Hey Yukon, our neighbours to the east need your help in winning the 2021 Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup. The CR Oilers hockey team from Yellowknife is one of 11 regional finalists for the Cup.

The CR Oilers have been selected to represent all three territories based on a pitch they shared on Twitter describing the team’s idea to help the N.W.T. SPCA shelter care for domestic animals across the North.

This year, teams from coast-to-coast were asked to pitch a “Good Deed Idea” that would have a significant impact in their communities.

As a regional finalist, the CR Oilers won $2,000 for the N.W.T. SPCA. Now they need votes to advance them in the competition. That’s where we, as Yukoners can help – by watching the CR Oilers video entry on https://www.chevrolet.ca/en/good-deeds-cup and clicking the “vote now” button underneath.

Should the CR Oilers win, they will have their names engraved on the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup trophy (apparently as large as the Stanley Cup) and win $100,000 for their charity.

Voting is open until Feb. 24. The top three winners will be announced on March 20.

In the team’s pitch video, the players said “due to COVID social distancing rules, many of their (N.W.T. SPCA) special events had to be cancelled. Without some of these funds, it has caused hardship on the shelter. Help us keep them out of the cold so we can keep them warm in our hearts.”

“The community support for the SPCA has always been huge,” said CR Oilers coach Brad Mueller. “Their social events have been mothballed so we wanted to help.

“We’ve had a lot of community support getting it out. Any chance you get to compete on a national level the community offers lots of support.”

In the submission video, the CR Oilers players can be seen with their pets. Mueller said it was an easy choice is choosing the SPCA as the team’s charity.

“A lot of kids have adopted pets from the SPCA,” said Mueller. “Or, they have walked dogs for them and there has always been a big involvement.”

The CR Oiler’s good deed for the SPCA has been taking care of the little things, like helping provide leashes and raising awareness. This way, the SPCA can focus on the bigger picture, said Mueller.

The Good Deeds Cup, Mueller said, shows that sports are powerful, even outside of the rink.

“For me, sports goes hand-in-hand with giving back,” said Mueller. “We have the ability to give back to the community.

“It’s not just about raising good hockey players but also raising good kids.”

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mueller said the team has had to adjust to the new guidelines in place. By participating in the Good Deeds Cup, Mueller said it has helped build team camaraderie off the ice.

“It’s been a way to generate excitement,” said Mueller. “The kids have been working hard drumming up interest. It’s been cool to see them get so involved.”

Being the representative for the three territories has brought a sense of pride to the team.

“It’s amazing representing the three territories,” said Mueller. “In the North, everyone works hand-in-hand.”

Yukoners, let’s do our good deed in helping the CR Oilers team reach their goal of making their community a better place.

The inaugural Good Deeds Cup was awarded during the 2016-17 season.

The first winner was the Glace Bay Miners, a peewee hockey team that celebrated Valentine’s Day with Canadian veterans.