Maritime hockey teams go head-to-head in 'blood feud' for good cause

Athletes give their blood, sweat and tears in the pursuit of excellence, but some Maritime hockey players are finding a way to inspire others to give.

Three teams in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) are battling for a cause greater than hockey this January in the Battle of the Bridge – an annual blood donation challenge.

The Charlottetown Islanders, Saint John Sea Dogs and Moncton Wildcats will go head-to-head for the month to see which team’s players and fans can donate the most blood and make the biggest impact across Canada.

Brandy Peters works with Canadian Blood Services. She said the event promotes the need for blood donation.

“We know that the Wildcats are such an inspiration in our community so they’re able to motivate people who may have never thought about donating to get out and donate,” Peters said.

The Moncton Wildcats won the Battle of the Bridge in 2024, and Mallory Rushton, the team’s business development manager said they are looking to repeat.

“It’s an initiative that we feel passionate about because obviously our players can make an impact by bringing awareness to donating blood,” Rushton said. “And we want our fans to take initiative too and be a part of out team so we can support the cause together.”

The Moncton Wildcats mascot is seen in costume at a clinic with one of the Moncton Wildcats hockey players who is reclining while he donates blood. (Source: Facebook)

The Battle of the Bridge is a competition between cities, but everybody benefits no matter who wins, when the goal is to increase Canada’s supply of blood and plasma.

“One in two people are eligible but only one in 76 actually donates,” Peters said. To maintain our blood supply, she said this is going to have to change.