"We are very excited and privileged to have been asked to support the Edmonton Oilers and the expansion of their Lil' Oilers Program. It is evident that all the work and attention to detail in putting the program together has benefitted all who have been involved from players, parents and coaches to staff," said Hockey Alberta Regional Manager, Northwest, Blake Cosgrove. "This is a great opportunity for Hockey Alberta to support and help bring an excellent program to Northwest Alberta. This program provides an avenue for young boys and girls to try hockey and hopefully, through a fantastic experience, fall in love with the sport. We look forward to the expansion of the program to Grande Prairie and continuing to build on the successes the Edmonton program has seen over the past few years."
Lil' Oilers is designed to introduce youth (boys and girls) to the great game of hockey by helping break common entry barriers into the minor hockey system. All participants are provided with new, complimentary CCM hockey equipment (stick, helmet, shoulder pads, skates, elbow pads, gloves, pants, shin pads, jersey, socks and an equipment bag) and six (6) one-hour ice sessions with instruction from Oilers Alumni and local hockey experts.
Lil' Oilers programming will run in January and February 2019 at the Downtown Community Arena adjacent to Rogers Place and Revolution Place in Grande Prairie, AB. The youth hockey program continues the Oilers long tradition of support for grassroots hockey and expands their involvement in youth and amateur hockey in Edmonton.
"OEG is extremely proud to expand Lil' Oilers further into Oil Country and support grassroots hockey initiatives across Northern Alberta through a new crop of participants in Grande Prairie," said Oilers Entertainment Group CEO and Vice Chair Bob Nicholson. "With new and returning Alumni leading the on-ice instruction alongside experts from local and provincial hockey associations, we're looking forward to seeing our new group of Lil' Oilers develop throughout the season."
The Grande Prairie expansion program will be led by Oilers Alumni Colin Fraser (three-time Stanley Cup Champion and Oilers centre, 2010-11), as well as hockey experts from Hockey Alberta and AJHL's Grande Prairie Storm.
"Joining the Lil' Oilers is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community and continue to support the development of future homegrown hockey stars! I'm looking forward to leading the expansion group in Grande Prairie and can't wait to see everyone on the ice in January!" said Fraser.
Leading the Lil' Oilers program in Edmonton will be returning instructors, Oilers Alumni Jason Strudwick (Oilers Defenceman, 2008 to 2011) and Jeff Deslauriers (Oilers Goaltender, 2008 to 2010). Additional on-ice instruction will be provided by certified hockey experts from both Hockey Alberta and Hockey Edmonton.
"I am thrilled to be back for another year of Lil Oilers! It's incredible to see how much the kids enjoy each session and to watch their confidence grow throughout the program," said Strudwick. "The progression in their skating ability from week to week is amazing and the way they move on the ice by the final week is nothing short of impressive."
Lil' Oilers Eligibility
There are three critical elements that must be met by all applicants to be considered eligible for the Lil' Oilers program:
Lil' Oilers participants will be selected via lottery following the application process. Applications will be accepted starting Thursday, November 1, 2018 until Friday, November 30, 2018 at 5:00 PM MT. Please note, only one application will be accepted per child.
For more information or to apply, visit
EdmontonOilers.com
/youthhockey.
