Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and the Hockey Alberta Foundation Team Up to Support Grassroots Hockey in Northern & Central Alberta

EDMONTON - In a team effort to make a significant impact in growing the game of hockey in Northern Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) has generously committed $1.5 million in funding to the Hockey Alberta Foundation (HAF).

The funding will generate support for three areas;

1. Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community Grant Program,
2. a new Hockey Alberta Member Grant Program, supported by the EOCF and
3. the creation of a Hockey Alberta Volunteer Recognition/Thank You Program.

“Support for minor hockey and the growth of the game has always been an important mandate for the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation,” said Corey Smith, Board Chair, EOCF. “This past year was difficult for minor hockey participants, their families, coaches and all minor hockey associations throughout our province. This new program provides funding to continue to grow the game of hockey in our community. We are hockey and we are so proud to support programs aimed at growing the game and getting more kids, from all backgrounds involved.”

“The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation has always been a strong supporter of our efforts, contributing annually to our Every Kid Every Community program. With this new funding, we’re excited at the opportunity to increase support in Northern Alberta hockey communities while also being able to recognize the key people in those same communities,” said Dennis Zukiwsky, Board Chair, Hockey Alberta Foundation.

The new Hockey Alberta Member Grant Program will allow access to funding for Hockey Alberta members in Northern and Central Alberta. Priority for funding will be given to those in need for leadership development, introduction to hockey, female, para, indigenous hockey programming and any inclusion and diversity initiatives. Members will be able to access the funding application at hockeyalberta.ca.

Throughout the pandemic, volunteers have been the backbone of minor hockey. To thank the volunteers, the ECOF and HAF have formed the Hockey Alberta Volunteer Recognition/Thank You Program. Coaches, parents, and players will have an opportunity to be inspired by their Oilers or Oil Kings heroes by attending games and getting more connected to the teams.

The HAF works to inspire every kid in every community’s passion for hockey. In collaboration with the EOCF, the HAF can continue to grow the game in Northern Alberta.

For more information on the HAF visit hockeyalbertafoundation.ca or the EOCF visit nhl.com/oilers/eocf.

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ABOUT THE HOCKEY ALBERTA FOUNDATION

The Hockey Alberta Foundation’s goal is to raise funds to provide EVERY KID in EVERY COMMUNITY the opportunity to play hockey in Alberta. We work in collaboration with partners to fund those who need us, invest in those who will lead us and honour those before us. For more information on the HAF or to make a donation, visit hockeyalbertafoundation.ca.

ABOUT THE EDMONTON OILERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is dedicated to building strong, vibrant and safe communities by demonstrating philanthropic leadership and continues its deep legacy of giving back. Thanks to the generosity of our valued hockey fans, Oilers players and alumni, the EOCF Board of Directors, Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) employees and the Katz Family, the Foundation has contributed over $56 million to charitable organizations and minor hockey programs across Oil Country since 2001. For more information, visit OilersFoundation.ca.