CALGARY, ALBERTA - The Canadian Hockey Association, as part of Canadian Hockey Week, January 15-22, officially opens the new Western Centre of Excellence on Friday, at the Royal Bank Canadian Hockey Centre in Calgary, Alberta.

The Western Centre of Excellence operates in a partnership with four of the CHA's Western Branches (Hockey Manitoba, Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association, Hockey Alberta and the North West Territories). Representatives from each of these Branches will be in Calgary this weekend to set the new direction and policies for the Western Centre of Excellence.

The Western Centre of Excellence is one of five Centres located across Canada with the others located in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Saint John. One of the Centres' main objectives is to work with and support all CHA Branch development initiatives on an ongoing basis to improve the experience of all individuals associated with the game of hockey. The Centre is a hockey development centre geared towards coaches but available to all participants in the game of hockey.

The development centre consists of a resource library of books and videotapes that coaches can view this material free of charge. Also available are specialty coach clinics and seminars both on and off the ice throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the North West Territories for all minor hockey participants.

" The Western Centre of Excellence is an excellent tie-in to Canadian Hockey Week as it offers resources to coaches who are a very important part of hockey development," said CHA President Bob Nicholson "This Grand Opening would not have been made possible if not for the continued support of the Calgary Flames Hockey Club."

The Western Centre of Excellence has moved from is previous location, at the Canadian Airlines Saddledome, to Father David Bauer Arena where all of the CHA development offices are currently located.

"The Flames are excited about this partnership that will provide minor hockey players, coaches and parents with the benefit of programs offered by the Centre of Excellence," said Flames President & CEO Ron Bremner. "The Western Centre of Excellence will continue to develop hockey at all levels, especially the grassroots part of the game in not only Alberta, but also in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the North West Territories. "

All Minor Hockey Associations, administrators, coaches, parents, and players are welcome to come out and tour the new offices at any time. The Western Centre is located at the Royal Bank Canadian Hockey Centre in the Father David Bauer Arena, at 2424 University Drive. Outreach clinics are available to all areas of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, including clinics for coaches, officials and players. For further information, contact the WCOE at 403-777-3644.