MONTREAL, Que. – Following a planning session last July in Penticton, B.C., Hockey Canada’s officers committed to six priorities of focus for the 2011-12 season. Today, following a board of directors meeting in Montreal, Hockey Canada’s board of directors and its 13 branches have committed to the same priorities.

“This is a great day for Hockey Canada,” said Michael Bruni, chairman of the Hockey Canada Board of Directors. “Hockey Canada’s officers, its board of directors and its 13 branches are moving forward together, making changes we feel will be beneficial for the growth of our game. We have an opportunity to change the game, to make sure hockey in Canada stays strong for years to come. These priorities are a credit to the courage and leadership of Hockey Canada’s officers, board of directors and 13 branches.”

HOCKEY CANADA OFFICERS’ SIX PRIORITIES OF FOCUS FOR 2011-12

· To spirit the attitude and create mechanisms in player movement to facilitate flexibility within the game reflecting the needs of the modern player and family.

· To service sport schools and create a positive and flexible infrastructure that meets the needs of this Hockey Canada customer.

· To address and create the opportunity for flexible seasons, allowing players and families to participate in both hockey and other activities comfortably.

· To recognize and enhance exciting non-contact streams and to encourage and spirit more non-contact streams as a viable and credible participatory program.

· To encourage and embark upon relationships and partnerships with entrepreneurs/private hockey programs and work together to provide the best development programs for the player.

· To proactively work with Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), recognizing it as a critical part of a vision of the Canadian student/athlete alternative, with particular focus on female hockey.

For more information on Hockey Canada, its structure and mandate, please visit www.HockeyCanada.ca.