WATCH ABOVE: Members of the EPS joined forces with the Edmonton Oilers prospects for a charity softball game at Telus Field Sunday.
EDMONTON – Fans at Telus Field were treated to a special game Sunday afternoon, as members of the Edmonton Police Service joined forces with the Edmonton Oilers prospects for a friendly game of softball.
The ball game, for EPS members and their families, drew hundreds of people to Edmonton’s river valley. A charity barbecue was also held to raise money for the Constable Woodall Family Fund, which has already raised thousands for Woodall’s widow and two sons.
Connor McDavid, arguably the most watched Oilers prospect on the ice and on the field, said it was really special to take part in the game.
“We all know that incident that happened and it’s horrible. Any time we can kind of give back like this or do something like this is very special,” said the 18-year-old, who signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Oilers on Friday.
READ MORE: Oilers sign first overall pick Connor McDavid to three-year entry-level contract
The game was also part of the Edmonton Oilers Orientation Camp, which started Wednesday at Rexall Place. Rick Carriere, the team’s senior director of player development, says the baseball game is an opportunity for the hockey players to have a bit of fun during a week of hard work.
“In this case, we try and include something where we can get our players familiar with the importance of community service here in Edmonton,” said Carriere. “We wanted to do something with the Edmonton Police Service, and sort of as a community engagement piece for us and it worked really well for us.”
It also worked out really well for the hockey fans in the stands who were able to get autographs from the players after the game. One young hockey fan was very excited to meet and get an autograph from No. 97.
“I got it on my jersey, my hoodie, my shirt, my hat and this piece of paper. So five things,” he said after getting McDavid’s signature.
McDavid has been getting plenty of media and fan attention at camp this week. While he admits it’s a bit overwhelming, he welcomes the support.
“It’s something that I’ve been getting more and more used to. It’s a good problem to have, obviously so I’m not complaining,” he said Sunday.
WATCH: Connor McDavid hits the ice at Rexall Place
The Oilers prospects camp wraps up Monday night at Rexall Place, with the Billy Moores Cup. The annual four-on-four game goes at 6:30 p.m. It’s open to the public, but fans are encouraged to bring a donation for the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation in support of the EPS and the D. Woodall Family Fund.
Later this month, FC Edmonton will host the inaugural Woodall Cup, a soccer match played between the Edmonton Police Service Blues and the British Selects.
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