A friendly rivalry unfolded on the ice in Wilkes-Barre, as teams of first responders clashed in a spirited hockey match, ending with Scranton winning 11-7.
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Out on the ice of Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township, a rivalry is born.
And a goal is scored at the inaugural First Responders Battle of the Badges.
“Wilkes-Barre firefighter Julia Filchak, it was her concept. It was her idea, and it grew to this today, pretty amazing,” said Chief Jay Delaney of the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department.
Teams made up of firefighters, police officers, and paramedics from Wilkes-Barre and Scranton faced off in a friendly competition.
The custom uniforms, referees, and a trophy up for grabs made the stakes on the ice pretty high.
“Over the years, we’ve had some internal rivalries with the Scranton Police Department and fire department playing softball and basketball together, so kind of expanding on that idea and premise, it was pretty exciting to see that something like this can come together,” said Chief John Judge of the Scranton Fire Department.
Wilkes-Barre scored first, and it was met with cheers from the roughly 500 fans in attendance and Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown.
“It’s a great game so far. I don’t know if I told you, Wilkes-Barre is winning one to nothing,” said Mayor George Brown.
But from there the score went back and forth, and at one point the gloves came off.
The final score saw Scranton come away with an 11-7 victory.
And the start of a competition that first responders hope goes on for years to come.