The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) is making a major investment in the future of women’s hockey and youth development in the Lloydminster region.

The foundation has committed $25,000 annually for three years, providing a total of $75,000 to support community programs and outreach initiatives led by the Lakeland College Lloydminster Co-op Rustlers women’s hockey team.

The funding will help expand opportunities for Indigenous youth, newcomers to Canada, women and girls to get involved in hockey while helping remove barriers that can prevent participation in the sport.

“Hockey is more than a game. It has the power to build confidence, foster belonging and bring communities together,” said Kent Hummelle, Lakeland College’s vice president of people and cultural services.

“This support from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation helps remove barriers and create more opportunities for girls and women to access the sport, develop their skills and pursue their goals.”

Hummelle says the funding will allow Lakeland College to grow programming aimed at youth, newcomers and Indigenous athletes while creating welcoming spaces where participants can build skills and confidence both on and off the ice.

Programs Reaching Beyond the Rink

The investment will support a variety of community-focused initiatives including:

• Wintergation, an introductory skating experience for newcomers to Canada
• School outreach programs
• Girls’ hockey camps
• Behind-the-scenes experiences at Rustlers games for local female athletes

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation says the partnership aligns with its commitment to growing the game and creating opportunities through sport.

“Through our Even Strength program, we’re proud to support initiatives that help more girls and women participate in sport through the power and spirit of hockey,” said Myrna Khan, executive director of the EOCF.

“This partnership with Lakeland College will create meaningful opportunities for newcomers to Canada and Indigenous youth to build confidence and develop leadership skills. Together, we’re helping remove barriers and creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can build a lifelong connection to the game, both on and off the ice.”

Building on Rustlers Success

The Lakeland Rustlers women’s hockey program continues to establish itself as one of the top collegiate teams in Alberta.

The team first took to the ice in 2021 and joined the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) in 2022. Earlier this year, the Rustlers captured their second consecutive ACAC gold medal, further cementing the program’s growing reputation.

College officials say the success of the women’s hockey team has been made possible through strong support from both Lakeland College and the Lloydminster community.

The new funding partnership will allow that impact to extend beyond competition, creating opportunities for more young people to discover the sport and build connections through hockey for years to come.