Winners to be recognized in the Hockey Hall of Fame and receive $5,000 towards local hockey funding; National winner to receive an additional $25,000 to benefit a hockey-related cause in their community.

February 11, 2004- TORONTO, ON – RBC Financial Group and Hockey Canada are recognizing thirteen outstanding community leaders who dedicate their time to supporting grassroots hockey as the first-ever RBC Local Hockey Leaders.

The finalists were chosen from more than 1,100 nominations received in a cross-country search that started in October 2003. RBC Financial Group will donate $5,000 to local minor hockey in each finalist’s name, plus each will also be recognized in the Hockey Hall of Fame and receive a signed Team Canada jersey. The finalists have also been shortlisted to be the national RBC Local Hockey Leader winner, and if selected will receive an additional $25,000 towards a local hockey cause.

“Hockey is an important part of life in communities across Canada, and it wouldn’t happen without dedicated volunteers,” said Ann Louise Vehovec, senior vice-president, RBC Financial Group. “We’re proud to help recognize these RBC Local Hockey Leaders and to support hockey across Canada.”

Hockey Canada, RBC Financial Group, the Hockey Hall of Fame and hockey commentator Ron MacLean launched the RBC Local Hockey Leaders Program to recognize behind-the-scenes individuals who dedicate their time to grassroots hockey in their community.

A panel including Ron MacLean, Hockey Hall of Fame representative, Ron Ellis, and Hockey Canada officials reviewed submissions and selected winners based on hard work, dependability, enthusiasm, leadership and commitment to making hockey an accessible, community-binding and positive experience in the community.

“RBC is investing in Canadian communities through the Local Hockey Leaders program, and we are proud to be a part of this effort,” added Bob Nicholson, president, Hockey Canada. “The tremendous volunteers at the minor hockey level in Canada deserve the accolades.”

2004 Regional RBC Local Hockey Leaders:

Region
RBC Local Hockey Leader
Nominated By

Hockey North
Joe Walsh, Yellowknife NWT
Joe Latremouille

British Columbia
Jane Herman, Chase, BC
Jane Torbohm

Alberta
Kevin Yellowaga, Pincher Creek, AB
Rick Carter

Saskatchewan
Vince Stevenson, Shaunavon, SK
Cam Dickie

Manitoba
Alan Vergouwen, Toutes Aides, MB
Beverley Didychuk

Ontario
Martin Porteous, Orangeville, ON
Lisa Henrick

Northwestern Ontario
Grant Sherred, Kenora, ON
Gary Norris

Ottawa District
Craig & Janet Shouldice, Nepean, ON
Mario Arnone

Quebec
Martin Longchamps, Montreal, PQ
Phillipe Levesque

New Brunswick
Art Comeau, Saint John, NB
Mike Dawson

Nova Scotia
Clint Lettice, Sydney Mines, NS
David Lewis

Prince Edward Island
Susan Dalziel, Borden, PEI
Mike Connolly

Newfoundland & Labrador
Gerrard Morry, Stephenville, NFLD
Phyllis Hapgood

For more information and biographies on all the RBC Local Hockey Leaders, please visit http://www.rbchockeyleaders.com/.

For further information, please contact:

Brian Findlay or Bob Stellick, 416-603-9452

Brad Pascall, Hockey Canada Communications, 403-777-4556

Chris Pepper, Media Relations, RBC Financial Group, 416-974-2124