Don't Be Late for Number Eight -- Battle of Badges Showdown Set in Reading

February 10 Double Header Features Eighth ‘Friendly Fight’ Between Reading’s Fire and Police Departments And ECHL Battle Between Royals and Kalamazoo Wings

NOTE: Information on image on website -- On hand to make the announcement on Monday, January 7th Press Conference were from left to right: Reading Royals mascot Slapshot, Team Fire-Captain Stu Bansner, Bud Bullock of FirstStates Financial Services, Reading City Fire Chief David Hollinger, Team Police-Captain Eric Driesbach, and Fire mascot Sparky. Fans may visit www.royalshockeyevents.com/bob to purchase tickets as proceeds from the ticket purchase go to the police and fireman scholarship fund. Tickets purchased for the police and fireman game also get the ticket holder into the Royals game later that day. Reading, PA – The Reading Royals of the ECHL, the Reading Fire Department, and the Reading Police Department today jointly announced the details for “Battle of the Badges VIII” presented by FirstStates Financial Services. The hockey double-header will kick off with the seventh annual showdown between the Reading Fire and Police Departments on Sunday, February 10, at 12:30 pm. The ECHL hockey action takes over after that as the Royals join battle against the Kalamazoo Wings with the opening face-off scheduled for 4:05 pm. One ticket gains entry into both games, and a portion of every ticket sold will go to the Battle of the Badges Scholarship Fund established to benefit the children of firefighters and police officers. Also, the first 1000 kids fourteen and under that day will receive a Royals tooth brush holder courtesy of Deibler Dental. There will also be a post-game skate with the players. Please note that you must bring your own skates to go on the Sovereign Center ice for the post-game skate. If history is any guide, both ends of the double-header are expected to be ‘edgy’ affairs with the winner of the Battle of the Badges game getting the honor of hoisting the FirstStates Cup. The Reading Eagle returns as the Official Media Partner of the Battle of the Badges Celebration. To purchase tickets to the Battle of the Badges VIII presented by the FirstStates Financial Services, call the Royals offices at (610) 898-PUCK or visit the Royals website, www.royalshockeyevents.com/bob for more information.

FirstStates Financial Services-Battle of the Badges Game-Reading Police vs. Reading Fire 2013 Game:Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. at Sovereign Center – Prior to the Reading Royals vs. Kalamazoo Wings at 4:05 p.m. One ticket gets you in for both games. Also, the first 1000 Kids (14 & Under) receive a Royals Tooth Brush Holder Courtesy of Deibler Dental. There is also a post-game skate with the players presented byBody Zone Sports and Wellness Complex. (You must bring your own skates to go on the ice in the post-game skate.) It is a Berks Packing $1.00 day with $1.00 hot dogs, sodas, nachos and popcorn.History:Began in 2006 as a benefit game and is played in remembrance of fallen Reading Police Officer Michael H. Wise II, who died in the line of duty in June of 2004, and Reading Police Officer Scott A. Wertz who was fatally wounded in the line of duty in August of 2006. The game also raises funds for the police and fire departments scholarship funds. Series:Reading Fire Department leads the series 5-1-1. Last year the Reading Fire Department notched a close 3-2 decision. In 2010, the Reading Police collected their lone win of the series with a 6-0 shutout. The series has been closely contested as the RFD has notched 20 goals and the RPD has netted 19 goals.Dates and Scores:February 19, 2006 RFD 3 RPD 3 (tie)February 18, 2007 RFD 4 RPD 2February 17, 2008 RFD 3 RPD 2February 15, 2009 RFD 4 RPD 2February 28, 2010 RPD 6 RFD 0February 17, 2011 RFD 3 RPD 2 (shootout win)February 26, 2012 RFD 3 RPD 2 Money Raised:During the seven year series, over $30,000 has been raised for the Reading Police and Reading Fire Scholarship Funds.How To Purchase Tickets:The Reading Royals have set up a special website designed to sell tickets for this game. Fans may visit www.royalshockeyevents.com/bob. A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased from this website will go to the Reading Police and Reading Fire Scholarship Fund.