As usual, the weather did not cooperate. It was a frigid minus 19 when EPS members dropped the puck against local kids in the 15th annual McCauley Cup. Fingers and toes were frozen, but that didn’t stop people from lacing up their skates for what has become a marquee event in Edmonton.
“I think it's a fixture for the community and the city. This is 15 years, and we keep doing it,” said McCauley Rink manager and event organizer Dan Glugosh.
The game consistently attracts dozens of players and onlookers, with a few celebrities often in attendance. Like Oilers legend Al Hamilton and fan-favorite Georges Laraque, who helped with the ceremonial face-off.
“I have major respect for the police officers. The job they do, because that's what my brother does. So, my brother's been doing it for over 25 years. So, I understand all the struggle and the work that comes with the job,” said Laraque.
The McCauley rink is regarded as a gem in the heart of the neighborhood. A sanctuary for local kids. Food and equipment are always readily available, so kids can just play the game they love. Of course, those kids eventually grow up. Creating a generational ripple effect, as Glugosh says.
“We have kids that come back and bring their own kids. And that's special too.”
Fans munched on donuts, hot dogs, and sandwiches while sipping hot chocolate and coffee. The game is the main attraction, but this is really about police creating new and better relationships with community members.
“They start to generate those relationships and people put a face and a name to the badge,” said Chief Warren Driechel.
Organizing the event requires a small army of volunteers and sponsors. They work many hours before puck drop. Constable Rhyce Cotterill is one of those volunteers and says the work is worth it.
“It’s nice to kind of give back to them and show that we're not robots. We're here to have fun and enjoy our time outside of work. And it's just the community, right?”
The McCauley team managed to pull off another victory over the Police. However, the final score didn’t really matter. As Laraque notes, the greatest success may lie ahead and off the ice.
“I just think this bridge of creating a center like this, and kids could come in and meet a police officer, is the best way to make this relationship special.”
Special thanks for the Edmonton Police Foundation, sponsors, and all the volunteers and players who made this year’s McCauley Cup possible.