By Hockey Saskatchewan

UNITY, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA), in co-operation with SaskEnergy, announced today the first annual SaskEnergy Hockey Day in Saskatchewan, taking place January 19, 2008, in communities across the province.

The main theme of SaskEnergy Hockey Day in Saskatchewan is to promote the game of hockey, to build community spirit by making the arena the focal point of activity and to celebrate the many volunteers who assist in keeping local hockey active in their community.  The SHA is encouraging every minor hockey association to hold an event in its own community for SaskEnergy Hockey Day in Saskatchewan to provide a platform from which to raise funds to keep the rinks alive and well in all communities, both big and small.

“Rinks are a vital part of any community, especially in rural Saskatchewan.  Rink sports play a major role in the development of our children, no matter what sport they participate in,” Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said.  “Through this partnership between SaskEnergy and the SHA, It’s our hope that hockey and local rinks continue to be the centre of Saskatchewan communities for many years to come.”

“The SHA is extremely pleased with the commitment from SaskEnergy to the partnership celebrating the great game of hockey across the province of Saskatchewan,” says Kelly McClintock, General Manager of the Saskatchewan Hockey Association.  “The event is something we have wanted to do for some time, and we are extremely excited to provide all minor hockey associations across the province an opportunity to focus on the game and to raise funds for their respective local arenas.”

The event will take place annually on the third Saturday in January, with the SHA choosing one community to serve as the provincial host.  The host community will be selected on the basis of it undertaking an arena renovation or building project.  The town of Unity has been selected as the host community for the January 19, 2008 inaugural event.  Unity is raising funds for the creation of dressing rooms for female hockey players.

Also incorporated in the event is the SaskEnergy Volunteer Champion Award for community builders in every town.  The SaskEnergy Volunteer Champion Award, chosen by each local community, is to be presented to an individual who has provided outstanding service as a volunteer to the local hockey community, either as a coach, an official, a team manager, or an association organizer.  The presentation of these awards is to occur during the local SaskEnergy Hockey Day in Saskatchewan celebration activities on January 19, 2008.