RED DEER – It’s the most exciting time in the NHL season – playoffs. After 31 years, Alberta’s favourite rivalry is back for a best-of-seven series as the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames face-off in Round two. With all eyes on the professionals, these hockey superstars started their journey at the grassroots level.
Minor hockey is offered to youth up to 18 years old with an Intro to Hockey program available for ages 5-8. To register in hockey, contact your minor hockey association near you. Due to the assistance from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and the Calgary Flames Foundation, there are community organizations that continue to make hockey accessible to every Albertan, including:
- Sport Central provides sports equipment at no cost to kids in need. Based out of Edmonton, the volunteers also accept gently-used equipment by donation.
- Calgary Flames Sports Bank helps kids and families across southern Alberta access equipment at no cost. The organization works with KidSport Calgary to breakdown the cost of fees and equipment to ensure every child has an opportunity to play sports. The Calgary Flames Sports Bank operates with the help of volunteers and donations.
- KidSport offers grants to help cover the registration costs for sport, allowing all kids to play. Grants can be applied for online and the organization welcomes donations.
- HEROS Hockey uses the game of hockey to teach life-skills and empower marginalized youth. The organizations provides free hockey programming for at risk children and youth, offering a safe and stable environment for them to grow, connect and succeed.
Thanks to the support from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation are proud to have awarded over $820,000 to organizations across northern Alberta during the 2021-22 season through the Member Grant. The funds were used to support programs and initiatives hosted by members of Hockey Alberta.
In addition to the Member Grant, the Hockey Alberta Foundation offers the Every Kid Every Community Grant to aid in player assistance and community programs. Through these grants, the foundation is able to support programs that ensure everyone has the opportunity to try hockey.
You can do your part to give back to the game this season too! In Round two of the Stanley Cup playoffs, proceeds from the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames 50/50 will be going back to the community. The Edmonton Oilers Mega 50/50 runs from May 15-24. While the Calgary Flames Remax 50/50 Multi-Day Jackpot takes place May 19-20. There’s a chance to win early bird prizes every day and purchases can be made online.
What could be more thrilling than a Battle of Alberta? The opportunity to win big, of course!