CALGARY, Alta. – The Hockey Canada Foundation (HCF) has welcomed five new board members committed to promoting the Foundation’s mission to strengthen the bond between Canadians and hockey. By identifying opportunities to enable, engage and educate players, coaches and fans, Foundation initiatives like Hockey is Hers will help get more girls and women on the ice and in the game.

Ravina Bains (Vancouver, B.C.), Peter Brauti (Toronto, Ont.), Sean Finn (Saint-Lambert, Que.), Jeff Macoun (Newmarket, Ont.) and Ashif Mawji (Edmonton, Alta.) bring experience as business leaders and community activists; most importantly, they bring a passion for growing the game.  

Bains serves as vice-president of business banking and Canadian wealth management with Scotiabank. Her success in the financial sector garnered her the Investment Industry Association of Canada Top Under 40 award.

“Hockey has been ever present for me growing up. As a first-generation Canadian, it’s been an essential connector for my family and community,” said Bains. “I’m thrilled to be part of an organization that is helping to build an inclusive, healthy and united Canada.”

Brauti is a principal owner of the National Hockey League expansion franchise in Seattle as well as its American Hockey League affiliate in Palm Springs. Brauti is a former federal Crown attorney, conducting hundreds of trials and appeals on behalf of the attorney general of Canada. As co-managing partner of Brauti Thorning LLP, Brauti practices in the area of criminal law, regulatory offences and specialized areas of civil litigation.

“It is a thrill to become a member of the Hockey Canada Foundation Board of Directors,” said Brauti. “Hockey has not only created great times with my family, but we have also made great friends. I’m hoping to give back to the sport that has meant so much to me and my family and add to what is already a great organization through new ideas in growing our game.”

Finn joined CN in 1994 and led the company’s corporate tax function while also being involved in the company’s privatization in 1995. Appointed executive vice-president of corporate services and chief legal officer in 2008, Finn is responsible for a wide array of legal, government, regulatory, public affairs, risk mitigation and security matters. He is a former chairman of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (2006-07) and is currently the only Canadian member on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Finn also served as the mayor of the City of Saint-Lambert, Que., from 2005-09.

“It is an honour for me to join the HCF board and contribute to making a difference in the lives of many Canadians,” Finn said. “Hockey is more than a sport; it is a vital element of the Canadian culture that creates a bond among us and teaches us important values such as team work and leadership. The role the HCF plays in enabling all Canadians to have access to this game and to get involved in their community is truly admirable and I am very much looking forward to contributing to it.”

Macoun serves at president and chief operating officer for Canada Life, with a focus on improving the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. His leadership and philanthropic support have made him a leader in London, Ont., where he co-chaired the Hockey Canada Foundation Gala & Golf in 2018. In addition to his volunteer work and philanthropic endeavours, Macoun champions a number of charitable organizations, volunteer opportunities and workplace campaigns through Canada Life. Macoun, his wife Marjie and their three children also give back to the community through their own family endowment fund that was established in 2017.

“It is a great honour to be part of a board that represents the fabric of our country,” said Macoun. “Hockey has taught us all teamwork, how to compete and a tenacity to win. I hope to learn from the others and long-term bring an active voice to the board on how hockey in Canada can play an increasing role in our lives.”

Mawji has spent his career as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor and community builder. He is a venture partner with a U.S.-based venture capitalist Rising Tide and also serves on a number of private and non-profit boards. Recognized as an entrepreneur, Mawji was also named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. He and his wife Zainul co-chaired the Hockey Canada Foundation Gala & Golf in 2019 and he is active in the community, serving on several boards, including the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and Edmonton Police Foundation.

“Hockey brings people of all backgrounds together and it is the one sport in Canada that truly defines being Canadian,” said Mawji. “It is an honour to help grow this sport in a manner that is inclusive and gives everyone the ability to play it, no matter their circumstances. Hockey has allowed our kids and our family to make great new friends.”

The Hockey Canada Foundation Board of Directors also includes David Andrews (chair), Doug Goss (vice-chair), Cassie Campbell-Pascall (secretary), Allan Matthews (treasurer) and directors Grant Fagerheim and Barry Lorenzetti. In addition, the Canadian Hockey Foundation U.S. board includes Bill Ackerman (chair), Bill Comrie (vice-chair), Paul Delparte (secretary), Mike Humes (treasurer) and directors Greg Abel and Adam Graves.

The Hockey Canada Foundation Gala & Golf, the largest annual fundraiser for the Foundation, will be held in Niagara Falls, Ont., from June 15-16, 2020. Half of all net proceeds from the event are re-invested into the host community to further support the growth of the game in the Niagara Region and across Ontario, with the other half supporting the Hockey Canada Foundation’s programs and initiatives across the country. The 2020 Distinguished Honourees of the Order of Hockey in Canada will be announced at a later date and be formally celebrated at the gala June 15 at the Scotiabank Convention Centre.

For more information on the Hockey Canada Foundation, please visit HockeyCanada.ca/Foundation.