North Raleigh Today

The Raleigh Fire Department and the Raleigh Police Department face off in an ice hockey match at the Lenovo Center in a "Battle of the Badges" event. The game's proceeds will aid Officer Max Gillick, who suffered an injury earlier this year during a shooting incident. Capt. Nick Christopoulos from Raleigh Fire shared insights into his involvement in the game and his passion for hockey.

Discussing how he got involved, Christopoulos said, "Raleigh Police and Raleigh Fire have been playing multiple sports in a long series of 'Battle of the Badges' games. Once it was announced there was a hockey game coming up, I had a few people reach out to me, asking if I would play. I love hockey and have played my entire life, so I was excited to play with the team."

Christopoulos detailed his hockey background, mentioning his roots in the suburbs of Chicago, a place where hockey thrives. "I started skating when I was 3 or 4 years old and have played hockey ever since," he recalled. He played travel hockey until 18 and club hockey at North Carolina State University.

His motivation for choosing hockey stems from his childhood experiences. "I loved growing up watching the Chicago Blackhawks where my dad had season tickets," Christopoulos said, describing hockey as a "very fast-paced and exciting game."

Participating in the event holds significant meaning for Christopoulos, who emphasized the excitement surrounding the game and its charitable cause. "Most importantly we all are excited to raise as much money as we can for Officer Gillick. We work every day with the Raleigh Police Department and want to support them as much as possible," he stated.