June 27, 2001
NR.068

CANADIAN DELEGATION TO ATTEND IIHF HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT CAMP IN CZECH REPUBLIC FROM JULY 1 TO 7, 2001

CALGARY, ALBERTA - A Canadian delegation will attend an International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Development Camp July 1-7 in Nymburk, Czech Republic, the Canadian Hockey Association announced on Wednesday.

The delegation will be comprised of six players born in 1986 and two coaches from the Canadian Hockey Association's Regional Under 17 Program. The Canadian delegation will gather information and take experiences from the Camp back to their minor hockey associations which will assist in player development within Canada.

“This event will provide our country's players and coaches with a truly unique international experience that they may never go through again,” said Johnny Misley, Director, Development with the CHA. “This trip is more then just about the game of hockey, it's about culture and developing international relations. The first camp, held in 1999, left the participants with a lifetime of memories.”

The six players and two coaches from the CHA's Regional Under 17 Program of Excellence attending will be:

Goaltender Daniel LaCosta Labrador City, NF
Defensemen Maxime Bélanger St-Nicéphore, QC Nathan Welton Dartmouth, NS
Forwards Kyle Chipchura Vimy, AB Brett Festerling Quesnel, BC Bryce Macek Winnipeg, MB.
Coaches Mike Mondin Trail, BC Ronald Watkins Bedford, NS

The camp format is designed as a comprehensive/learning experience for all participants. All players, coaches, game officials and administrators will be involved in the on and off-ice practices, games, the “Fitness Challenge” and all other camp activities.

The delegation departs for the Czech Republic on June 29th.