RELEASE: Second annual Dave's Drive returns in support of Sport Central

EDMONTON, AB - Today, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) announced, in partnership with Sports Central, the second annual Dave's Drive supporting disadvantaged children in our community. The campaign, named after legendary Oilers enforcer Dave Semenko runs for two weeks starting today and will include an exciting in-game awareness night on Wednesday, October 16 versus the Philadelphia Flyers.
The campaign encourages both awareness of Sport Central as well as donations of funds and hockey equipment to disadvantaged youth in and around the Edmonton area.
This year, long-time teammate and friend of Semenko, and Oilers legend himself Kevin Lowe was named official ambassador for the Dave's Drive campaign.
"Dave was really one of the Oilers 'greats'," said Lowe. "He was always so passionate about helping others, and I am honoured to further his legacy to help raise funds and equipment for Edmonton youth so that everyone can have a chance to play hockey. This is a great way to remember Dave and help kids in our community."
Semenko has an almost 40-year relationship with the Edmonton Oilers franchise, playing an important role on the Edmonton Oilers teams through the 1980's, including two Stanley Cup championships in 1984 and 1985, as a scout in the 1990's and 2000's and later as an official Oilers Ambassador. Dave lost a courageous battle to cancer in 2017. In his memory and through dollars raised from the Centennial Greatest Team event in 2017, the EOCF created the Dave Semenko Legacy Project to celebrate Dave's role both on and off the ice as an ambassador for the Oilers and greater hockey community.
"Sport Central is excited about teaming up again with the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation on the annual Dave's Drive," said Sheldon Oleksyn, Sport Central's Executive Director. "Please join our team effort to 'assist' a disadvantaged child dreaming of playing sports and get the equipment they need to join the game."
During the campaign from October 7-21, every dollar donated to Sport Central will be matched by the EOCF up to $25,000.
Sport Central was formed in 1991 and was created by community-minded individuals who saw the need to provide children with access to necessary sport equipment. Since its inception, Sport Central has enabled over 145,000 low-income kids to participate in the sport of their choice with safe gear and funding.
"Dave Semenko never backed away from a challenge. In his spirit, we issue our Dave's Drive challenge to all Edmontonians," said Oleksyn.
To learn more about Dave's Drive, or to make a cash donation, please visit SportCentral.org.
To learn more about the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation work in the community, visit OilersFoundation.ca.