Firefighters edge police 1-0 in inaugural Surrey Showdown charity hockey game

Police officers and firefighters faced off in the inaugural Surrey Showdown charity hockey game on Saturday, Oct. 10, at South Surrey Arena. Surrey firefighters won 1-0 on a goal by Adam Rossignol, a former WHL player who is now head coach of Cloverdale HC in the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL). More than $22,000 was raised for local youth initiatives in the packed arena.

The Surrey Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 1271 wrote on Facebook: “Surrey, you showed up in a BIG way.” The association thanked sponsors, volunteers, organizers, players and everyone who bought tickets, donated auction items or contributed to making the inaugural event a success. It said it looks forward to next year’s rematch.

Fans arrived early for the beer garden, bought 50/50 draw tickets and took part in games and other activities. During the second intermission, the Surrey Police and Fire bands held a Battle of the Bands.

Hockey fans in New York witnessed a large brawl during a charity game involving police and firefighters last March. No similar rough play took place at South Surrey Arena. Before the Surrey Showdown, game organizer Mike Essel, a hockey-playing firefighter, said he expected the game to be competitive but described it as a community-focused event raising money for the community. He anticipated tough battles in the corners but did not expect things to get too heated, adding that he hoped they would not. His preview was published at https://surreynowleader.com/2026/09/24/police-vs-fire-charity-hockey-game-in-surrey-will-get-competitive-oct-10/.