With St. Patrick’s Day come and gone, the amount of green clothing and shamrock paraphernalia has substantially decreased, but two local youth charities are still seeing green.

The Oilers Ladies and Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) teamed up for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Puck Surprise on March 16. For only $20, fans attending the Battle of Alberta had the opportunity to purchase autographed green pucks. The luck of the Irish was also present for 23 lucky fans who found one of 23 pucks signed in gold. On top of their limited edition puck, they took home a team-signed stick.

“The St. Patrick’s Day Puck Surprise is a fan-favourite that always sells out fast and this year was no exception,” said Natalie Minckler, EOCF Executive Director. “This year our focus was on growing awareness for youth mental health issues in Oil Country and Puck Surprise was a great way for fans to get involved in such an important cause.”

“With mental health affecting between 10-20% of Canadian youth, it’s an issue that we as community leaders need to draw attention to.”

Thanks to fan support and a successful sell-out at Rexall Place, the EOCF was able meet their goal of raising awareness and funds for youth mental health in Oil country, donating $15,000 to both the Kids Help Phone and The Support Network.

Sherrie Cameron, Manager of Community Fundraising & Corporate Development, Kids Help Phone & EOCF Executive Director Natalie Minckler	Karen Woitas, Director of Fund Development, The Support Network & EOCF Executive Director Natalie Minckler