The following statement was issued today by Premier Danny Williams. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today to remind honourable members of this House about an exciting upcoming event for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. On January 7, 2006, Stephenville will host the CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada.

Since 2000, this yearly tradition has seen the CBC travel to communities throughout the country to highlight the diversity and uniqueness of Canada, and to tell the story of how hockey has become one of our most beloved national pastimes.

This year, the event will include thirteen and a half hours of hockey coverage, including an all-Canadian NHL tripleheader, community profiles and individual features.

High profile Canadian media personalities Ron MacLean and Don Cherry will be rink side at the Stephenville Dome, where they will showcase Stephenville to the rest of Canada.

It is no secret that the west coast of our province is a hotbed for hockey. From the rivalry between the Corner Brook Royals and the Deer Lake Red Wings to the competition that thrives in junior and minor hockey from Stephenville to Port aux Basques and all points in between. The west coast, and indeed our entire province, has a tremendous history in the game of hockey.

In fact, we have produced some outstanding talent throughout the years including the talented Faulkner brothers, the legendary Bob Cole and the young up-and-comers that we watch every week on Hockey Night in Canada.

And I have no doubt that this event will inspire a whole new generation of young girls and boys to follow their dreams on the ice. In fact, I understand that interest in minor hockey has grown in the region in anticipation of the January 7 event.

We all know that 2005 has been a very difficult year for Stephenville and the Bay St. George region. Yet despite the challenges, we have all seen the strength and resilience of the people of the region, and I have seen their resolve to move forward to build a strong and vibrant region.

I can think of no more fitting way to start the New Year for the people of Stephenville than to celebrate their pride in their hometown, and for this pride to be broadcast right across this country.

We look forward to welcoming the CBC and our fellow Canadians to Stephenville for Hockey Day in Canada. To paraphrase the great Foster Hewitt, we welcome hockey fans from Canada and the United States to our province for Hockey Day in Canada.

2005 12 06                       4:50 p.m.