HOCKEY CANADA NOTICE - To Canadian Arena Facilities
DATE: September 14, 2009
To: Canadian Arena Facilities
Issues in Minor Hockey today don’t only include on ice issues, they also include parents of young people not being able to afford to register their son or daughter in the game, minor hockey associations on the verge of closing down and increasing costs to administer events such as local tournaments.
Hockey Canada and its 13 Branches are committed to attracting kids of all ages, genders and
ethnic backgrounds to the game of hockey. We feel that by giving parents tips as to how they
can reduce costs associated with the game including buying good used equipment and
carpooling to games and practices, that we can play a role in keeping costs associated with
being involved with hockey down.
But we also need the help of municipalities, towns and villages as well as individual facilities in keeping ice costs as low as possible for our hockey associations. Hockey Canada realizes how lucky we are to have safe, well run facilities across Canada and we also realize that operationally this takes a certain level of annual budget.
Saying this, Hockey Canada would like to encourage all facilities to do as much as possible to
reduce ice costs and ultimately reduce the hourly rate for hockey associations across Canada
while keeping the outstanding level of service we now receive. By doing this you will assist us
in giving opportunities to all those who want to play this great game and help hockey to
continue to grow in Canada.
As we move into Vancouver 2010 I want to thank each and every facility and your staff as you
have all played a role in developing players, showcasing the game, and creating interest in the
game through public skating and hockey at all levels. This season will be a banner year for
hockey and as we all savor the experience we need to continue to work towards the future,
and this means keeping the game accessible to all. A great start to this is doing all we can to
keep ice costs down.
Hockey Canada thanks you for your ongoing commitment to amateur sport and wishes you all the best in the upcoming months.
Sincerely,
Bob Nicholson
President and CEO
Hockey Canada
801 avenue King Edward Avenue, Suite N204, OTTAWA, ON, K1N 6N5
Phone / Tél.: (613) 562-5677, Fax / Téléc.: (613) 562-5676
www.hockeycanada.ca