Bragging rights were on the line Saturday morning when local police and fire crews dropped the puck for Canada鈥檚 pastime on Penticton鈥檚 outdoor rink.

RCMP officers from across the South Okanagan and Penticton Fire Department members kicked off festivities at the facility on Jan. 20, as thousands of locals and tourists alike gear up for BCHL All-Star Weekend.

A game between the first responders hadn鈥檛 taken place since 2015.

鈥淚t鈥檚 great to be out there,鈥� said Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth from the Oliver RCMP, in between shifts on Saturday.

鈥淲e used to have an annual game, usually at Memorial Arena, and the trophy never really left the RCMP detachment because we kept winning it over and over,鈥� he added, with a laugh.

Police and fire crews played multiple games of three-on-three hockey Saturday, with the contests usually ending within one or two goals.

But like any exhibition outdoor hockey game, there鈥檚 always that million-dollar question: how do you decide who鈥檚 going to throw on the goaltender equipment and step into the crease?

鈥淲hoever is a police officer and can play goalie,鈥� Wrigglesworth replied with a laugh.

The game marked the first of many events set to take place in downtown Penticton on Jan. 20.

The UpperDek Vees 鈥� a team that coincidently sees Wrigglesworth as its coach 鈥� took to the ice right after the RCMP and fire crews鈥� game. The BCHL, meanwhile, brings its skills competition, alumni game and three-on-three tournament to the facility starting at noon.

Frost Fest, a brand-new winter festival at Gyro Park, will coincide with all BCHL-related events on Saturday.