RELEASE: Oilers to celebrate Pride

EDMONTON, AB -The Oilers will be showing their support for diversity, inclusion and equality when they host the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, March 19 at Rogers Place. Net proceeds of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) online 50/50 will support the MacEwan University's Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD).
The CSGD supports cutting-edge, community-based research, teaching and service work related to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression throughout Oil Country.
Pride colours will be featured throughout the game and players will use Pride Tape on their sticks during warmup. The sticks will then be auctioned at a later date with the proceeds going to the CSGD. Edmonton native and current Edmonton Oil Kings defenceman Luke Prokop will also be an honoured guest at the game. Prokop has been a trailblazer as an openly gay hockey player in one of the world's most competitive junior hockey leagues.
"The EOCF has a longstanding relationship with our neighbours at MacEwan University and we are honoured to donate the net proceeds of the Oilers online 50/50 raffle to help fund the innovative work at the Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity," said Corey Smith, Board Chair of the EOCF. "At the EOCF, we share the belief that everyone has the right to live, learn, work and play in a safe environment. This innovative partnership will not only help raise awareness of the work underway at MacEwan University, it will also send a strong message to the sports world during that diversity, equality and inclusion should be celebrated -- and that hockey is for everyone."
"Allyship means more than just words -- it has to be followed by real and meaningful actions," said Dr. Kristopher Wells, Director of the CGSD and the Canada Research Chair for the Public Understanding of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. "Participation in the Oilers Foundation 50/50 raffle helps the centre fulfill its commitment to translating research into action to promote inclusive social change. This amazing support will ensure our centre will continue to grow in new directions to meet both campus and community needs. We are so very grateful for our ongoing support and collaborative work with the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club and Community Foundation."
Dr. Wells, along with Edmonton-based art director Jeff McLean, has previously worked with the Oilers on other initiatives in support of the LGBTQ2S+ community, including the launch of Pride Tape in January 2016, which all 32 teams in the NHL now use to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Tickets for the 50/50 draw will be available at the game and online atEdmontonOilers.com/5050.