The Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA) and SaskEnergy are extremely excited to present the 3rd annual SaskEnergy Hockey Day in Saskatchewan event this weekend in communities across the province.

The event takes place in communities throughout Saskatchewan annually on the third Saturday in January with the SHA choosing one location yearly to serve as the provincial host of the event. The Town of Lanigan, this year’s host community, is raising funds for a new ice plant for the local arena. One of the criteria for the selection of the provincial host is that there must be a capital project of some magnitude for the communities’ arena. Activities this weekend in Lanigan begin with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) All Star game Thursday at 7:00.  The event also includes a Friday night banquet; local minor hockey games; the Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA league (SFMAAAHL) All Star game, with the weekend wrapping up Sunday afternoon with the Prairie Junior Hockey League (PJHL) All Star Game.

Be sure to check out www.hockeydayinsask.ca for everything related to the event.

The main theme of SaskEnergy Hockey Day in Saskatchewan is to promote the game of hockey and to build community spirit by making the arena the focal point of activity for the day or the weekend. The SHA is encouraging every minor hockey association/Senior or Junior Team to hold an event in their own community for Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.  This promotion provides local arena associations with a platform to raise funds to keep the rinks alive and well in all communities, both big and small.

 “SaskEnergy Hockey Day is a tremendous opportunity to promote the important role the local rink plays in ensuring youth and their families participate in sports, as the rink is a vital part of any healthy community, large or small,” said Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Crown Corporations.  “While Hockey Day events take place across Saskatchewan this weekend, I’m pleased the SaskEnergy Volunteer Champion Award is once again part of this event, as it allows each community to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by volunteers working in rinks throughout the year.”

The SaskEnergy Volunteer Champion Award for community builders, chosen by each local hockey association, is to be presented to an individual who has provided outstanding service as a volunteer to the local hockey community, either as a coach, an official, a team manager, or an association organizer.  The presentation of these awards is to occur during the local SaskEnergy Hockey Day in Saskatchewan celebration activities on January 16, 2010.

All other minor hockey associations across the province have been encouraged to hold events of their own in their respective communities.  Please contact your local minor hockey association for activities in your community.