Oilers Tom Gilbert, Ladislav Smid & Zack Stortini enjoy a ride on the Merry-Go-Round with Cindy Wolkosky at Monday Morning Magic. (Photo by Andy Devlin / Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club)

Before the gates were opened to the public, hundreds of kids and their families converged at Capital EX for this year’s Monday Morning Magic, and along for the ride were the Edmonton Oilers, Oil Kings and Capitals.

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In its 33rd year, Monday Morning Magic was created by Northlands to cater to children with disabilities – offering early entrance to the grounds and a safe and controlled environment to enjoy the fun of the fair.

Special guests included Zack Stortini, Ladislav Smid and Tom Gilbert from the Oilers; Mark Pysyk, T.J. Foster, Travis Ewanyk, Klarc Wilson, Michael Burns and mascot Louie the Lion from the Oil Kings; and Capitals mascot Razzle.

“It’s a really fun day here at Capital EX and we’re having a great time,” said Oilers Zack Stortini. “It’s a lot of fun riding on the rides with the kids and seeing the smiles on their faces.”

The players signed autographs, handed out hockey cards and accompanied some lucky fans on the rides throughout the morning.

“We’re here for Monday Morning Magic to get [my daughter] on the rides and to see the hockey boys,” said Paul Wolkosky, father of fair-goer Cindy Wolkosky. “It’s been an incredible morning and it means so much to my daughter to be here.”

Not only were the Wolkoskys able to see the players, but Cindy did one better by having all three Oilers players escort her on the Merry-Go-Round.

Another fan and player favorite was the caterpillar roller coaster.

“It’s great to give back. You see all these guys and they support us and cheer us on,” added Stortini.  “They’re really true inspirations to us.”

Also in attendance were the Oilers Copper Jackets, Alumni and Events Team who helped put smiles on the children’s faces throughout the morning with Oilers giveaways.