Bragging Rights on Ice: Coon Rapids Police and Fire Renew a Snowflake Days Tradition

On a winter afternoon when community pride matters as much as the final score, the Coon Rapids Police Department and the Coon Rapids Fire Department will once again lace up their skates and face each other at center ice.

The city’s annual Police vs. Fire Hockey Game returns on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with a 12:00 p.m. puck drop at the Coon Rapids Ice Center, located at 11000 Crooked Lake Boulevard NW. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, with admission available at the door.

The matchup is a featured event of Coon Rapids Snowflake Days, the city’s signature winter celebration that has brought residents together since 1964. Over the decades, Snowflake Days has grown into a multi-week festival that reflects the identity of Coon Rapids itself, rooted in tradition, civic pride, and neighborly connection.

A Friendly Rivalry with a Civic Purpose

Often billed as a classic “Guns vs. Hoses” showdown, the game blends lighthearted rivalry with a deeper goal. It creates space for residents to engage with police officers and firefighters outside of emergency situations, transforming uniforms into familiar faces and public servants into teammates and neighbors.

While the outcome determines a year’s worth of bragging rights, the event is designed first as a community gathering. Families fill the stands, children cheer from the glass, and the atmosphere leans more celebratory than competitive.

Part of a Larger Winter Tradition

As a sanctioned Snowflake Days event, the hockey game sits alongside longtime festival favorites such as the Snowflake Days Parade, the Junior Royalty Pageant, community dinners, and citywide medallion hunts. Together, these events form a winter calendar that draws participation across generations.

Attendees can also expect appearances by the Snowflake Days mascot, the raccoon featured prominently in this year’s promotional materials, adding to the family-friendly tone of the afternoon.

Supporting the Community Beyond the Ice

Proceeds from the game traditionally help support community-oriented initiatives connected to local police and fire associations. While the teams compete on the rink, the broader mission remains cooperative and service-driven, reinforcing the shared commitment both departments have to the well-being of Coon Rapids residents.

City officials and public safety leaders consistently emphasize that events like this strengthen trust and visibility, offering residents an opportunity to interact with first responders in a setting defined by fun rather than crisis.

Event Details at a Glance

• What: Police vs. Fire Hockey Game
• When: Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
• Where: Coon Rapids Ice Center, 11000 Crooked Lake Blvd NW
• Cost: $10 adults, $5 children

Residents are encouraged to arrive early, bring family and friends, and take part in one of Coon Rapids’ most enduring winter traditions.