Edmonton Oilers Hockey Camp

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Soldier On Edmonton Oilers Hockey camp from 20-23 Jan 25 is now open. The application deadline is 8 Dec 24.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:  
Through the generous contributions and assistance from the Edmonton Oilers hockey engagement and alumni relations team as well as the Edmonton Oilers Alumni, up to 18 ill/injured serving and retired CAF members will have the opportunity to use the sport of hockey as part of their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.

This activity will bring together both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. 

The aim of this activity is to provide an opportunity for both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members to use the sport of hockey as part of their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration.  Regardless of the current skill level, the participants will receive expert coaching through drills as well as the opportunity to play a game with the Edmonton Oilers Alumni.   

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 18.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from Alberta and Northern Canada who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

*NOTE FOR SERVING MEMBERS: Amidst current financial limitations and a federal directive to reduce defense spending within DND by a Billion dollars, serving members' participation in Soldier On events and activities will now be limited to within their own local region (i.e., selection for event outside of where they reside is unlikely). As a result, serving members are advised that participation beyond their local area is likely to be denied, as Soldier On cannot sponsor any temporary duty status for serving members in order to align with government guidelines for expenditure reduction. Unfortunately, serving members are not authorized to participate in Soldier On activities and events while on leave.*

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS.  

20 January (Travel day for those living outside the Edmonton geographical area)
Selected applicants would check into the French Grey Inn at 16:00 hrs 
Skills and Drills at 3 CDSB Edm (Twin Rinks) after supper

21 January 
Times to be determined
Watch Edmonton Oilers Morning Skate 
Skills and Drills at Rogers, hosted by Edmonton Oilers Alumni 
Supper at Rogers Attend CAF Appreciation Night (Edmonton Oilers vs Washington Capitals)

22 January
Times to be determined 
Rogers Place facility tour 
Game with the Edmonton Oilers Alumni 
Wrap up supper 

23 January (Travel day for those living outside the Edmonton geographical area)

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Travel assistance will be provided and coordinated by the Soldier On Regional Coordinator in conjunction with Soldier On Operations for members living outside of the Edmonton, AB geographical area. The most economical means of transportation to and from events will be prioritized and discussed with members via the event OPI or delegate.  DND vans and/or buses will transport participants from out of the Edmonton geographical area to the venues. 

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Training will occur IAW MEL’s, however is not fully adaptive as members will be required to skate upright. Participants must be able to tolerate 1-3 hours of moderate to high paced activities for 3 days in a row which will be limited to 1-2 hours per ice time. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. Selected participants will need to supply their own hockey equipment.

Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.  Participants are advised that meals and single accommodations for this event will be located at Canadian Armed Forces bases/facilities, and thus they may be exposed to a day-to-day military environment.  Participants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed in the accommodations.

Some common physical and mental health requirements for safely participating in the activities of the Soldier On Edmonton Oilers Hockey Camp are basic skating ability and coordination, ability to engage in moderate to intense physical exertion such as pushing, sliding and maneuvering on the ice, the ability to follow instruction and adapt to a team environment and manage the stimulation of a hockey setting including crowds and loud noises.  These guidelines are general, and participants should assess their personal readiness and consult with their healthcare provider if needed.
  COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PREVENTION:
Soldier On, PSP and CAF TG aim to provide a safe environment for all participants and staff. To ensure everyone’s safety, applicants understand that they should aim to adopt personal practices focused on communicable disease prevention such as health awareness, staying home when sick and regular hand cleaning to help prevent the spread.