Local New Hampshire first responders will trade their uniforms in for jerseys as they compete in the 16th annual Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Battle of the Badges on March 10 at the SNHU Arena in Manchester.
The charity hockey game raises money to provide critical services for children with chronic illnesses or injuries. Funds also help support pediatric patients and their families.
Ten emergency personnel from police and fire departments in Salem, Hampstead, Londonderry, Derry and Danville are represented on the two teams.
This will be Hampstead police Officer Bryan Lamontagne’s fourth time playing in the game. He’s joined by Officer Tyler Phair to represent his department.
For Lamontagne, the game is secondary to the greater purpose of the event.
It’s a way for him to give back and help children and families going through difficult times.
“You see the families that need the support and help,” Lamontagne said. “If it takes a little bit of time and effort on my side to help these families and raise some money for them then that is what I am going to do.”
The players each year are assigned to a special buddy from the hospital. Lamontagne and his wife have built a relationship with their buddy’s family over the last few years and offer a little extra support, whether through social media or texts, wherever they can.
He has children of his own and hopes his oldest son will see the impact of that relationship and what the game means.
Phair also felt it was important to be a part of something bigger than the game of hockey, which he’s played his whole life.
He was injured during last year’s game so this will be his first time playing in it.
“It’s great to give back to a great cause while also playing the sport we love,” Phair said. “That’s the main reason I became a cop – to help others in need.”
Both Phair and Lamontagne have raised funds together and already met their goal. Now, they are looking to exceed the goal.
While local departments on both the fire and police side face off against each other, they are still united for a singular cause. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t friendly rivalry between the two sides – or a chance for friends to switch teams.
Phair went to high school with fellow benefit player, Hampstead firefighter Zach Sylvester who is on the roster for the opposing team.
Salem Fire Fleet Mechanic Leo LeBlanc is another first timer like Phair. He is one of three from Salem Fire in the game, joining Firefighters Ashton Rome and Dylan Ferguson.
He saw Rome’s repeated involvement in the game and wanted to join in. He’s looking forward to being a part of this with multiple members of Salem Fire.
As a mechanic, LeBlanc spends most of his day at the station repairing and fixing broken apparatuses and doesn’t get as many opportunities to participate in community events.
“This is my chance to get involved with the community that I don’t get to go out and see all the time,” LeBlanc said.
While he’s excited to gear up in a sport he plays, LeBlanc knows there’s a bigger picture why they will be there.
“Everyone is coming together for the same reason and that’s to help these kids,” LeBlanc said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Danville Officer Padraig Capsalis, Londonderry Field Training Officer Cameron Verrier, Derry firefighters Cody Lappas and Timary Malley are also skating in the game and raising funds for the children’s hospital.