Things are heating up in Bloomington, but not in the way you might expect. It's that time of year again when the city's bravest face off against its finest – on the ice, that is. The Bloomington Police are ready to drop the gloves against the Bloomington Fire in a no-holds-barred hockey showdown at the Bloomington Ice Garden. If you're thinking this is just a casual skate-around, think again. These teams are bringing the heat with a rivalry that's as fierce as their day jobs helping to keep the community safe. The game is set for Sunday, March 10, 5 -7 p.m., and families and kids are encouraged to come to cheer on their favorite team, according to the City of Bloomington's announcement.
Last year, the Bloomington Fire Department skated to victory but this year, it's anybody's game. And while the stakes on the ice are high, what's happening off the ice is even more important. The puck drops in more ways than one as the public safety departments have teamed up with Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP) in a bid to collect essential items for their food pantry. Spectators are being asked to bring donations, which will be scooped up by Reserve Officers and staff, and later delivered to VEAP. It's a win-win situation – whether you're rooting for the boys in blue or the heroes in hose.
So, if you're in the mood for some community spirit, or just looking for a free family-friendly event on a Sunday evening, glide on down to 3600 W. 98th St. and indulge in what promises to be an electrifying matchup. Will the Bloomington Fire repeat the history and keep its title, or will the Police Department write a new chapter in this heated rivalry? Either way the puck slices, it's going to be a night to remember for Bloomington locals, as per the City of Bloomington.
