|
February 14, 2010
NR.020
VANCOUVER, B.C. – Hockey Canada, the IIHF, the CHL and Molson Coors Canada are proud to announce the
presentation of the 2010 Molson Canadian Open Ice Summit focusing on player development and the future of
international hockey, to be held in Toronto, Ont. from August 23-27, 2010. Hockey Canada has also been in
communication with the National Hockey League, which has pledged its cooperation and support in this
initiative.
This will mark the second time that Hockey Canada and Molson have partnered on a hockey summit, but the
first time that this many stakeholders have committed to the project.
In 1999, Hockey Canada and Molson partnered with the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs to engage Canadian hockey
in a summit focused on improving the hockey environment for 550,000 participants in grassroots hockey
throughout Canada. The 11 major recommendations generated during that first summit have had and continue to
have a tremendous impact on development programs throughout the Canadian hockey structure, including but not
limited to the Canadian Development Model, Hockey Canada Skills Academies and mentorship programs.
Just like in 1999, the 2010 Molson Canadian Open Ice Summit initiative will bring together constituents in
leadership roles responsible for all aspects of the game of hockey, beginning with development programming
and culminating in discussions on growing and managing the game in North America and throughout the IIHF
membership. With the involvement of partners from the international and professional ranks, the 2010 Molson
Canadian Open Ice Summit has the potential to impact hockey at levels from grassroots through the top levels
of play.
“The 1999 Molson Open Ice Summit represented a launching point for Canadian hockey, and we see the
opportunity for an even larger impact for the 2010 Summit,” said Hockey Canada president/CEO Bob Nicholson.
“Having so many hockey partners engaged in the process ensures that we will jointly impact player
development and hockey’s growth throughout Canada and the world.”
"For the first time we will have the world’s major hockey organizations together discussing essential
issues like the future of hockey within the Olympics and international hockey in general, global player
development, international transfer issues and player safety," said IIHF president Rene Fasel. “We hope that
the Open Ice Summit will have a profound impact on the future of our game.”
"The National Hockey League looks forward to participating in the summit to continue to assist in the
growth and development of our great game both throughout North America and across the world," said NHL deputy
commissioner Bill Daly. “We also look forward to lending the League’s expertise and support on those
issues where there is a shared objective as to future direction.”
"On behalf of the Canadian Hockey League we look forward to partnering with the other leaders in the
hockey industry at the 2010 Molson Canadian Open Ice Hockey Summit" said CHL president David Branch. "It is
important that we gather all of the key resources from time to time to challenge how we may best continue to
improve the great game of hockey and grow our game for all of the players, coaches, and fans."
“Molson Canadian is an enthusiastic supporter of hockey and its continued development around the world,” said
Peter Nowlan, chief marketing officer of Molson Coors Canada. “We hope to represent the voice of hockey fans
and give them a platform to express their views on the future of our game.”
Representatives from the partner organizations will establish a steering committee to plan and guide the
event, by identifying and addressing key concerns and issues facing the game today.
While details will be developed over the coming months by the steering committee, August 24-25 will be
primarily devoted to elements tied to player development, while the final two days will cover a global
perspective, including the future of international competitions and the growth of women’s and men’s
hockey.
For more information on the 2010 Molson Canadian Open Ice Summit, visit www.hockeycanada.ca or www.iihf.com.
|
