Watch / Gallery: Airdrie mounties come out blaring in Sirens hockey game

The fifth annual Sirens hockey game concluded on Sunday afternoon with Airdrie Mounties winning the game 10-7 against the city's firefighters.

Although Airdrie's firefighters scored very early in the first period, RCMP were able to fight back and come away victorious. Both teams garnered a few penalties throughout the game and Mounties also managed to get an empty netter goal to round out the score.

Airdrie RCMP and the city's firefighters fought hard on the ice during the fifth annual charity Sirens hockey game. (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)

Special guests included 'Canada's most unreliable broadcast team' - Olly Postanin and Jacob Ardown from 'On the Bench' as well as Calgary Flames Alumni.

As with previous years, the goal of the hockey game was to help garner donations and items for the Airdrie 1st Club's Holiday Hamper Program; and with the hamper program seeing skyrocketing demand, the hockey game was instrumental.

The crowds cheered hard for the city's first responders during the fifth annual Sirens charity hockey game. (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)

"Each year, they [the Airdrie 1st Club] tailors it; the hockey game is entry by donation and this year they're targeting [gifts and gift cards] for teenage boys and men's stocking stuffers. Gift cards are always ideal," Andrew MacPherson, the Charities President of Airdrie Firefighters Charitable Foundation, previously stated.

Airdrie RCMP won the fifth annual Sirens charity hockey game 10-7, even though Airdrie firefighters scored quite a few goals themselves. (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)

MacPherson also reminded Airdronians that there are donation boxes still set up at the city's three fire stations, as well as a donation box at the Airdrie RCMP detachment for those who wish to donate.

Heather Harke, media member for the Airdrie 1st Club, underlined that with many families facing strained finances due to inflation and the rising cost of living, the need for donations towards the Holiday Hamper Program are truly needed and truly appreciated.

"Our need has increased 75 per cent, [in comparison to this time last year. It's a devastating time for a lot of people and the hamper program serves to help everyone feel like they are having a joyous time during the holidays."

She estimated upwards of 400 hampers will be prepared in the coming weeks for those in need.

The fifth annual Sirens Charity Hockey game followed a very busy weekend across the city, which kicked off the holiday season. On Friday evening, the Airdrie Festival of Lights was illuminated with Fortis Alberta Light Up The Night, while Saturday evening saw Santa Claus making his appearance in Airdrie.

Next weekend on Friday, December 8, The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC - formerly known as Canadian Pacific) holiday train is coming to Airdrie and the surrounding areas this holiday season.

According to the 2023 schedule, the holiday train will stop in Airdrie on Friday, December 8. The arrival time is 5:15 p.m., while the event will start at 5:45 p.m. and will run till 6 p.m. It will stop at Nose Creek Park (1641 Main Street) and this year's performers are the Canadian Band, Anyway Gang.

On Saturday, December 9, Nose Creek Valley Museum will host an old-fashioned skating party.

"The Victorian Society of Alberta will be joining with Christmas Carols of days gone by. Bring the family from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., along with your skates, or visit the Skate Shack onsite for free rentals," The Airdrie Festival of Lights Society stated on the website.

The following week, on Friday, December 15, The Festival of Lights will be hosting Emergency Services Night.

The events will also be accompanied by various holiday markets in Airdrie and the surrounding areas.

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