Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation’s recent announcement of Danielle Serdachny as their first-ever female hockey ambassador—a milestone initiative in women’s and grassroots hockey development that marks a substantial step forward in fostering gender equity on and off the ice.
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🎉 Announcement and Key Details
On July 18, 2024, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) unveiled a new “Girls Hockey Initiative” as part of its flagship program, Every Kid Deserves a Shot. As part of this launch, they appointed Danielle Serdachny—a rising star on Canada’s National Women’s Team—as the very first female hockey ambassador for the initiative .
This appointment is more than symbolic. It signals a deliberate effort to break through barriers hindering girls’ participation in hockey, while amplifying the influence of women who have excelled at the highest levels. The initiative aims to support girls at every stage—whether it’s THEIR first time on the ice (via programs like First Shift) or they aim for elite-level hockey (supported by Colby’s Kids, Oilers Hockey School, etc.) .
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Danielle Serdachny: From Edmonton to National Recognition
Born May 12, 2001, in Edmonton, Danielle Serdachny quickly rose through youth hockey in Alberta before heading to Colgate University (2019–2024). There, she established herself as one of the NCAA’s elite forwards—with 239 points in 180 games, and earning multiple ECAC Player of the Year and All‑American recognitions .
Drafted second overall in the inaugural 2024 PWHL Draft by Ottawa, Serdachny shone in her rookie year—scoring in debut and ending tied for top rookie scorer with Ottawa . Underlining her international credentials, she netted the game-winning overtime goal to win gold for Canada at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship .
She later signed a two-year deal with expansion team PWHL Seattle on June 5, 2025, marking her growth from rising talent to franchise cornerstone .
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A Milestone for Girls’ Hockey in Western Canada
Removing barriers
Before Serdachny’s role, female players in Oil Country (Edmonton and surrounding Alberta) often faced structural obstacles: lack of visibility, limited role models, and fewer accessible pathways. With her as ambassador, the EOCF intends to dismantle these barriers—not just by funding and programming, but by providing mentorship and visibility.
Myrna Khan, EOCF Executive Director, emphasized that Danielle’s appointment would help “inspire and enable 100,000 kids in Oil Country to reach their full potential”, with a special focus on supporting girls at every stage of their hockey journey .
Local impact
Kylee Quinn, Director of Marketing & Communications at Hockey Edmonton, highlighted Serdachny’s local upbringing—playing on the same rinks as many current junior and EFHA players. Quinn praised her as a “powerful role model,” capable of showing young female athletes that “if you can see it, you can be it” .
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Serdachny’s Words: Inspiring the Next Generation
Serdachny expressed that her role was both deeply personal and professionally meaningful:
> “The opportunity to be the female ambassador for Every Kid Deserves a Shot means so much to me… I hope future female players will follow their dreams… creating lifelong friendships and memories.”
Her message goes beyond performance metrics; it underscores the belief that ice time and guidance can fundamentally change girls’ lives in terms of confidence, teamwork, and persistence.
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What This Means: Programs & Partnerships
Grassroots Growth
The EOCF’s initiative leverages partnerships with organizations like Hockey Alberta, Hockey Edmonton, KidSport, Free Play for Kids, and Sport Central. By pooling resources, they aim to address barriers—be they financial, logistical, or social—that might otherwise deter girls from playing.
Mentorship & Visibility
Serdachny isn’t just a figurehead; she’ll be actively involved in mentorship, coaching clinics, attendance at events, and broader outreach. Her visibility as both a National Team gold medallist and a hometown hero provides tangible proof that an Edmonton girl can reach the top tiers of hockey.
Long-Term Sustainability
EOCF’s vision extends beyond one-off events. They’re aiming to build a full ecosystem: starting with equipment and first‑shift experiences, progressing through multi-level development, up to college or professional opportunities. This continuum ensures girls won’t “fall off” the pathway—something that has historically undermined female athlete development.
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Broader Context in Women’s Hockey
PWHL and Beyond
Serdachny’s trajectory from Edmonton → Colgate → Ottawa Charge → Seattle aligns with the broader professionalization and visibility push in women’s hockey. The PWHL, launched in 2024, is giving female players stable jobs and exposure. Serdachny’s role in the PWHL brings added credibility and inspiration to grassroots programs.
Changing the Narrative
Programs like EOCF’s, using elite role models, are becoming a blueprint across Canada and the U.S. The narrative is shifting: girls aren’t just “introduced” to hockey—they’re seen, valued, and celebrated. It’s changing the recruitment, retention, and performance paradigm.
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What to Watch for Next
1. Program launches: Look out for new clinics, camps, and community events featuring Serdachny.
2. Engagement tracking: Will more girls participate? Will Hockey Edmonton report showing growth?
3. Media & visibility: Expect social videos, interviews, and coverage designed to highlight girl-led hockey.
4. Collaboration outcomes: How will partnerships with KidSport, Free Play, and others translate into grants or equipment provisioning?
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Final Thoughts
Danielle Serdachny’s appointment as EOCF’s first female hockey ambassador is more than PR—it offers a real shift in how girls’ hockey growth is approached. By combining her on-ice excellence and deep community roots, this initiative aims to reshape hockey culture in Alberta and beyond. It signals that:
Female role models matter—especially locally.
Structural supports are essential—not optional extras.
Youth engagement is a long-term investment, not a one-season campaign.
With over 239 points in NCAA, a PWHL career now firmly underway, and international gold, Serdachny offers young female players not just a story to cheer for—but a pathway to follow. Girls who see her skate, score, and mentor can start to believe: I belong. I can succeed. I can lead.
This release—700+ words of context, quotes, strategy, and social impact—underscores that hockey’s future isn’t just about goals and medals; it’s about who gets invited to score them in the first place.
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If you’d like, I can follow up with details on
the initiative’s early events, specific program schedules, or interviews from Hockey Alberta. Just say the word!