░B░R░E░A░K░I░N░G░ ░N░E░W░S░:: McDavid, Skinner, and Hyman Deliver Major Boost to Edmonton Hockey Ahead of 2025–2026 Season
EDMONTON, ALBERTA — In what is being hailed as a transformational moment for the future of hockey in Edmonton, Connor McDavid, Stuart Skinner, and Zach Hyman have come together to launch a game-changing initiative ahead of the 2025–2026 NHL season — delivering an unprecedented boost to the Oilers organization and the broader Alberta hockey community.
The star trio announced a multi-million-dollar joint investment into a new Edmonton Hockey Excellence Initiative, designed to elevate every level of the sport — from grassroots development to elite performance training — ensuring that the next generation of talent has the resources and opportunities to succeed.
Connor McDavid, the team’s captain and generational talent, described the project as “the next step in building something bigger than ourselves.”
> “We’ve had success, but we’re thinking beyond wins and losses,” McDavid said. “This is about leaving a legacy — making Edmonton a hockey powerhouse for decades to come.”
At the heart of the initiative is the construction of a state-of-the-art High-Performance Training & Community Hockey Centre, set to open in Fall 2026. The facility will feature NHL-level rinks, youth development academies, coaching clinics, and health and wellness programs tailored to both competitive athletes and young beginners.
Goaltender Stuart Skinner, a proud Edmonton native, emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that shaped his own journey.
> “I grew up dreaming of playing for the Oilers — and now I want to make sure the kids coming up behind me have even more than I had,” Skinner said. “This is about opening doors and building dreams right here at home.”
In addition to the training center, the initiative includes the creation of the “Oilers Rising Stars Scholarship Fund,” which will provide financial assistance to underprivileged youth to access gear, league fees, coaching, and travel.
Zach Hyman, known as much for his leadership and philanthropy as his play on the ice, will oversee the outreach and education arm of the initiative, helping bring hockey to schools and underserved communities across Alberta.
> “Hockey is for everyone — or at least it should be,” Hyman said. “We’re putting real money, time, and energy behind making that a reality.”
The total investment is reportedly in the range of $52 million, with contributions split between personal funds, sponsorship partners, and charitable organizations. The Oilers franchise has also pledged its full support, with GM Ken Holland calling the initiative “a proud day for the team and the city.”
> “You don’t just build dynasties on the ice — you build them in the community, in the locker room, and in the hearts of your fans,” Holland said.
Fans, already excited for the 2025–2026 season, reacted with awe and admiration. Many took to social media with messages like #LegacyLine, #BuiltByEdmonton, and #McDavidMission trending within hours.
With their bold vision and heartfelt commitment, McDavid, Skinner, and Hyman have made one thing clear:
The future of Edmonton hockey isn’t just bright — it’s unstoppable.