Kraft Hockey Goes On Names Top Five Hockey Supporters in Atlantic Region

Program awards $180,000 total to Minor Hockey Associations in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, April 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Nearly 800,000 votes were cast as Atlantic Canadians rallied to support minor hockey and select their favourite local hockey supporters who help to make the game go on in their communities. Jared Ryder from Bonavista, NL, received the most votes and is being recognized today with a $100,000 award to the Bonavista Trinity Minor Hockey Association. The other four inspiring Atlantic Canadians earning a $20,000 award for their selected minor hockey associations include Craig Clarke from Pictou, NS, Joe Peck from North Sydney, NS, Tony McEachren from Churchill Falls, NL and Gus Fahey from New Glasgow, NS.

Atlantic Region Grand Prize Winner:
Jared Ryder, Bonavista, NL, Bonavista Trinity Minor Hockey Association
As a way to honour the tragic passing of his best friend, Jared Ryder rallied his team to make the game go on and began coaching local hockey at the age of 18. In addition to devoting hours to team practices, planning and playing games, Ryder organizes the annual "Marv Ryder Memorial Game" to raise money to support kids and families who are unable to afford to play the game.

The four local hockey supporters being recognized with a $20,000 award each for their selected minor hockey associations are:

Craig Clark, Pictou, NS, Pictou Minor Hockey Association
As a coach, Pictou Minor Hockey Association development coordinator and Hector Arena board member, Craig Clark, spends countless hours in and around the rink. In addition to promoting female hockey and mentoring new coaches, Clark developed the Golden Puck Award and helps organize the annual Play the Pros fundraiser, which provides hockey gear to kids who would otherwise not have the opportunity to play the game he loves.

Joe Peck, North Sydney, NS, North Side and District Minor Hockey Association
Whether coaching, refereeing or running his APEX program, Joe Peck's passion for the game is undeniable. Often spending five nights per week on the ice, Peck teaches kids to have fun first and ensures that every child has the opportunity to shine.

Tony McEachren, Churchill Falls, NL, Churchill Falls Minor Hockey Association
As a coach, referee, parent and president of the Churchill Falls Minor Hockey Association, Tony McEachren is the epitome of hockey in Churchill Falls. Whether he's lacing skates, running drills, training referees, organizing tournaments and fundraisers or just sharing a laugh, McEachren instills a love of the game in his players and believes that the things you learn on the ice often help shape the rest of your life.

Gus Fahey, New Glasgow, NS, Pictou County Minor Hockey Association
Since co-founding Pictou County's first hockey school in the 1970s, Gus Fahey has passed down his coaching expertise while also operating skills clinics and mentoring other coaches. Fahey was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 2009 and continues to live by his motto, "Love what you do, have passion for what you do and always treat yourself and others with respect."

"We all know how passionate Canadians are about hockey. And that passion is taken to a whole other level when it comes to grassroots hockey.  Whether it's lacing skates in Churchill Falls or operating a skills clinic in New Glasgow, these passionate individuals help bring communities together through their love and dedication to the sport and its young players," said Jack Hewitt, vice president of marketing insight & services, Kraft Canada. "We are proud to recognize those in the East and across the country who are at the heart of this nation's sport to help make a difference in their communities."

"We know that $180,000 will make an incredible impact on the winning hockey communities, helping them to assist many more future hockey stars through additional programming and facility upgrades," said Bob Nicholson, president and CEO, Hockey Canada. "Kraft Hockey Goes On put the spotlight on these individuals and gave them the credit and recognition they so rarely receive."

Through the program, Kraft Hockey Goes On is awarding $1 million to Hockey Canada-affiliated minor hockey associations, including $100,000 awarded to Hockey Canada's Learn to Skate programs.

Beginning on January 21^st, Canadians were invited to share their passion for the game by recognizing local supporters who make hockey happen in communities across Canada and enter a nomination at www.krafthockeygoeson.ca. A panel of judges then selected the top 100 finalists, who moved on to a voting period on March 23 and 24.

The Kraft Hockey Goes On partners - Christie, TSN, RDS and Hockey Canada - would like to thank and congratulate all of the nominees that participated in the program.

To view a congratulatory video from TSN, please visit www.facebook.com/krafthockeygoeson.

ABOUT KRAFT FOODS GROUP
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SOURCE: Kraft Canada

Jennifer Zed at Edelman
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