“The kids love playing against police and it gets pretty competitive at times,” says Const. Rhyce Cotterill, who has laced up his skates for three previous cups and is now one of the organizers.
“We’ve seen first-hand how hockey brings the community together and how enthusiastically these kids approach us afterwards, they think it’s pretty cool to chill out with the cops.”
Started in 2009, the McCauley Cup has brought together police and inner-city youth for a friendly hockey game that continues to build relationships and lasting memories.
Many youth return year after year for the opportunity to play with police officers, while parents get to know the Beats members who are working in their neighbourhood.
“The kids get really excited and are always asking me ‘When’s the McCauley Cup?’” smiles Rink Manager Dan Glugosh, who has proudly been a part of the McCauley Cup since the very beginning.
“It means a lot to the kids, and it means a lot to our community too, they get to see the police and talk to them and have some fun too. Once they start playing hockey it’s magic.”
The event has continued to grow in popularity with the support of the Oilers Entertainment Group, McCauley Community League, and partners such as the Edmonton Police Foundation, United Cycle, Sports Central, Italian Centre Shop, Tim Hortons, and Arctic Chiller.
Because of this community spirit, donated skates and hockey equipment are available so all kids have the opportunity to play, and there is plenty of hot chocolate and other treats for participants.
“The McCauley Cup has become a downtown hockey tradition that started quite simply with several of our Beats members playing shinny with kids in the neighbourhood,” says Chief Dale McFee, who is looking forward to playing his fifth cup on the EPS team.
“Years later, the game is still about police connecting with families in the community and building relationships, and regardless of the score everyone wins.”