CALGARY, AB - Hockey Canada opens its 88th Annual General Meeting this weekend in Saint. John, New Brunswick at the Delta Hotel. The AGM begins on Friday evening, May 20th and continues through to Tuesday, May 24th.

Hockey Canada’s AGM brings together regional and provincial representatives from across Canada, including the Hockey Canada Board of Directors made up of representatives from Hockey Canada's thirteen provincial branches, Hockey Canada Life Members, representatives of Hockey Canada's councils (Female, Junior, Minor, Senior, Hockey Development) as well as partner organizations. Over 400 provincial representatives are expected to attend this year’s AGM, to discuss issues relating to amateur hockey in Canada.

Among the subjects and agenda items for discussion at the 2005 Hockey Canada AGM are:

• Canadian Development Model which specifically deals with junior age eligibility
• Rule change proposals for the 2005-2006 season, including Rule 53 – checking from behind
• Body Checking research committee report
• Esso Women’s National Championship -  format change
• Sledge Hockey  
• Adult Recreational Hockey Model
• CBET (Competency Based Educational Training) Coaching Certification
• Parent Education workshop
• Directors and Officers insurance
• Election of 2005-2006 Hockey Canada Officers and Council Directors
• Establishing the locations of future National Championships
• Recognition of Hockey Canada Award Recipients

A complete agenda of Hockey Canada’s AGM can be found at www.hockeycanada.ca.

This year’s AGM will also feature the announcement of the new Chair of the Board for Hockey Canada as Allan Matthews ends his term as Chair which began in 2003.

“The 2005-2006 season has been a tremendous year once again with over  543,940 young boys and girls participating in our great game, not to mention the officials, coaches and volunteers that are committed to hockey in Canada," said Allan Matthews, Chair of the Board of Hockey Canada. "This season saw Canada in the gold medal games of four International Ice Hockey Federation Championships, host successful national championships, and participate in a number of international tournaments. Canada is again ranked by the IIHF as the number one hockey nation in the world. The Annual General Meeting is a time to not only reflect on the successes of the past year, but to also plan for improvements to our game at all levels well into the future. "

HOCKEY CANADA AGM - SCHEDULE OF EVENTS