RELEASE: Second annual Pride Cup slated for Sunday

EDMONTON, AB - OEG Sports and Entertainment (OEGSE) announced today that the Battle of Alberta is returning to ICE District Plaza for the second annual Pride Cup street hockey championship, in partnership with the Edmonton Oilers, Pride Tape and MacEwan University's Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity.

The defending champion Edmonton Rage will face off against the Calgary Pioneers this Sunday, August 27 for the chance to hoist the coveted Pride Cup trophy.

In addition to the championship game, the event will feature a ball hockey matchup between NHL and WHL alumni, and a special Alberta community leaders game. This year's festivities will also include a ticketed drag brunch, live entertainment, food and beverages, prize giveaways, games and activities, Oilers mascot Hunter, and other special guest appearances.

"OEGSE and the Edmonton Oilers are proud to partner with Pride Tape and MacEwan University once again to show our unwavering support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community as we host the second annual Pride Cup in ICE District Plaza," said Tim Shipton, Executive Vice President, OEGSE. "We invite Edmontonians to join us this Sunday to celebrate diversity, equality and inclusion, and to reinforce our organization's deep belief that hockey is for everyone."

Event Timeline:

• 10:00 AM: Drag Brunch
• 11:00 AM: Community Leaders Game
• 12:00 PM: NHL & WHL Alumni Game
• 1:15 PM: Pride Cup Championship Game

"We are thrilled to be working with OEGSE and the Edmonton Oilers to support the second annual Pride Cup, which showcases the importance of making sport more welcoming and inclusive for everyone," said Dr. Kristopher Wells, Director, MacEwan Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity. "During a time when the 2SLGBTQ+ community is experiencing increased discrimination and hate, it is more important than ever for allies to step forward and show their support for diversity, equity, and human rights. For me, the Pride Cup symbolizes how we can all come together as a community and become champions for change."

"We couldn't be more proud to be included in the second annual Pride Cup in Edmonton's ICE District," said Jeff McLean, co-founder of Pride Tape. "From Pride Tape's beginning, the entire Oilers organization has been a lead partner responsible for our launch and continued growth. Engaging community events like the Pride Cup demonstrate our shared commitment to making hockey and all sports more accessible, welcoming and accepting for everyone. We make tape -- the Oilers and their partners make it powerful."

"The Edmonton Hockey Inclusive Hockey Association is proud to help organize and promote Edmonton's second annual Pride Cup in Partnership with OEGSE, the Oilers and partners," said Doug McLellan, director and co-founder of Edmonton Rage LGBT+ Hockey. "By hosting and creating this event we are excelling on our continuous path of promoting inclusiveness and diversity within our community by creating, maintaining and championing the need for safe spaces and inclusiveness throughout our communities. We are beyond thrilled to be a part of this community and we will always commit and continue to value those who are diverse within our community. Come join us for the second annual pride cup and support those within our community by enjoying entertainment and the fun that comes with playing hockey. We hope to see you there!"

"The Calgary Inclusive Hockey Association is beyond thrilled to partake in the second ever Pride Cup," said Jason Finnan, President of the CIHA. "We've taken big steps in the last year to strive for inclusivity, and to showcase that at Pride Cup is so special for our growing community. It's so important for those in need of a space to play hockey comfortably, and to do that in front of Rogers Place along with the Edmonton Rage is a great way to get back into hockey season."

Gates to ICE District Plaza will open at 10:00 AM. Admission to the Pride Cup is free of charge, but space is limited so attendees are encouraged to arrive early.