January 20, 2009
NR.013

CANADA’S NATIONAL MEN’S TEAM ORIENTATION CAMP SET
FOR AUGUST 24-28, 2009 IN CALGARY, ALBERTA

CALGARY, AB – Hockey Canada has announced an orientation camp for Canada’s National Men’s Team that will run from August 24-28, 2009 at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta.

The orientation camp will include on-ice sessions, off-ice activities and meetings to prepare players and staff members who have the potential of representing Canada during the 2009-10 international hockey season, including at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the 2010 IIHF World Championship.

Details on the camp, including the schedule, on-ice sessions and media accreditation will be announced in the spring of 2009.

Canada’s Men’s Olympic Hockey Team management group, comprised of Bob Nicholson (president/CEO, Hockey Canada), Steve Yzerman (executive director), Doug Armstrong (associate director/general manager of Canada’s 2009 IIHF World Championship team), Ken Holland (associate director), Kevin Lowe (associate director) and Johnny Misley (executive vice-president, hockey operations, Hockey Canada) will work with the yet-to-be-named coaching staff in establishing details for the camp, including a camp schedule and the number of players.

Yzerman and the management staff expect to name a coaching staff for Canada’s 2010 Men’s Olympic Team at the conclusion of the 2008-09 NHL season, and will announce a list of invited players shortly thereafter.

“The National Men’s Team orientation camp will be a key part of our preparations for the 2009-10 season,” said Yzerman. “While this is not an evaluation camp, it does give team management and coaches a great opportunity to prepare together for giving Canada its best chance at succeeding on the international stage.”

“The 2009-10 season includes many great opportunities for Hockey Canada, with numerous international events on the horizon for our men’s, women’s and sledge programs,” said Misley. “With opportunity comes responsibility. As an organization, we are looking to ensure that all of our programs are ready for the challenge that lies ahead. This orientation camp will be crucial in preparing our players and staff for the upcoming season.”