The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is committing $75,000 over three years to support community programming led by the Lakeland College Lloydminster Rustlers women’s hockey team.
The funding — $25,000 annually — will help expand outreach initiatives aimed at Indigenous youth, newcomers to Canada, and women and girls, with a focus on removing barriers and building more inclusive pathways into hockey.
Lakeland officials say the investment will support initiatives like Wintergration, an introductory skating program for newcomers, along with school outreach, girls’ hockey camps and behind-the-scenes opportunities for young female athletes at Rustlers games.
“Hockey is more than a game. It has the power to build confidence, foster belonging and bring communities together,” said Kent Hummelle, Lakeland’s vice president of people and cultural services. “This support helps create more opportunities for girls and women to access the sport and pursue their goals.”
The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation says the funding is part of its Even Strength program, which promotes participation and inclusion through sport.
Executive director Myrna Khan says the partnership will create meaningful opportunities for both newcomers and Indigenous youth to develop confidence and leadership skills while fostering a connection to the game.
The Lakeland Rustlers women’s hockey program launched in 2021 and joined the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference in 2022. The team captured its second straight ACAC gold medal earlier this year.
Officials say the program continues to grow through strong support from both the college and the Lloydminster community.
