Senators continue association with Hockey Canada

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators have joined forces with Hockey Canada and the other five National Hockey League (NHL) franchises in Canada to contribute $25,000 per year for the next two years to fund and co-ordinate national and regional minor hockey initiatives across Canada. The focus will be on grassroots programming.

The funds from all six Canadian NHL teams will be used towards a new nationally based, regionally executed development model called Hockey Canada Regional Centres. The Senators will work with the Hockey Canada offices in Toronto and Montreal to continue supporting their contribution to coaching and minor hockey development. Together they will work on a number of programs with the Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association in conjunction with the Toronto office and Hockey Outaouais in conjunction with the Montreal-based office.

"We are delighted to renew our partnership with Hockey Canada in developing Canada's national pastime," said Ottawa Senators chief operating officer Cyril Leeder. "In partnership with Hockey Canada, we look forward to further supporting minor hockey in our community and continuing to make our programs better for all participants."

The Senators have partnered with Hockey Canada in the past to host Team Canada's training camp for the World Cup of Hockey in 2004, which included two of Team Canada's exhibition games in August 2004. The Senators have developed a multitude of programs designed to promote and support the growth and development of Canada's national pastime. Each year, the Senators' T.E.A.M. Hockey Country program provides minor hockey teams with skill development and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, while promoting the fundamental core values associated with minor hockey. The Senators also contribute to coaching development and education through their free Tim Horton's Coaches Clinics.

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