CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador, announced Tuesday several on-ice skills clinics for minor hockey players and coaches that will take place in conjunction with the National Junior Team development camp coming to the Mile One Centre in St. John’s N.L. from August 4-7.

The development activities will run over two days during the camp, with Atom and Novice players welcome to attend the sessions scheduled for Friday, August 6 and clinics for Peewee players to take place Saturday, August 7.

The skills clinics that are available focus on puck control, shooting/scoring and creativity, at a cost of just $35 each. The registration fee includes access to an autograph session featuring National Junior Team candidates who are attending the development camp, two tickets to the Red-White game on the day of the clinic they attend, in addition to a jersey and water bottle as a special gift from Hockey Canada. Spaces are limited to 30 players per clinic.

The last clinic on both days is reserved for coaches, at a cost of just $20 each. Registration includes a question-and-answer session with the National Junior Team’s coaching staff, one ticket to the Red-White game on the day of the clinic they attend and a special gift from Hockey Canada. Spaces are limited to 100 coaches per clinic. Coaches who register can also request to participate in on-ice clinics with players on a first-come, first-served basis.

“These development activities offer an opportunity for some of the province’s minor hockey players and coaches to work on their skills, whether that be on the ice or behind the bench,” said Gerry Evans, president of Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador. “Why not get a jump start on the 2010-11 season by taking advantage of a fantastic opportunity to learn from some of the country’s top hockey minds?”

Full schedule of development activities during the National Junior Team development camp:

Friday, August 6

12:30-1:30 p.m. NT   puck control clinic (Novice & Atom players – $35 each)

1:45-2:45 p.m. NT shooting clinic (Novice & Atom players – $35 each)

3-4 p.m. NT   creativity clinic (Novice & Atom players – $35 each)

5:15-6:15 p.m. NT   coach clinic ($20 each)

Saturday, August 7

12:15-1:15 p.m. NT   puck control clinic (Peewee players – $35 each)

1:30-2:30 p.m. NT   shooting clinic (Peewee players – $35 each)

2:45-3:45 p.m. NT   creativity clinic (Peewee players – $35 each)

5:15-6:15 p.m. NT   coach clinic ($20 each)

For more information on the clinics, contact programs manager Paul Dagg at Hockey Canada’s Atlantic Regional Centre at 506-642-0490 or [email protected].

Forty-five of the country’s top under-20 players will attend the National Junior Team development camp, including 11 players who were selected in the first round of the recent NHL Entry Draft. Practice sessions during the upcoming camp will be open to the public.

Hockey Canada, in conjunction with Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador, is also hosting the 2010 4 Nations Cup from November 9-13 and the 2011 TELUS Cup next April 18-24 at the Mile One Centre in St. John’s. All three national and international events will not only help recognize the 75th anniversary of Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador, one of Hockey Canada’s 13 branches, but will also bring some of the best hockey from across the country and around the world to the provincial capital.

A special ticket package featuring all three events is now available for just $99 (plus applicable fees). This limited time offer is valued at more than $175 and includes tickets to the two Red-White games at the National Junior Team development camp, six games at the 4 Nations Cup, including the gold medal game, all 19 games at the TELUS Cup and official event programs. The ticket package can be purchased at the Mile One Centre box office, by calling 709-576-7657 or 1-800-361-4595, or by going to www.admission.com. Tickets are currently only available through this special offer, with announcements for specific events to be made at later dates.