CALGARY, ALBERTA - Twenty-one officials from across Canada and two international delegates will attend the Hockey Canada Level VI Officiating Seminar from November 9-13, 2005 at the Executive Plaza Hotel in Richmond, BC, Hockey Canada announced on Monday.

The seminar prepares top officials in Canada for National Championship finals and designated IIHF competitions (i.e. RBC Royal Bank Cup, Allan Cup, Hardy Cup, CIS University Cup, World Championships, Winter Olympic Games).

"Canada has always been a top provider of quality level of officials throughout the World," said Maurice Roy, Referee-in-Chief with Hockey Canada. "This begins with the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, an instructional program that starts with first timers getting into officiating, right up to our top level, which is what this weekend is all about."

Level VI seminars are held based on a national need for Level VI officials. The last Hockey Canada Level VI Officiating Seminar was held in Saskatoon in 2003. The Hockey Canada Manager, Officiating, Todd Anderson, is responsible for the organization of the Level VI site and program, establishing criteria and reviewing the candidates’ qualifications.

Candidates in attendance were nominated by their Hockey Canada Branches and are already fully certified Level V officials. A selection committee reviewed all the candidates and selected those that will be in attendance in Vancouver.

The instruction will be handled by, among others, Hockey Canada Referee-in-Chief Maurice Roy, Hockey Canada Manager, Officiating Todd Anderson and Hockey Canada Referee Committee members Doug Hayward, Wes Smith and Kevin Muench. Guest instructors and presenters, including NHL Senior Vice President and Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom and Vancouver Canucks’ Assistant Coach Mike Johnston, will also be making presentations throughout the seminar.

Twenty-three officials, including two international delegates, will participate in the five day seminar. There are approximately 70 active Level VI officials registered annually in Canada.  Delegates for this seminar are: