The Edmonton Oilers and Rexall introduced a new program today called ‘Tickets For Troops’ that allows the club’s valued ticket customers to donate their tickets to members of the Canadian Forces stationed at CFB Edmonton for the Oilers home game on November 24th versus the Chicago Blackhawks.

Click here to open a photo gallery from the press conference.

Edmonton Oilers Season Seat Holders can show their support for Oil Country’s own homegrown heroes by donating their tickets to the November 24th game to ‘Tickets For Troops’, in exchange for a tax receipt for the tickets face value. A postage paid envelope is being included in all Oilers Season Seat packages, asking fans to insert their game tickets, drop them in the mail, and enlist in the endeavor. To add to the number of troops in attendance, Rexall has purchased and will donate a significant block of tickets for the game. All donated tickets will be distributed to active members of the Canadian Forces and their families, creating a special night for the troops that they will never forget.

“The Edmonton Oilers and our fans have always had a close relationship with the many members of the Canadian Forces that are actively serving our country overseas,” said Patrick LaForge, President & CEO of the Edmonton Oilers. “With a significant number of soldiers deploying from CFB Edmonton in the new year, we wanted to show the troops our appreciation, and demonstrate to the rest of Canada that there is nowhere more patriotic than right here in Oil Country.”

“Rexall and the Rexall family of pharmacies are proud and excited to be part of this great initiative” said Michael Bobroff, Vice President of Marketing for Katz Group.  “One of the most important core values of our organization is ‘community’, and it is our privilege to be able to show our appreciation to the Armed Forces community that is part of the fabric of our great city and province.”

“An evening such as this one has special meaning to our soldiers recently returned from overseas duty,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Gary Blenkinsop, Base Commander of CFB Edmonton. “As they reintegrate back into our community and return to all the things they love, there could be a no more fitting tribute than to join a proud Edmonton community at a Canadian hockey event.”

The November 24th Oilers home game against the Chicago Blackhawks will be televised on CBC’s Hockey Night In Canada.

Darryl Lindenbach, Executive Director of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, presents Edmonton Garrison Regimental Sergeant-Major Jones (left) and LCol Blenkinsop (right) with the first installment of donated tickets from Oilers season seat holders.

You see Canadian soldiers around Edmonton. Occasionally a small convoy of jeeps or light armoured vehicles (LAV) will pass by...or occasionally, a tank! But what do all the stripes and maple leafs mean?

When meeting and greeting Canadian Forces personnel in Edmonton, here's a quick guide to the ranks of commissioned and non-commissioned officers displayed on shoulders or chest badges.

General Officers
General	Lieutenant-General	Major General	Brigadier General
Senior Officers
Colonel	Lieutenant Colonel	Major
Junior Officers
Captain	Lieutentant	2nd Lieutenant	Officer Cadet (subordinate officer)
Non Commissioned Members
Chief Warrant Officer	Master Warrant Officer	Warrant Officer	Seargent
Master Corporal	Corporal	Private	Private (Private Recruit)