Police edge firefighters 3-2 in charity hockey game

Tim Brody - Editor

Local police officers and firefighters faced off in a charity hockey game at the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena on the evening of March 7.
The game was held in memory of Michael Gervasi, a Sioux Lookout firefighter who passed away last year.
After a closely played, scoreless first period, the police got on the scoreboard first halfway through the second period. The firefighters found the equalizer with 2:33 left in period to tie the game 1-1.
The police then took back the lead but the firefighters were quick to tie the game again 2-2.
Moving on to the third period, the police found the back of the net with 7:46 left in the period to regain the lead. The police went on to win the game 3-2.
Sioux Lookout Fire Service Deputy Chief Terry Baker was a coach for the firefighters team.
He said of the friendly contest, “It was a really close contest. It was actually a lot faster game than we’ve had in the last probably five years. Some good players out there.”
Baker estimated close to 150 people attended the match.
Baker shared, “We raised $3,455 which is going to the Anglers and Hunters, so that money is for any kids that can’t afford hunter safety or their PAL license, so that will cover that cost. It’s in memory or Mikey Gervasi.”
Gervasi was a member of the Sioux Lookout Anglers and Hunters as well as a Sioux Lookout Fire Service.
Sioux Lookout OPP Inspector Jason Spooner was a coach for the police team.
Members of the Sioux Lookout OPP Detachment were joined by members of the Lac Seul Police Service for the game.
“Close game,” Spooner agreed. “A lot of effort by both the fire department and the police service. Everybody gave 110% out there for a great cause, a great community event, and we look forward to this event every year.”
Spooner added, “I knew him (Gervasi) well and it was great to do this game in his honour.”