Question: How did you get involved in the Battle of the Badges game?
Christopoulos: 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.
Question: Could you please tell us about your hockey background?
Christopoulos: I was born in the suburbs of Chicago where hockey was very popular. We had some ponds in our neighborhood that we played on in the winter when they froze. I started skating when I was 3 or 4 years old and have played hockey ever since. I played AA-AAA travel hockey until age 18 when I went to college and then I played club hockey for North Carolina State University.
Question: Why hockey?
Christopoulos: I loved growing up watching the Chicago Blackhawks where my dad had season tickets. It was just a very fast-paced and exciting game to watch and play.
Question: Why are you participating in the Battle of the Badges game?
Christopoulos: I love the sport of hockey, so I was excited that we were able to get a game going. I also love to get as many people as possible excited about hockey and enjoy watching the sport and fan base grow here in Raleigh. 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.
