Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane may not be back on the ice yet, but he is busy spreading holiday cheer off of it.
The 33-year-old power forward posted on social media Thursday afternoon that he spent the week hosting Evander Kane’s third annual Christmas Shop. This included him going down to a local Walmart location in Edmonton and helping around 200 kids buy toys and gifts ahead of Christmas.
“The best part of these nights for me is meeting and talking to some of these kids that take the money and gift card and spend it on others,” Kane said in a video posted on his Instagram.
“It’s rewarding to be able to give back and give a little more to those specific children and people in need.”
As the title of the event suggests, this is not the first time that Kane has given back to the Edmonton community around the holidays. This is an initiative that he started back in 2022, where he took 100 students from across the city on a shopping spree at the Kingsway Mall Walmart.
Last year, he helped buy gifts for 200 kids through the organization Kids Up Front, which helps provide equal opportunities for kids regardless of their financial situations.
It isn’t clear whether Kane has decided to team up with Kids Up Front this time around or if another organization was involved. Regardless, it looked like a very successful event that put a smile on plenty of faces.
Oilers fans loved seeing Kane give back to the community and wished him a speedy return to action.
You’re a good man Evander. The community of Edmonton is lucky to have you as one of their own. We’re hoping to see you back on the ice soon. We miss you.
— Glen Mah (@GlenMah) December 19, 2024
What a legend. Evander, you’re a great person on and off the ice. Oil Country loves and misses you!
— Diego (@diegoprbarros) December 19, 2024
Well done Evander. Can’t wait till you’re back in the ice. Happy you’re an Oiler.
— Marv Brown (@grizbro) December 19, 2024
Definitely miss your presence on the ice. Glad you are still taking the time connecting with the local community.
— Larry Irla 🇺🇦 Слава Україні! (@LarryBoy_66) December 19, 2024
You are a great role model Evander! Really impressed with your work in the community. Keep it up and can hardly wait to see you on the ice!!
— nate schenn (@NateSchenn) December 19, 2024
Cant wait to see you play again soon! The boys need some tufness and tenacity
🙏 for you!— SteveMcQ (@Steve331717) December 19, 2024
Awesome! Can’t wait too see you back on the ice!
— Cole Pozdnekoff (@cpozzy95) December 19, 2024
Kane has been a staunch supporter of Edmonton youth since he arrived in the city back in 2022. Apart from his annual Christmas shops, he has struck up quite the friendship with 11-year-old Cecily Eklund, who is fighting brain cancer.
While he has been a polarizing player throughout the majority of his tenure in Edmonton, this is an initiative everyone can come together and agree is an awesome thing for both the Oilers and the community as a whole.