Police vs. Fire charity hockey game in Surrey ‘will get competitive’ Oct. 10
Published 7:30 pm Thursday, September 24, 2026
Police officers and firefighters will face off in a Surrey Showdown charity hockey game Saturday, Oct. 10.
At South Surrey Arena, the inaugural event will benefit charities connected to Surrey Fire and Surrey Police, “supporting local programs, community initiatives and families in need,” says the website where tickets are sold.
“While the competition will be fierce, the real winners will be the people of Surrey.”
Event organizer Mike Essel is a hockey-playing firefighter.
“Most of the players are a lot better than me, fortunately,” Essel said with a laugh, “so it should be a pretty good level of hockey. We will have a couple ex-NHL players, hopefully, and higher-level junior players, college players. Denis Pederson (former Canuck), he’s a firefighter and will play.”
Last March, hockey fans in New York witnessed a massive brawl in a charity game involving police and firefighters.
“I think it will get competitive,” Essel said of the Surrey Showdown, “but it is a community-forward event and we’re raising money for the community. There’s going to be some tough battles in the corner, but I don’t expect it to get too heated — at least I hope not.”
Essel says close to 500 tickets have been sold on zeffy.com, $10 for general admission, $5 for youth, free for kids under age five. Puck drop is 7 p.m., doors at 6:30. Arena capacity is 1,242 spectators.
Arrive early to enjoy the beer garden, buy 50/50 draw tickets and take part in games and activities. During the second intermission, a Battle of the Bands will involve Surrey Police and Fire bands.