4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake Commander Colonel Mark Hickey is joined by Honorary Colonel Andrew Abbott, Chief Warrant Officer Carlos Oliveira, Scott Lassell from Inter Pipeline, and Cenovus Energy representatives Sarah Chileen and Sheldon Tutossi for the ceremonial puck drop prior to the game. – All photos by Mike Marshall / The Courier News

The annual Officers versus Non-Commissioned Members (NCM) hockey game returned to the ice on December 18 inside the Colonel J.J. Parr Sports Centre at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, drawing a massive crowd for one of 4 Wing’s most anticipated holiday traditions.

Now in its 39th year, the friendly rivalry delivered a hard-fought and entertaining matchup that kept fans on edge until the very end. A little under halfway through the game, the NCM team broke the deadlock to take a 1–0 lead. Refusing to back down, the Officers mounted a determined push in the third period, capitalizing on their chances to tie the game 1–1 and force a shootout.

With the outcome hanging in the balance, the NCM squad proved clutch under pressure, sealing the victory in the shootout to claim a 2–1 win.

Behind the benches, the Officers were coached by 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake Commander, Colonel Mark Hickey, while the NCM team was led by 4 Wing Chief Warrant Officer Carlos Oliveira.

The game opened with a brief ceremony featuring remarks from 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake Commander Colonel Mark Hickey, 4 Wing Chief Warrant Officer Carlos Oliveira, and Honorary Colonel of 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron Andrew Abbott. The speakers addressed members in attendance and took the opportunity to highlight several recent athletic achievements by CFB Cold Lake–based personnel, setting the tone for an afternoon centred on camaraderie, pride, and community spirit.

The annual Officers versus NCM hockey game remains a cherished holiday tradition within the Canadian Armed Forces, reflecting a long-standing culture of friendly competition that dates back to similar matches played by servicemembers during the First and Second World Wars. Alongside other seasonal customs—such as holiday dinners and unit celebrations—the game serves as a reminder of the strong bonds that unite CAF members across ranks.

4 Wing PSP extends its gratitude to Cenovus Energy and Inter Pipeline for their invaluable support in fostering community spirit and making this holiday tradition a success