Calgary, AB - Puck Drop '07 officially kicked off this weekend across Canada with this week's theme being "Volunteer Week".
The 2007-2008 hockey season is ready to go and began this week with the launch of "Puck Drop '07". Hockey Canada, in participation with its 13 Branches and thousands of minor hockey associations across the country, will celebrate the more than 550,000 players who take to the ice each season, along with the coaches, officials and administrators who shape the game, during the five-week event.
Each week during Puck Drop '07 will be themed differently, celebrating unique aspects of the game.
PUCK DROP '07 THEME WEEKS
September 8 - 16 - Volunteer Week
September 17 - 23 - Coaching Week
September 24 - 30 - Goaltending Week
October 1 - 7 - Officiating Week
October 8 - 14 - Facilities Week
On Saturday, September 8th, Volunteer Week kicked off Puck Drop '07. Each season more than 250,000 Canadians give their time to make sure the game runs smoothly and remains focused on the players. Volunteer Week salutes these volunteers, provides new resources for volunteers and recognizes their contributions to our game.
"Volunteers are what make our game so special for young players in Canada," said Bob Nicholson, President of Hockey Canada. "I am thrilled that as part of Puck Drop '07, a special recognition is being given for the countless hours volunteers provide to make our game great."
Highlighting Volunteer Week this year will be the RBC Local Hockey Leaders Program, which returns for a fifth year. Last year, more than 1,000 submissions were received across the country, vying to be one of the 13 winners - one from each of Hockey Canada's Branches. Winners receive $10,000 for their local minor hockey association, a banner in their home arena recognizing them as one of Canada's top volunteers, and a place in a display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Don't miss out on recognizing a great volunteer in your area. Visit www.hockeycanada.ca/puckdrop07 to submit nominations.
Also, be sure to check out www.hockeycanada.ca/puckdrop07 for resources to support volunteer managers, coaches and administrators. Hockey Canada's Team Manager Manual will be available for download, as will the Team Selection Document, both valuable resources for any volunteer.
For more information on Volunteer Week and Puck Drop '07, please visit www.hockeycanada.ca/puckdrop07.
