Oilers players donate $100,000 to coronavirus efforts in Edmonton

The Edmonton Oilers players teamed up to contribute $100,000 to the Oilers Entertainment Group on Thursday to assist with support in dealing with the coronavirus locally and in Alberta.

"It's something that has been in the works for a long time, a lot of back and forth," Oilers captain Connor McDavid said Thursday. "We wanted to do something right away, and it has gone a little bit slower than we anticipated. It wasn't a tough sell at all. Everyone wanted to be involved. It was just working out the logistics of getting the money, and how we were going to do that. That was the slower part.

"It's important that the Oilers are contributing to the community. Alberta and Oil Country is suffering, both through the economic times and through [COVID-19]. It was definitely good for us to step up and help out any way we can and try to affect as many people as we can."

The Oilers said the exact details on how the funds would be allocated have yet to be determined.

Edmonton last played March 11, one day before the NHL season was paused due to concerns over the coronavirus.