Red Deer Rebels and Lethbridge Hurricanes are going head-to-head in a blood battle.
The Western Hockey League rivals are competing to see which team can bring in more fans to donate blood during February.
“It’s one of those competitions where nobody loses,” said Merrick Sutter, senior vice-president of the Red Deer Rebels, before giving blood on Tuesday at the Red Deer Canadian Blood Service office.
The goal is to raise 850 units of blood in February.
Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre uses up to 130 units of blood every week to help cancer patients, trauma victims and many others.
“We encourage every Rebels fan out there to donate not only this month. The need doesn’t stop in February,” Sutter said.
People who donate in February can enter to win a Rebels Prize Pack consisting of an autographed 2012-13 Rebels jersey, a four-pack of tickets to an upcoming home game, and Rebels and Canadian Blood Services swag.
Kaelyn Smith, Canadian Blood Services spokesperson, said February is traditionally a more difficult month to get people to donate. Many people make a special effort to donate in December and a total of 1,056 units were donated, breaking the record for December.