CALGARY--The Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC) for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games announced Wednesday that Dan Moro from the Canadian Hockey Association has accepted the position of Director of Ice Hockey.

Moro will serve as the primary SLOC liaison with the International Ice Hockey Federation and the National Hockey League. He will oversee the planning, scheduling and hosting of test events held at the ice hockey venues prior to the start of the Games, and will oversee the planning and organization of the men's and women's ice hockey tournaments during the 2002 Games. Moro will begin his new position in Salt Lake City on Feb. 1.

Moro has been Manager of the Canadian Hockey Association's Western Centre of Excellence at the Olympic Saddledome in Calgary for the past 13 years. He has been a primary developer of innovative programs, events and services that have impacted the game of hockey internationally. The first Centre of Excellence in Calgary became a model for four other Centres that Moro helped to establish over the past four years.

"Dan brings a great deal of international hockey experience to the Organizing Committee in terms of operations and event management," said Cathy Priestner Allinger, SLOC Managing Director of Sports. "He possesses the necessary knowledge, energy and skills to conduct a first-class tournament for the men and women. Our aim is to provide an ideal environment for the talents of all these players to be showcased."

The Salt Lake City Organizing Committee will also have Moro develop a practice and training schedule for the hockey teams at the Games, ensuring all sport requirements are met. Hockey will feature 14 men's teams and eight women's teams (an increase from six women's teams in Nagano, Japan). Moro will also work closely with local communities in developing ice hockey programs in Utah.

"I come from city that has hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1988 and have seen first hand the positive lasting impact the Games have on a community," Moro said. "I look forward to the opportunity to help Salt Lake City welcome the world to the best ever Winter Olympic Games."

"We are extremely pleased for Dan in receiving this great opportunity to grow his sports and hockey experience internationally by working closely with the IIHF and the IOC in his new position," said Bob Nicholson, President, Canadian Hockey Association. "We wish Dan and his family all the best with his new position in Utah."

The 2002 Winter Olympic Games will take place in Salt Lake City, UT, from February 8-24, 2002.