Team Canada celebrates after winning the 2010 Gold Medal.

(Edmonton, AB) - The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) today confirmed they are joining forces with the Hockey Canada Foundation to host a gala celebration – called Rings of Gold – in Edmonton to recognize the 2010 Olympic gold medal-winning men’s and  women’s teams, while raising money for a unique new skating facility. The gala will be highlighted by a ring ceremony for members of the men’s and women’s teams, which captured the hearts of Canadians by winning double gold in February in Vancouver.

Bruce Saville, Board Chairman of the EOCF stated, “We, of course, are thrilled to join in welcoming Hockey Canada’s men’s and women’s heroes to Edmonton on June 28-29. Furthermore, thanks to those hockey players and the generosity of thousands of local hockey fans, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation will be able develop a fantastic new outdoor skating facility for use by minor hockey and the general public.”

A working group led by the skilled people at the City of Edmonton will develop the detailed plans for the facility, which is slated to open in the fall of 2011. “As many Edmontonians know, there is nothing quite like skating outdoors,” said Natalie Minckler, Executive Director of the Oilers Community Foundation. “This rink, equipped with the latest in refrigerated ice-making technology and tucked safely inside Telus Field, will be unique in Canada and a thrill for all those citizens who use it.”

Bob Nicholson, president and CEO of Hockey Canada, says the organization is looking forward to two exciting days in Edmonton. “The city has a long tradition of sporting and hockey excellence and we’re thrilled to be adding to that strong history,” he says. “We’re also happy to be supporting a new outdoor skating facility in Edmonton. Last year’s gala in Montreal raised thousands of dollars for a hockey facility in that city.”

The Hockey Canada Foundation holds the annual gala and golf tournament to raise funds for five principal areas: skill development and qualified coaching; accessibility and diversity; health and wellness; athlete and alumni support; and, next-generation programming.”

The Chairman of the local Edmonton organizing committee for the Hockey Canada Foundation event, Doug Goss, added, “I have felt from the beginning that holding an event in Edmonton to recognize and host the men’s and women’s gold medal-winning teams will garner a terrific response by Edmontonians.  I also believe the idea of a legacy outdoor rink at TELUS Field would be met very favorably by the community.  Right now it’s still at the formative stages and a long way from done, but it’s nevertheless a great idea and one worth pursuing with the City of Edmonton.”

The Hockey Canada Foundation gala will be held at the Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort in cooperation with the River Cree Resort and Casino on Monday, June 28. There are still a limited number of tables available for purchase to the gala. In addition, a celebrity golf tournament, which is already sold out, will be held on June 29.

For information regarding the purchase of tables for the Hockey Canada Foundation’s Rings of Gold, go to www.hockeycanada.ca.