The Edmonton Oilers will pay tribute to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members at Tuesday’s appreciation game at Rogers Place.
The game will include a ceremonial puck drop, a flag party featuring senior CAF commanding officers and anthem performances by Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Band member David Grenon.
At intermission, kids of local CAF personnel will get to participate in a shootout.
Active service members and veterans will also be honoured throughout the evening.
“Protecting our nation is a big job and it extends to the families, it’s not just those members in uniform … the traumas they’re exposed to carries on to the family,” said Darcy Elder, a former chief warrant officer who now works with Wounded Warriors Canada.
“This is important for a little pause, a little bit of acknowledgement within the public and a bit of a relaxing, fun time.”
Military-themed Oilers jerseys will also be on display on the concourse during the game and will later be auctioned off in support of Homes for Heroes, Wounded Warriors and 4 Wing Military Family Resource Centre Society Cold Lake.
All three organizations help military members, families and veterans with issues such as homelessness, mental wellbeing and medical care.
More than 10,000 veterans are experiencing homelessness in Canada, according to Brad Field, the president and CEO of Homes For Heroes.
“Tonight is a game that is really, really close to our hearts and it’s really one that we look forward to every year,” said Myrna Khan, the executive director of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF).
Since 2016, the EOCF has invested more than $1.1 million in non-profit organizations that support military members.
“These contributions are vital in providing veterans with the resources and the care they need as they transition to civilian life,” Khan said.
“They deserve our ongoing support for their wellbeing.”
RCAF members from Cold Lake will also be on hand as volunteers, selling 50/50 tickets at the game. The 50/50 is in support of 4 Wing Military Family Resource Centre Society.
On Tuesday as part of a collaboration with Soldier On, which supports ill and injured military members using sport and physical recreational activities, CAF members got to participate in a drills and skills session with Oilers and NHL alumni.
On Wednesday, Soldier On will also have a shinny game with alumni, including Craig MacTavish and Jason Strudwick.
Tuesday’s game against the Washington Capitals starts at 7 p.m.
