Powell River RCMP and fire department set to face off in charity hockey game

There will be hockey on the ice at Powell River Recreation Complex on April 22 as the RCMP and the fire department face off in support of Cops for Cancer’s Tour de Coast, one of four BC fundraising bicycle rides for pediatric cancer research.

“We thought about just inviting family and friends to come watch us play, but then we thought, why not open it up to everyone?” says corporal Phil Caza, who will ride in the tour to represent Powell River. “We’ll have a great game, opportunities for photographs with the teams, the chance to learn more about Cops for Cancer and the Tour de Coast, and more. It will be a good night out with the family for a great cause.”

This is the second year that Phil will be participating in the Tour de Coast, where participants cycle 800 kilometres through Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast, including a stop in the qathet region, between September 21 and 29. As an RCMP officer who has lived here since 2019, he is proud to represent the area and make a difference to children battling cancer.

“Last year on the tour, we met some children who have cancer and learned about their experiences and their dreams for the future,” says Phil. “They were so courageous and brave with everything they were going through, and I really connected with them. I found out recently that one of the boys I met has passed away, and that was heartbreaking for me. It really brings into focus why we ride and what we’re riding for.”

Donations go to both pediatric cancer research and Camp Goodtimes, a summer camp located in Maple Ridge that provides medically-supervised summer camp experiences for children and youth with cancer.

“The Powell River detachment has a long history of participating in the Tour de Coast, and of exceeding our fundraising goals,” says Phil. “Last year I had a goal of $4,000 and we raised $8,000. This year I’m hoping to raise $6,000, and the hockey game is only one event we’re planning to help me meet that goal.”

Cops for Cancer began as a fundraising and anti-bullying initiative in 1997, when some Edmonton police officers shaved their heads in support of a boy undergoing chemotherapy who was being bullied in school. Since then, the organization has raised almost $50 million to support pediatric cancer research through a variety of fundraising initiatives, including Tour de Coast.

“I am mostly a mountain biker, but I’ve definitely started doing more road biking since becoming involved in the tour,” says Phil. “I train with rides between Powell River and Saltery Bay, and I do go down to Vancouver to do training rides with other officers, as we ride in a peloton, and that takes some practice. I was happy last year that I was able to keep up with the peloton, even on the day we gained 1,500 metres in elevation.”

Phil is working with local firefighter Sid Allman to organize the hockey game on Friday, April 22, and they hope to make the match an annual event, with proceeds going to Cops for Cancer or the Powell River Professional Firefighters Charitable Society on alternating years.

“We want to get a trophy we can display for whichever team wins the game,” he adds. “Of course, it’ll go to the detachment this year, because we plan on winning!”

The game begins at 7 pm at the recreation complex. Tickets are on sale for a minimum $5 donation per person, and can be purchased at the door or in advance at the RCMP detachment at 7070 Barnet Street, or at the fire hall at 6965 Courtenay Street.

Residents can also support Phil directly by donating online at support.cancer.ca/goto/philcaza2022.