CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada �Play the Game Fund� to
assist young hockey players in Newfoundland and Labrador

CBC�s Hockey Night in Canada, in association with KidSport, today announced the creation of CBC�S Hockey Day in Canada "Play the Game Fund" designed to enable more young people in Newfoundland and Labrador to participate in the game of hockey. Consisting of more than $20,000 raised from CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada sixth annual online auction, CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada "Play the Game Fund" will provide hockey registration grants to financially disadvantaged youth across Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We are very proud to have the opportunity to contribute to the development of minor hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Joel Darling, executive producer of CBC�s Hockey Night in Canada. "Thanks to the generous donations from the NHL, the NHLPA, the six Canadian NHL teams and Reebok, the online auction raised considerable funds, and we are pleased that this money will allow more kids to get involved in Canada�s game. We are also grateful to KidSport for their work with this important cause."

The 2006 edition of CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada, which took place in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador on January 7, included a special online auction featuring one-of-a-kind autographed hockey memorabilia donated by CBC, the National Hockey League (NHL), the Canadian NHL teams, the NHL Players� Association and Reebok. CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada online auction raised a total of $20,121.45 which was donated to KidSport and used to create CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada "Play the Game Fund."

"KidSport is honoured to be the recipient of this generous donation from CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada" said Pete Quevillon, executive director of KidSport. "As part of the framework of Canadian sport culture, Hockey Day in Canada profiles our national sport proudly in communities across this country. This donation will afford KidSport the opportunity to remove financial barriers and ensure that more kids get in the game in Newfoundland and Labrador."

"With this gracious donation, we anticipate providing opportunities for more than one hundred kids across Newfoundland and Labrador in the next three years," said Troy Croft, executive director of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador. "We would like to publicly thank CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada for their contribution to KidSport in Newfoundland and Labrador."

CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada 18-day online auction concluded on January 9 with Kelly Hrudey�s autographed goalie mask claiming the highest final bid at $4,005 (CDN). Hrudey�s mask, specially designed by CBC�s Hockey Night in Canada, was used for the past two years as a set piece during the NHL playoffs for the segment Behind the Mask. Wendel Clark�s autographed Toronto Maple Leaf captain jersey, which went for $1,205 (CDN), received the second highest final bid.

KidSport Canada is a national not-for-profit organization that exists to remove the financial barriers that prevent some children from playing sport. Operating in 11 provinces and territories and in more than 120 communities across Canada, KidSport provides sport registration fee grants to financially disadvantaged children. Since 1993, KidSport has raised in excess of $10 million and has helped more than 100,000 Canadian kids play a season of sport. Visit www.kidsport.ca for more information.

Sport Newfoundland and Labrador represents 48 provincial sport organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through partnerships similar to this one, Sport Newfoundland and Labrador is able to provide programs such as KidSport that increase sport participation across the province. Visit www.sportnf.com for information on programs offered by Sport Newfoundland and Labrador.

CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada annual broadcast on January 7 marked the continuation of an important Canadian hockey tradition. Previous host locations for CBC�s Hockey Day in Canada include Shaunavon, Saskatchewan (2004); Iqaluit, Nunavut (2003); Windsor, Nova Scotia (2002); Red Deer, Alberta (2001); and Toronto, Ontario (2000).

Photo #1: CBC Hockey Day In Canada/KidSport Cheque Presentation, Mile One Stadium, St. John�s Fog Devils vs Chicoutimi Sagueneens. L to R: Bob Cole, Hockey Night In Canada Broadcaster; Tom Godden, President Sport Newfoundland and Labrador; Marilyn Dawe, Minor Council Chairperson for Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador

For images or further information, contact:
Jennifer Neziol, Media Profilee, (416) 504-8464 ext. 284, (416) 500-4733, jneziol@mediaprofile.com

2006 02 09                             4:30 p.m.