LYNN — Saturday night’s “Battle of the Badges” charity ice hockey game between the Lynn Police Department and Lynn Fire Department was a success, despite being cut short due to an on-ice injury. The final score was 4-4.
“This game has been marked on our calendars since the final buzzer last year,” said Police Officer Bobby Liberge, referring to last year’s inaugural event. “For us, it is more than a hockey game. It is a tradition that brings the departments, the city, and the community together in a way few things can.”
The fans packed Connery Skating Rink and showed their support – just as they did last year when an estimated 700 people attended.
“Doug Surette and Tony Uva from the Fire Department, and Sgt. (Gary) Hagerty and I from the Police Department have been working on this game since the day the last game ended,” Liberge said.
A few Boston Bruins’ guests added to the fun.
“Having Todd Angilly come sing the anthem for us and having Blades (mascot) from the Bruins come down were great attractions for families,” Surette said.
The event has raised an estimated $12,000 with donations still coming in. Proceeds are being sent to Lynn Youth Hockey and Shriners Children’s Boston.
“Both of these organizations do meaningful work, and giving back to the kids and families who need it most is something we take seriously,” Liberge said. “It is an honor to be in a position to help.”
Surette emphasized the game’s importance in bringing the community together.
“We believe it is a way to bring the community together for a positive experience,” he said. “It is a way to show that Lynn Fire and Lynn Police stand together.”
Because they share the responsibility of keeping Lynn safe, respect was shown between the departments.
“We may wear different colors – red and blue – but when it matters, we stand shoulder to shoulder,” Liberge said.
Once the puck dropped, however, it was all business.
“Hockey is a high-intensity sport where emotions run high,” Surette said. “I think we all had the mindset of, ‘Why play if you’re not going to play hard?’”
“We’re all competitors and there’s definitely pride on the line,” Liberge said. “You want to win – no question.”
You could see it in their eyes, or in Liberges’ case, all over his sweater.
Late in the first period, he was tripped and fell to the ice, standing up moments later with blood all over the top of his sweater. It only took a trip to the bench and a couple of stitches on his face for him to get back into the game and keep playing.
The Fire Department struck for an early lead, scoring two goals in the first 90 seconds. Timmy Borders scored first, followed by a Surette goal.
“Fortunately, it got through and, at this stage, I think most of us will take them any way we can get them,” Surette said.
From there, it was catch-up time for the Police Department, which responded nicely.
Trailing, 3-1, heading into the second period, the Police Department responded with three consecutive goals and held the Fire Department scoreless for the period’s entirety.
The Police Department carried a 4-3 lead into the third period, but Jim Mamos of the Fire Department tied the game, 4-4, to complete the scoring.
Despite the game-ending injury, fans packed the rink, took in competitive hockey, and helped raise money for two great causes.
Tyler Rourke is a student at Endicott College studying journalism
