Oil Kings Unveil Military Appreciation Jersey

Press Release

Edmonton, AB – The Edmonton Oil Kings are once again showing their support for the Canadian Armed Forces by hosting Military Appreciation Day presented by ENMAX at their game against the Kootenay Ice this Sunday.

The Oil Kings and Ice are set to square off on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Rexall Place, and the home team will be wearing special edition military appreciation jerseys to honour the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The game-worn uniforms will then be auctioned off after the game, with proceeds going to the Soldier On program, which improves the quality of life of injured or ill Canadian Forces personnel and former personnel.

"The Oilers organization has always had a terrific relationship with CFB Edmonton and there’s a legacy of memorable events, from the Oilers' Tickets For Troops to the Oil Kings' first-ever Military Appreciation Night back in 2009 and the Capitals' Military Appreciation Day in their inaugural season," Oil Kings President and Governor Patrick LaForge said. "We look forward to this Sunday's Military Appreciation Day, so we can once again honour the Canadian Armed Forces and make a contribution to the Soldier On program."

The Oil Kings, as well as representatives from CFB Edmonton and Soldier On, unveiled the special edition military appreciation jerseys on Thursday at Rexall Place. CFB Edmonton Base Commander Tom Bradley, CFB Edmonton RSM Bob Murphy, Soldier On Regional Adaptive Fitness Coordinator Sebastien Perigny-Lajoie, and wounded CFB Edmonton soldier and Soldier On participant Kurtis Gaucher were all in attendance for the unveiling.

"A lot of our people have spent a lot of time away from home recently, so this is an outstanding opportunity for our military families to get together and watch a hockey game," Commander Bradley said. "And Soldier On is a great cause to raise funds for. Our injured soldiers are being helped in their recovery through sports. It's an outstanding tool for recovery. We're so happy we live in a community that is so supportive of us."

The Oil Kings would also like to recognize Cenovus for their generous donation of 1,000 tickets for Sunday's Military Appreciation Day that will allow CFB Edmonton soldiers to attend the game.

Sunday's Military Appreciation Day game presented by ENMAX is also an Edmonton Sun Autograph Sunday, with a post-game autograph session and family skate.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)