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Edmonton Oilers help lift spirits of hospital-bound children and their families

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Members of the Edmonton Oilers scored big Thursday with young patients at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Connor McDavid, Jordan Eberle, and Milan Lucic were among the players who came to visit and sign autographs, showing up with bundles of gifts for the children. 

“It’s great to be able to come here and do this, gift giving for kids at this time of year,” said Lucic, who is in his first year with the team.

“Children more than anything love the holiday season here.”

Oilers rookies chose the gifts. “We just went to Toys “R” Us and they helped us pick out the most popular toys,” Oiler Matthew Benning said. “It’s a lot different than when we were kids, so we wanted to make sure they got the best.”

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid autographs a photo for Stollery Children's Hospital patient Luca Flynn, 8, and his mother Jennifer. McDavid and other members of the team made their annual visit to the hospital on December 15, 2016.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid autographs a photo for Stollery Children’s Hospital patient Luca Flynn, 8, and his mother Jennifer. McDavid and other members of the team made their annual visit to the hospital on December 15, 2016.

Players also visited children at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

“It’s really important for all of us to get out here at this time of year and to show how much we care and appreciate the people and the community of Edmonton,” said Lucic who has two young daughters.

“To be able to put some smiles on the kids’ faces is definitely a great feeling.”

Children of all ages, as well as many parents were able to take part, giving them a much-needed break and dose of Christmas cheer.

The event really goes a long way for patients, many in the midst of long hospital stays. “I really appreciate seeing and meeting the Oilers,” said Dexter, 15, a patient at the Stollery, “It really brings up everyone’s mood here.”

The annual visits have become an important part of the Christmas season. “It’s one of the biggest events of the year,” child specialist Kim Clark said. “The kids talk about it for so long. You can feel their lifted spirits for a long time after.”


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