The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
RBC Insurance, Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame today announced the launch of the 2004-2005 RBC Local Hockey Leaders program. The RBC Local Hockey Leaders program recognizes and rewards those 'behind-the-scenes' volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting grassroots hockey in their community, while helping to make hockey more accessible across Canada. "Hockey is an important part of the Canadian culture and RBC Insurance is proud to help recognize those hockey volunteers who help make hockey happen in their community," said Neil Skelding, president & CEO of RBC Insurance. "The RBC Local Hockey Leaders program helps to ensure these individuals are recognized and rewarded for their efforts." Thirteen winners, one from each of Hockey Canada's regional branches, will receive a place of honour in the Hockey Hall of Fame, an autographed Team Canada jersey, and RBC will donate $10,000 to minor hockey in their community. "We are asking people to look around their hockey community and nominate individuals who deserve this award," said Bob Nicholson, President, Hockey Canada. "These leaders aren't necessarily the top-scorer or the leading goalie, but they make a huge difference in many people's lives. They may coach teams, shovel outdoor rinks, or organize fundraising campaigns. To put it simply, without these leaders, hockey in many communities simply would not happen." RBC initiated the RBC Local Hockey Leaders program in 2003-2004 and awarded over $95,000 to grassroots hockey initiatives across Canada. Last year's recipients included a special needs hockey team in Orangeville, Ontario, who used the award money to travel to the World Special Olympics hockey championships in the United States and an after school hockey program in St. John, N.B., that gives less fortunate kids the opportunity to play in a "no charge" hockey league. Nominations will be accepted online at www.rbc.com until January 31, 2005. The winners will be announced on March 1, 2005. A panel of hockey experts including Hockey Hall of Fame Director of Public Affairs, Ron Ellis, Chair of Hockey Canada Allan Matthews, and Team Canada players Ryan Smyth and Kelly Bechard will select the winners based on guidelines that include dedication, leadership, commitment, and their impact on hockey and hockey players in their community. For a complete list of previous winners, please visit www.rbc.com.
