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Calgary, AB – The Western Hockey League and the Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA) announced today they have entered into a new partnership to provide future support for the hockey system in Saskatchewan.

The new partnership will include the WHL expanding its support for high performance programs and the top amateur Leagues in Saskatchewan. The additional support provided by the WHL for the Saskatchewan Hockey Association is in recognition of the Saskatchewan Development Model that was introduced last season. The Saskatchewan Development Model has resulted in all major hockey constituents in Saskatchewan working together to improve the development system and to encourage the top players to remain in the Canadian Hockey System. The principle partners in the Saskatchewan Development Model include the Saskatchewan Hockey Association, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), the Saskatchewan Midget ‘AAA’ Hockey League (SMAAAHL) and the WHL.

The new partnership includes the WHL sponsoring the SHA’s SaskFirst U 16 and 17 programs as well as the SaskFutures program, a new initiative designed to better inform players and parents of opportunities in the Canadian Hockey System. In addition, the WHL also announced it will sponsor the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and the Saskatchewan Midget ‘AAA’ Hockey League. The WHL will also support officiating programming, which will impact all levels in the Saskatchewan system, particularly the SJHL and SMAAAHL.

The partnership agreement between the SHA and the WHL will extend for a three year period commencing with the current 2007-08 season through to the 2009-10 season.

“The WHL is very pleased to support the Saskatchewan Hockey Association and the Midget ‘AAA’ and Junior ‘A’ Leagues in Saskatchewan,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, “The Saskatchewan Development Model has enabled us to improve our relationship with key constituents and in doing so enhance the development system overall in Saskatchewan.”

“We are extremely proud of the relationship that exists between the SHA, its member Leagues and the WHL,” commented Kelly McClintock, General Manager SHA, “The financial support from the WHL will assist in the development of players, officials and coaches within Saskatchewan; and promote the development system that exists in the province and Canada.”

The WHL and its member Clubs provide over $2 million in support of local Minor Hockey and charities in Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific northwest where WHL Franchises are located.