Minor hockey players participate in a series of drills at Rexall Place on January 7, 2011. PHOTOS Click here to view the photo gallery

On Friday, January 7, Rexall Place was host to a very unique Hockey Canada Skills Camp for 100 of Oil Country’s minor hockey players. Kids and their families came from across Oil Country to participate in this special event aimed a skill development.

When the kids first arrived at the camp they were greeted with special Oilers and Hockey Canada gifts. Then the young hockey players were split into two groups and the young boys and girls participated in two on-ice sessions and one team building activity. The camp ended on a very high note when all the kids were given a tour of the Oilers dressing room.

“The Hockey Canada Skills Camp is a great way for the Oilers to support the development and growth of hockey across Oil Country,” said Trevor Murphy, Oilers Manager of Community and Consumer Partnerships. “We’re also pleased to be able to give these kids the chance to skate on the ice at Rexall Place like the Oilers and get a behind the scenes tour of their team’s dressing room.”

The 100 kids were guided through the camp by 20 coaches to ensure each player received ample one-on-one coaching and direction. The Hockey Canada Skills Camp was a joint venture between Hockey Canada, Hockey Alberta and the Edmonton Oilers and is a national program aimed at providing skill development to young players in a positive and fun environment.

At the end of the night the kids left Rexall Place with smiles on their faces, new friends and new skills to take back to their minor hockey teams.