CALGARY--The Canadian Hockey Association and Royal Bank have again teamed up to promote Royal Bank Canadian Hockey Week, a week-long celebration from January 16-23, dedicated to acknowledging the work of the hundreds of thousands of volunteers and participants who are the sport's lifeblood in Canada.

Royal Bank Canadian Hockey Week is an opportunity to say thank you to the players, parents, officials, coaches, trainers and administrators from coast to coast who dedicate so much of their time, expertise and energy to the great sport of hockey.

"It is the volunteers all across Canada that spend countless hours in making our game the great one that it is," said Bob Nicholson, President, Canadian Hockey Association. "Players, officials and coaches all benefit from the work of our volunteer structure in making the game a fun and safe environment year round. We salute all of hockey's participants for their efforts and dedication during Royal Bank Canadian Hockey Week."

The Canadian Hockey Association salutes Royal Bank for recognizing the importance of the grassroots of hockey by assisting in dedicating a week to celebrate and acknowledging the accomplishments of all Canadians involved in our national passion - hockey.

The participants in hockey in our country, ìExperience the Passionî of our great game by being involved as a parent, fan, player, official, coach or as a volunteer in various capacities. Events through Canadian Hockey Association's five ëCentres of Excellence' are being run to help promote this great week for the participants.

One feature of Royal Bank Canadian Hockey Week is a fund raising endeavour called the Royal Bank Toonie Toss. Hockey fans at junior hockey games through out Canada participate by placing a Toonie in a Royal Bank Toonie Toss envelope and tossing it at targets on the ice. Fans can win some great prizes as while supporting hockey in their community.

Please join us in celebrating Royal Bank Canadian Hockey Week, Jan. 16-23, by saying thank you to the many participants and volunteers in our great game in Canada.