The Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) hockey team is sporting a perfect 2-0 record.

Come March 16, fire prevention officer Mitch Thériault is hoping that perfect record will be tarnished.

The Countryside Arena will be roaring with rivalry that night as the Greater Sudbury Police and Fire Service face off for the third annual Police vs. Fire charity hockey game.

“It's all in good fun, but we're down by two wins so far,” Thériault said with a laugh. “The guys definitely want to win. There's no hard feelings at the end of the game, but we'd like to try to get that trophy back to the fire hall.”

However, Const. Victor Leroux said the police team is determined to maintain that unblemished record.

“We hold tryouts,” he said. “We're picking the best of the best.

“It's all about the charities,” he added. “But at the same time, the police have won the last two games and we're looking forward to winning the third.”

All rivalries aside, the real winners of the event will be the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and the Chief's Youth Initiatives Fund.

“The money raised from the event will be split evenly between the two charities,” Leroux said. “Last year, we raised more than $5,000.”

Not only does the annual hockey match bring in funds for local charities, Thériault said it is also a way to bring the two services together.

“It's nice just to build relations between our two services, but it's also just to get the community out there to show we all work together, that we all strive to better the community,” he said.

The police will have displays set up at the arena, including the tactical unit and crime prevention, while the fire service will offer a helmet-fitting clinic for children.

“Kids can come out with their parents and make sure their helmets are properly sized,” Thériault said.

The game runs from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $5. Tickets are available at the door or by phoning Victor Leroux (police) at 705-675-9171 ext. 2319 or Mitch Theriault (fire) 705-671-2489 ext. 3742.

“The arena holds 1,200 people and we're hoping to sell out,” Leroux said.

“Last year, there were 800 people,” Thériault added. “We are looking to completely pack it this year.”