Edmonton's bravest faced off against Oilers alumni hockey stars on Friday to raise money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

The puck dropped at the Leduc Recreation Centre for the third Fire on Ice charity hockey game where local firefighters took on Edmonton Oilers alumni hockey heroes to launch the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services Rooftop Campout.

Former Edmonton Oilers, including Ryan Smyth, Dave Lumley, as well as Olympic gold medallist figure skater turned Oilers skating coach David Pelletier, joined local firefighters for the friendly game at 7:30 p.m. after a family skate for spectators.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases, many of them inherited, that weaken the musculoskeletal system, causing progressive muscle weakness and a loss of muscle mass in those diagnosed. Some people with muscular dystrophy slowly lose their ability to walk, breath and swallow. There is no cure for muscular dystrophy, and treatments can only slow the progression of symptoms.

While those diagnosed with muscular dystrophy battle for their lives, Edmonton's firefighters are battling the elements in the hope of finding a cure, raising money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada in their 10th annual Rooftop Campout from March 1 to 4.

Edmonton's firefighters will set up camp on the roof of Fire Station 2 at 10217 107 St., in an effort to raise over $150,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, joining other firefighters camping out on top of fire stations across Alberta.

Supporters are encouraged to drop off donations in person during the event, which runs all day and night from March 1 to 4.

For more information, go to www.muscle.ca/get-involved/fire-fighters

@ClaireTheobald

claire.theobald@sunmedia.ca