YELLOWKNIFE - Firefigher boots were made for walking Saturday, and walk they did.

First, all over the RCMP team that came to challenge the Yellowknife Fire Department for hockey bragging rights in the city. And second, over to the bank with more than $14,000 donated by citizens attending Saturday's hockey tribute to fallen firefighters Lieut. Cyril Fyfe and Kevin Olson at the Multiplex arena.

RCMP Insp. Roch Fortin shakes hands with the firefighters' team prior to the start of a memorial hockey game at the Multiplex Saturday, to commemorate two fallen firefighters. - Natalie Dunleavy/NNSL photo

Game goers stuffed firefighter boots with cash and bought scores of raffle tickets to help raise money to build a memorial cenotaph for the two fallen firefighters.

The arena was at a standstill prior to the game as two jerseys bearing numbers corresponding to the ages of the two dead men when they were killed - 24 for Olson, 41 for Fyfe - were raised to commemorate them.

"They paid the ultimate price for their community doing what they love to do," said fire Chief Reid Douglas.

Fyfe and Olson were killed while fighting a shed fire at the Home Building Centre, March 17, 2005.

There was no shortage of fans to watch the RCMP and fire department face off. The arena was filled to the rafters to watch the game.

"This is a huge morale booster," said Douglas, adding it was a natural thing for the department to choose a hockey game to lift their spirits.

The idea for a hockey challenge between the fire department and the RCMP was dreamed up last fall by firefighter Ian MacDonald, the fire department's team captain. It was later decided to hold the challenge on the second anniversary date of Fyfe and Olson's deaths.

The RCMP readily agreed, refusing to accept any proceeds from the game, which will be used to pay for the construction of the cenotaph.

The fire department had hoped to raise $5,000. They were pleased to find game goers had almost tripled that amount to $14,325.70.

A big chunk of that money came from raffle ticket sales for a new quad machine. Donations were also stuffed into firefighter boots carried by volunteers.

After Fyfe and Olson's jerseys were raised to the rafter, the game commenced.

Although the fire department won the game by a 8-5 margin, fans weren't bored as the scoreboard stayed tight during the first two periods. And a little rough housing was expected and entertaining in a game between the city's official "tough guy" departments.

The game was 6-5 in the third period until the fire department scored two quick goals with two minutes remaining.

Past deputy fire chief deputy Clem St. Croix thought the game did more than lift spirits in the departments.

"It brings the workers of emergency services close together," said St. Croix.

"I've worked all my career with Cyril, we've played games in the past. It's something Cyril liked to do."

RCMP Insp. Rock Fortin, who captained his team, was in good spirits during the game.

"This is important not only for the fire department, but for us too," said Fortin.

He said the fire department is starting to turn the page and heal from the two-year-old tragedy. He thinks the game not only boosted morale in the department, but brought both emergency services closer.

"We all face tragedy, let's work together," he said. "Let's fight against the adversity we're facing every day."

Senior firefighter Jason Clarke was in the stands watching the game closely.

"It's something that gets the emergency services together," he said.

Police officer Const. Kerry Nicholson was present for the ceremony and also to watch the game.

"It's good for the community and its nice to see the RCMP and firefighters have some fun on the ice," said Nicholson.

Community members were also pleased with the game.

"You're dwelling on the happier memories," said Mikhaila Popson.

"You're here to have fun."

Yesterday, Fortin made good on his promise to wear a fire department jersey should his team lose. The fire department's flag will also spend some time flying at G Division headquarters.

"Come into the house, we got a (jail) cell we want to show you," Fortin chuckled to a gathered crowd of firefighters outside the detachment.

He vowed the RCMP hockey team will be ready for revenge next year.

"As part of our recruiting down south, we're going to check our applicants' hockey background," he laughed.

- with files from Mike W. Bryant