CALGARY – Coaches will be recognized during Week 2 of Puck Drop ’07, a five-week event that celebrates the kickoff of the 2007-08 season.

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. Each week during Puck Drop ’07 will be themed differently, celebrating unique aspects of the game.

PUCK DROP ’07 THEME WEEKS

September 8th to 16th – Volunteer Week

September 17th to 23rd – Coaching Week

September 24th to 30th – Goaltending Week

October 1st to 7th – Officiating Week

October 8th to 14th – Facilities Week

Coaching Week runs from September 17-23 and will celebrate the more than 100,000 volunteer coaches who give their time to make the game of hockey fun for boys and girls. Each year, close to 20,000 men and women complete the National Coaching Certification Program through Hockey Canada and its 13 partners.

“Coaches are an integral part of the game,” says Bob Nicholson, President of Hockey Canada. “More than 500,000 girls and boys rely on these people to learn the many aspects of the game and we owe a lot to our minor hockey coaches.”

Coaching Week will include three Coaching Days, which are in partnership with Canada’s six NHL franchises. More than 500 minor hockey coaches will attend each Coaching Day.

Toronto Maple Leafs Coaching Day – September 15, Ricoh Centre

Calgary Flames Coaching Day – September 22, Pengrowth Saddledome

Montreal Canadiens Coaching Day – September 22, Bell Centre

The clinics are free to anyone who is interested in coaching. Click on the individual links for more information on each Coaching Day.

Hockey Canada is also working towards a major event in 2008, the International Coaches’ Conference, which is held every two years. The ICC will be held May 2-5, 2008, as part of the IIHF World Men’s Championship in Quebec City. Coaches will be able to register for the ICC beginning .