Tonight, the Raleigh Fire Department and Raleigh Police Department will trade in their uniforms for hockey gear in the 'Battle of the Badges,' a charity ice hockey match at the Lenovo Center. The game benefits Officer Max Gillick, who sustained injuries in a shooting early this year. According to the City of Raleigh statement, proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go towards supporting Officer Gillick's recovery.
Capt. Nick Christopoulos of Raleigh Fire will be lacing up his skates for the event. "Raleigh Police and Raleigh Fire have been playing multiple sports in a long series of 'Battle of the Badges' games," Christopoulos told the department. Once organizers announced the hockey match, the seasoned player was among the first to sign up, "I had a few people reach out to me, asking if I would play," he recounted. Christopoulos learned to play hockey in the suburbs of Chicago, skating on frozen ponds as a young child and pursuing the sport through college, where he played club hockey for North Carolina State University.
The love for the game drives Christopoulos, but tonight's event is more than a sport for him and his colleagues. "I also love to get as many people as possible excited about hockey and enjoy watching the sport and fan base grow here in Raleigh," he explained. But the cause remains paramount, "Most importantly we all are excited to raise as much money as we can for Officer Gillick," as per the City of Raleigh.
Bringing the community together for a good cause and fostering camaraderie between departments, the 'Battle of the Badges' game represents a unity of purpose within the fabric of Raleigh's public service entities. Players, like Christopoulos, embody a passion for hockey that is only matched by their commitment to support their fellow first responders in times of need. Officer Gillick's situation serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those who work to ensure public safety. "We work every day with the Raleigh Police Department, and want to support them as much as possible," Christopoulos expressed, signaling the collective spirit at the game's Core, as per the City of Raleigh.
