October 6, 2004

Memorandum

SUBJECT: NHL LOCKOUT/HOCKEY CANADA LIABILITY POLICY

With the recent lockout of National Hockey League players, Hockey Canada is aware of the participation of NHL players in varying capacities in Hockey Canada programs across the country.  It is incumbent upon us to remind you, your teams, leagues and associations that participation in Hockey Canada programs are restricted to members only.  The Commercial General Liability policy in place on your behalf is simply not designed to cover the exposure that professional hockey contracts present.  Please be aware that, while we are not mandating that these workouts cease immediately, we are advising you that our policies cannot cover you, your management, staff or players for any liability arising out of the participation of non-members in your practices, try-outs and other team functions.  Hockey Canada will not be held responsible for injury claims and/or any liability flowing from them, which may involve non-members. Further, we cannot cover NHL players who are assisting teams in a coaching capacity unless these individuals are properly registered in your programs.  It should be noted that this is an on-going requirement of our policy and not one simply developed as a result of the NHL Lockout.

Hockey Canada perceives this as a potentially significant financial exposure to the members of Hockey Canada who choose to ignore this memo and continue to have non-members work-out with their teams.  Should you have any questions and/or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me at your convenience.

Sincerely,
Glen McCurdie
Director, Insurance & Member Services