Oilers are still capable of making good organisational decisions

These are interesting times for the Edmonton Oilers, whose offseason couldn't have started off much better. They attacked free agency in such a way, that they ended up actually improving on the roster which just came within one win of the organisation's first Stanley Cup since 1990.

The Oilers also strengthened their prospects farm system, thanks to a draft which saw them move into position to select Sam O'Reilly in the first round, while also trading for Matt Savoie. Unfortunately for a lot of people however, the positive vibes quickly disappeared after the controversial decision to hire Stan Bowman as General Manager and Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations.

Now we could go on again about the ways in which the hiring of Bowman negatively impacts the Oilers, which we already have done here and here. Instead though, let's continue to focus on the positive moves the organisation has made, including one in particular.

EOCF launches new girls hockey initiative

Prior to the whole Bowman fiasco, as per the team's official site, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) announced the launch of its new girls hockey initiative. The initiative is part of Every Kid Deserves a Shot, helping support grassroots hockey in Edmonton and includes removing barriers which limit female participation.

Certainly this is a excellent move by the EOCF, in aiming to make playing hockey more inclusive. As part of this, Danielle Serdachny has been announced as the first female ambassador of Every Kid Deserves a Shot.

Aside from being an Edmonton native, Serdachny's appointment comes with a lot of credibility, given everything she has already achieved as a player. She will undoubtedly prove to be a tremendous inspiration and motivation for young females who want to become more involved in playing hockey.

Serdachny's excellent reputation

The 23-year-old enjoyed plenty of success during her five seasons playing for Colgate University in the ECAC. She scored 238 points in 180 games, was twice named ECAC Player of the Year and became the first All-American for Colgate in their Division I history.

Serdachny's success extends to the international stage with Canada, including winning gold at the 2024 IIHF Women's World Championship. She produced four points in seven games, including scoring the game-winner in overtime versus the United States to secure the gold.

The forward is understandably delighted to come on board to support the efforts of the ECOF as female ambassador for Every Kid Deserves a Shot. She said: "This opportunity speaks to the continued efforts to grow the game of hockey, and I couldn't be more honoured and excited to be part of it. I hope that future female hockey players will continue to follow their dreams and that they find a passion for the game, creating lifelong friendships and memories along the way. I hope this game continues to grow so that there are more and more opportunities for future female hockey players to experience the joy that I have."

Serdachny will have an appropriatate platform to deliver as a female ambassador, after being selected second overall by PWHL Ottawa in the 2024 PWHL draft. The PWHL is hoping to build off a successful first season, with Ottawa representing one of its six charter franchises.

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