October 23, 2013
For immediate release
MINOR HOCKEY SEASON KICKS OFF SATURDAY
CALGARY, ALTA - Hockey Calgary is pleased to announce over 13,500 kids will be kicking off the 2013 / 2014 minor hockey season starting this Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013.
The 2013 season welcomes ATB Financial as the title sponsor of Recreational Hockey Calgary (ATB Rec Hockey). ATB Rec hockey was created in response to a need for a less competitive playing environment and a less demanding time commitment that exists in community hockey. Currently ATB Rec hockey has over 900 players enrolled into the Program. The Recreational Program started back in the 2001/2002 season, making the 2013/2014 its seventh season.
How is ATB Rec hockey different than mainstream hockey?
No body checking, registration fees are lower, set schedule (2 days a week), games only (no practices), no divisions (everyone plays together at all levels), goal for the season is for each team to reach 500.
"The beginning of the hockey season is always an exciting time of year,” said Kevin Kobelka, Executive Director, Hockey Calgary. “We’re very excited to have ATB Financial on board supporting our Recreational Hockey Calgary Program. ATB Financial is known for its community initiatives and their support of hockey all over the province, this partnership is a perfect fit.”
“If there’s one reason for kids to get involved in hockey, it should be to have fun,” said John Windwick, ATB’s Vice-President, Community Initiatives. “That’s what ATB Rec Hockey is all about: having fun. If our support helps put more smiles on kids’ faces across Calgary, then we’ve done our job.”
Hockey Calgary and ATB Financial will be at Village Square 1 kicking off the hockey season together:
Where: Village Square Arena1 (2623 56 St NE Calgary)
When: Saturday, Oct. 26 (2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
Who: ATB Financial, Hockey Calgary and Midget ATB Rec hockey players
What: Kicking off the season with a BBQ, giveaways, games etc
Hockey Calgary’s website hosts the entire minor hockey schedule and standings. Please visit www.hockeycalgary.com to find hockey games near you.
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About Hockey Calgary
Hockey Calgary is the largest minor hockey association in Alberta and one of the largest and fastest growing in North America. Hockey Calgary has 23 member associations with over 13,500 players, 3,000 coaches, 4,000 volunteers and 1,200 officials.
For more information, please contact:
Christina Rogers
Manager, Communications, Marketing & Events
Office: (403) 245.5773 ext. 203
Cell: (403) 354-4407
christina@hockeycalgary.com
Hockey Calgary
Max Bell Arena
1111 Barlow Tr. SE
Calgary, AB
T2E 6S2
www.hockeycalgary.com