EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) announced today the launch of its new girls hockey Initiative and welcomed Hockey Canada National Women’s Team member Danielle Serdachny as the first female ambassador of Every Kid Deserves a Shot.

As part of Every Kid Deserves a Shot, the EOCF is introducing a girls hockey program to promote grassroots hockey in Oil Country. This initiative aims to eliminate obstacles that restrict female participation, offering girls various opportunities and recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of girls and women in sports. The objective is to provide continuous support throughout their hockey journey and enhance the sustainability of girls hockey. This will be achieved through initiatives such as First Shift, Colby’s Kids, Oilers Hockey School, and partnerships with Hockey Alberta, Hockey Edmonton, KidSport, Free Play for Kids, and Sport Central.

Myrna Khan, Executive Director of EOCF, enthusiastically announced the launch of our new girls hockey initiative and introduced Danielle Serdachny as the female ambassador of Every Kid Deserves a Shot. Khan expressed her excitement about Danielle’s involvement and commitment, stating that Every Kid Deserves a Shot will harness the power and spirit of hockey to inspire and empower 100,000 children in Oil Country to achieve their full potential. Additionally, the initiative aims to foster the growth and sustainability of girls hockey by creating a comprehensive support system for girls in Oil Country, providing assistance from their initial equipment and First Shift on the ice to guiding them through their entire hockey journey.

A GOLDEN GOAL!

DANIELLE SERDACHNY WITH THE OT WINNER FOR CANADA #USACAN #womensworlds @hockeycanada pic.twitter.com/NlCdrDQ9VI

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) April 15, 2024

Danielle Serdachny, hailing from Edmonton, has had an impressive career thus far. She was a standout student-athlete at Colgate University, earning the prestigious title of NCAA academic all-American. In the 2024 PWHL Draft, Serdachny was chosen as the second overall pick by Ottawa. Not only does she excel at the collegiate level, but Serdachny is also a valued member of the National Women’s Team. Her remarkable skills were on full display when she recently scored the game-winning goal in overtime, leading Canada to a gold medal victory at the World Championship.

“I am extremely grateful to be chosen as the female ambassador for Every Kid Deserves a Shot,” expressed the 23-year-old forward. “This incredible opportunity reflects the ongoing dedication to expand the reach of hockey, and I am filled with immense pride and enthusiasm to be involved. My aspiration is for aspiring female hockey players to persist in pursuing their dreams and discover a deep love for the sport, forging lifelong connections and cherished memories. I fervently hope that the game keeps flourishing, providing countless opportunities for future female hockey players to experience the same happiness I have enjoyed.”

Girls hockey in Oil Country has been greatly influenced by Hockey Edmonton.

Kylee Quinn, Marketing & Communications Director of Hockey Edmonton, expressed that Danielle Serdachny serves as a powerful role model for Edmontonians. Growing up playing on the same rinks as current Junior Oilers, EFHA players, and all girls involved in the game in our city, Danielle’s accomplishments, such as being drafted second overall in the 2024 PWHL Draft and becoming a world champion, demonstrate to young female players that their dreams are within reach. Quinn believes that Danielle’s mentorship will be instrumental in inspiring our players and offering a valuable female perspective in coaching, as well as fostering an inclusive environment. Hockey Edmonton is thankful for the support from the Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, and they are excited to have Danielle Serdachny join as their female ambassador.