EMO PEEWEE TEAM WINS ‘FUTURE TEAM CANADA' CONTEST

CALGARY, AB - Hockey Canada announced last week that 13 minor hockey teams that have been chosen as the winners of the "Future Team Canada" recognition program.  In November, Hockey Canada partnered with the Wayne Gretzky Foundation and the Canadian Hockey Foundation to launch the third ever ‘Future Team Canada' program that rewards and recognizes thirteen minor hockey teams for the amount of heart they show rather than the amount of games they win.

The entries consisted of a team roster and a short essay outlining team values, special characteristics, community involvement and dedication that could make the respective club a ‘Future Team Canada'. 

The Emo Thunderbolts Peewee hockey team was determined to be the successful candidate of Hockey Northwestern Ontario.           

Each player on each of the 13 winning teams will receive a Team Canada jersey, gloves, stick and a hockey bag bearing the Wayne Gretzky Foundation and Hockey Canada logos. Along with this comprehensive equipment package, each team also will receive a $1,000 cash award to be used for team development activities, and a coaching package consisting of the development materials, Hockey Canada Coaching Club membership and equipment.

"Although the thirteen winners can be commended for being selected, all entries merit the recognition to be deemed winners", said Wayne Gretzky.  "The success of this program was evident by the excellent quality of the essays received and the difficulty in selecting the 13 winners.  When all was said and done, the thirteen teams that were chosen are deserving of the title ‘Future Team Canada' for their dedication and commitment to our game."

The Wayne Gretzky Foundation believes that hockey instills many positive life skills and contributes to the physical, emotional and social growth of young people. Canada's National Men's and Women's hockey teams promote many of these positive life skills such as respect, safety and fun.

The outcomes of the ‘Future Team Canada" recognition program and the principles championed by the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, the Canadian Hockey Foundation, and Hockey Canada demonstrate a shared vision for the future of our game.  

For more information on this program please visit: http://www.hockeycanada.ca/e/about/foundation/index.html.