June 26, 2014 – Toronto, Ontario – Department of Canadian Heritage

Hockey Canada, the national body governing hockey in Canada, began operating in December 1914.

The Government of Canada will help support the organization’s 100th anniversary celebrations and activities, which will run from June 2014 to April 2015.

The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on behalf of Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide Hockey Canada with $3 million through the Commemorate Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage to support its Century Tour, Puckster School Program and 100th anniversary jersey patch.

Quick Facts

• The Century Tour’s caravan will visit large festivals, every Hockey Canada chapter, local hockey tournaments, and CHL and NHL events. Over one million Canadians will have the opportunity to experience the Tour.
• The Century Tour’s caravan is a 55’ trailer that includes the following features:
• an interactive history of hockey and highlights of the past century
• a year‑round artificial ice surface rink for demonstrations and participation
• a 16’ x 10’ outdoor video screen highlighting Hockey Canada’s great moments
• interactive games and activities for all ages
• The Puckster School Program is a hockey‑themed educational kit that can be used inside or outside the classroom to teach young people to celebrate hockey.
• The 100th anniversary patches will be worn by teams at all levels and will be applied to visual materials and collateral products.

Quotes

“I am proud to support Hockey Canada, as it marks this centennial and undertakes to highlight the achievements of hockey and its players over the last 100 years. Anniversaries bring Canadians together, strengthen our communities and allow us to take pride in the citizenship we all share. On the road to the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, this funding will allow Canadians to learn more about our national winter sport and how it has shaped our identity.”

-       The Honourable Shelley Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“Hockey Canada has nurtured and grown a recreational pastime played on frozen ponds into a great national sport that is played from coast to coast to coast. Hockey is our national winter game; it is a sport we hold dear in hearts; it is what makes us Canadian. Millions of Canadians will now have the opportunity to learn and understand more about our national winter sport.”

-       The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)