Hockey Quebec Summit

Press Release

MONTREAL, Tuesday, May 10, 2011 – Leaders from the hockey world in the Province of Quebec were on hand today in Montreal to unveil details of the first ever Molson Export Quebec Hockey Summit, a two-day event to be held in Montreal on August 26 and 27, 2011.

The Molson Export Quebec Hockey Summit will bring the leaders of the Province’s hockey community together as Hockey Québec, Hockey Canada, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Montreal Canadiens and Molson Export are partnering and taking lead roles to further the development of hockey.

“The development structure already in place contributes greatly to the success of our teams at the national level, but with a growing client base we need to put the appropriate questions on the forefront to define our future actions. The Quebec Hockey Summit will be a conduit to some important discussion between the participants,” said Sylvain B. Lalonde, General Manager, Hockey Quebec.

“The Quebec Hockey Summit brings together an excellent partnership group all with the goal of addressing important issues in today’s game,” stated Scott Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Hockey Canada. “Adding the dimension of public involvement gives the community a voice in how many of these challenges can be addressed.”

“I am truly excited by the opportunity to have the leaders of the hockey community together for some open discussion,” said Gilles Courteau, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Commissioner. “There are a number of challenges facing the growth of our great game and I look forward to addressing them with our partners.”

“As a professional hockey team and member of the sports community in Quebec, our organization looks forward to being actively involved in the Quebec Hockey Summit and contribute to the growth of our game among the youth,” said Pierre Gauthier, Montreal Canadiens General Manager. “Alongside the other leading members of the Quebec hockey community, we intend to offer our support to further develop the game of hockey across the province.”

“Molson Export is an iconic brand that has a rich history of supporting hockey in Quebec”, said David Bourget, Director of Events & Sponsorship, Molson Coors Canada. "As such, we are proud to participate in the summit and encourage the development of the sport Quebecers are so passionate about. Molson Export will leverage this event by bringing people together to ensure that fans are given a voice among hockey decision makers."

The Molson Export Quebec Hockey Summit’s theme is to address the challenges facing hockey in the Province of Quebec today. Discussion will revolve around four main topics:

• Long term player development: Exploring opportunities for development based on age; analyzing the development arc; actions currently being taken in Quebec; challenges facing development in Quebec.

• Player development through the Program of Excellence: Development opportunities for 16 year-old players and older; options following their internship; actions currently being taken in Quebec.

• Creating a safe environment through positive behaviour and attitude: Issues facing player health, including concussions; studies on hockey injuries; impact of rules; importance of adequately utilizing body checks and how players can better protect themselves on the ice

• Recruitment and retention of players: Presentation of the demographic statistics from the Province of Quebec; Hockey Québec membership; new activities and initiatives; women’s hockey.

The event will be held at the Bell Centre in Montreal. It will be open to the public. A full schedule of events and activities as well as details surrounding the registration process, including the number of entries available and cost, and the launch of the official Molson Export Quebec Hockey Summit website will be announced at a later date.

Finally, honorary chairpersons, full line-up of speakers, panellists and moderators will also be announced at a later date.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)