Hockey Manitoba is pleased to announce initial details and open registration for its annual Season Opener event on September 25-26, 2015 at Canad Inns Polo Park in Winnipeg.

The Season Opener will bring together stakeholders from across the province to discuss important issues within our game today with a core focus on minor hockey development and education through a variety of presentations, interviews, information sessions and workshops. Bill Whitehead, President of Hockey Manitoba, comments on the Season Opener, “it is once again important that all fellow hockey leaders from Minor Hockey Associations, Community Clubs and Leagues are in attendance but also imperative that coaches, parents, volunteers and officials take part in this special event to discuss important issues and help shape the minor hockey game for years to come.”

Although the specific schedule will be released in the coming weeks, the Season Opener will take place in the evening of Friday September 25th (approx. 6:30pm – 10:00pm) and throughout the day on Saturday September 26th (approx. 8:30am – 5:00pm).  Attendees can expect a format including a Hockey Hot Stove, Long-Term Player Development presentations, Association Registrar Workshop,  Events/Branding information, What an Ideal Association looks like, Volunteer Appreciation evening and more.  A number of key Hockey Manitoba initiatives recently adopted such as the Initiation Program structure changes, Respect in Sport for Parents program and others will also be focused on throughout the weekend.

SPECIAL GUESTS:
The Hockey Manitoba Season Opener will feature an outstanding group of special guests and presenters that will provide a unique insight into the game today:

Kevin Cheveldayoff (Executive Vice President and General Manager, Winnipeg Jets)

Dean McIntosh (Senior Director, Events and Properties, Hockey Canada)

Ken Campbell (Senior Writer, The Hockey News)

John Luetkemeyer (Total Hockey & USA Development Model)

Bob Caldwell (Master Coach Mentor, Hockey Manitoba)

Craig Button (TSN Director of Scouting)

Dr. Stephen Norris (Executive Vice President and Chief Sport Officer, Winsport)

Click here for full bios on our Special Guests

Note: Additional special guests are expected to be confirmed shortly.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Includes access to all interviews, presentations and workshops

Includes free beverage and hors d’oeuvres on Friday evening & free lunch on Saturday

Individual Pass  – Registration Fee: $40 plus GST

Multiple Pass – BEST DEAL! – Registration Fee: $100 plus GST for up to five (5) individuals

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Individuals requiring accommodations at Canad Inns Polo Park are asked to make reservations by September 10th to guarantee their rooms, and receive our special Hockey Manitoba rate.  Please contact Canad Inns reservations at 1-888-332-2623 and indicate you are booking under the “Season Opener” room block.

No matter what your involvement, the Hockey Manitoba Season Opener is the place to be to find out what’s happening in the amateur game today!  Register Now!

For more information on the Hockey Manitoba Season Opener please click here.