– Hockey Canada opens it’s 87th Annual General Meeting on Friday in Thunder Bay, Ontario at the Valhalla Inn. The AGM begins on Friday evening, May 21th and continues through to Tuesday, May 25th.

Hockey Canada’s AGM brings together regional and provincial representatives from across Canada, including the Hockey Canada Board of Directors made up of representatives from Hockey Canada’s thirteen provincial branches, Hockey Canada Life Members, representatives of Hockey Canada’s councils (Female, Junior, Minor, Senior, Hockey Development) as well as partner organizations. Over 400 provincial representatives are expected to attend this year’s AGM, to discuss issues relating to amateur hockey in Canada.

Among the subjects and agenda items for discussion at the 2004 Hockey Canada AGM are:

· Motions pertaining to the improvement of the player development model, in relationship between major junior, junior and minor hockey in Canada

· Motion on standardizing development fees

· Rule change proposals for the 2005-2006 season, including the removal of the red line, residency rules and age advancement

· Parent Education workshop

· Update on Hockey Canada’s progress on initiatives addressing recommendations from the 1999 Molson Open Ice Summit on player development

· Discussions on the recruitment, development and mentorship of coaches, officials and players in female hockey

· Election of 2004-2005 Hockey Canada Officers and Council Directors

· Establishing the locations of future National Championships

· Recognition of Hockey Canada Award Recipients

“The 2003-2004 season has been a tremendous year once again with over 500,000 young boys and girls participating in our great game, not to mention the officials, coaches and volunteers that are committed to hockey in Canada,” said Allan Matthews, Chair of the board of Hockey Canada. “This season saw Canada host the best ever World Women’s Hockey Championship, successful national championships, as well as top finishes at IIHF Championships. Canada is again ranked by the IIHF as the number one hockey nation in the world. The Annual General Meeting is a time to reflect on the successes of the past year, but to also plan for improvements to our game at all levels well into the future. ”

HOCKEY CANADA AGM – SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay, ON (all times Central)

Friday, May 21 5:30-9:00pm Council meetings (Female, Junior, Minor, Senior, Hockey Development)

Saturday, May 22 9:30-12noon Parent Education workshop

1:30-5:00pm Council meetings (Female, Junior, Minor, Senior, Hockey Development)

Sunday, May 23 8am – 12noon Council meetings (Female, Junior, Minor, Senior, Hockey Development)

2:00-5:00pm 1st Plenary session

Monday, May 24 8am – 10am Council meetings (Female, Junior, Minor, Senior, Hockey Development)

10:00-12:00pm 2nd Plenary session

1:30-4:30pm 3rd Plenary session

5:30pm-11pm Hockey Canada Awards Banquet

Tuesday, May 25 8am-12noon 4rd Plenary session

– agenda times subject to change –

All media inquiries in regards to Hockey Canada’s AGM should be directed to Brad Pascall, Director, Communications (cell- 403-703-8561) who will be on-site in Thunder Bay.