Face-off time is 4 p.m.
About 30 people attended a news conference Wednesday to promote the event, including representatives of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department, Bernalillo County Fire Department, Albuquerque Fire Department, Rio Rancho police, Rio Rancho Fire Rescue, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office and State Police.
Many of them will be competing in Saturday’s game. Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety spokesman John Francis said Albuquerque police officers might also participate.
Proceeds will benefit two local charities. Police officers selected the Ronald McDonald House and the firefighters selected the Regional Burn Center at the University of New Mexico Hospital, according to a Rio Rancho Fire Rescue news release.
A Scorpions game will follow the Salute to Badges event at 7:15 p.m. There will be a ceremonial puck drop before the Scorpions game, the release says.
Competitions will be held during the Scorpions game intermissions, according to the release. The contests will include a fire versus police tugof-war, tricycle race and bed race.
The competitions will help fire and police department participants to gain points. The winner with the most points will be awarded the Salute to Badges Cup, the release says.
The firefighters won the trophy last year.
A benefit auction of special hockey jerseys will also be held at Saturday’s event.
Any police officer, firefighter or public safety official can purchase tickets for $11 each. Civilians can purchase tickets starting at $11.50 for adults and $7 for children, according to Adam Minnick, Scorpions’ director of public relations.
All-you-can-eat tickets are also available for $20 each, Minnick said. The ticket price includes entry as well as allyou-can-eat of hot dogs, popcorn, nachos and soft drinks through the second intermission, he said.
Copyright 2008 Albuquerque Journal