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RBC Insurance leads search for Canada’s most dedicated hockey volunteers


WEBWIRE

RBC Insurance, with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame, today announced the launch of its annual nationwide search for outstanding hockey volunteers.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our national pastime, and without them thousands of kids would not have rinks to play on, equipment to wear or pucks to shoot,” said Neil Skelding, president and CEO of RBC Insurance. “For the past four years the RBC Local Hockey Leaders program has recognized these behind-the-scenes hockey volunteers who dedicate their time to support grassroots hockey in their community. We’re proud to continue this tradition.”

Regional winners, one from each of the 13 Hockey Canada branches as well as one RBC employee winner, will receive $10,000 towards a registered charity/hockey cause in their community, a signed Team Canada jersey and trip for two to Toronto, where they will be recognized in the Hockey Hall of Fame. In addition, for the first time, all nominees will have their name featured in the RBC Local Hockey Leaders display case at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

“The RBC Local Hockey Leaders program enables us to turn the spotlight onto this very important part of our sport - volunteerism,” said Bill Hay, chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame. “RBC Insurance is investing in Canadian communities through hockey, and we are happy to be a part of this effort.”

Over the past four years RBC Insurance has awarded more than $500,000 to grassroots hockey activities across Canada through the RBC Local Hockey Leaders program. Grants have been used to replace aging equipment, make hockey more accessible, train coaches, improve facilities and for many other causes close to the hearts of Canada’s grassroots hockey leaders.

“We encourage all Canadians to nominate hockey volunteers from their community,” said Bob Nicholson, president of Hockey Canada. “These leaders may be organizing fundraisers, coaching teams, making ice, mending socks or teaching life skills - all things that make hockey such an important part of community life in Canada.”

A panel including National Women’s Team member Jennifer Botterill, National Men’s Sledge Hockey Team captain Jean Labonté, hockey legend Ron Ellis and Dr. Allan Morris, chairman of the Board, Hockey Canada will select winners from nominations submitted through the program website. Nominations will be accepted until midnight (EST) on January 31, 2008. To nominate a dedicated minor hockey volunteer from your area, go to www.rbcinsurance.com.

RBC Local Hockey Leaders are the behind-the-scenes volunteers who make hockey a positive, safe, and enjoyable activity in their communities. Hard work, dependability, enthusiasm and leadership will be amongst the criteria considered when evaluating submissions.



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