Government of Canada Participates in 2008 MasterCard Memorial Cup

"It is a tribute to those who served that the true meaning of this trophy has not been allowed to fade into history," said Minister Thompson. "The Canadian Hockey League is to be commended for keeping alive the memory of our brave men and women who have always stood up for Canada."

"It's a symbol of national junior hockey supremacy with a link to our Canadian military history," said John Thompson, General Manager for the 2008 MasterCard Memorial Cup Host Committee.

Following the opening ceremonies, the Minister addressed a group of local Veterans in the City Hall rotunda for a special Veterans' Luncheon hosted by the Mayor of Kitchener, Carl Zehr. Approximately 100 local Veterans attended along with their families.

The Minister is scheduled to participate in the official opening game scheduled for Friday, May 16 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, where the Kitchener Rangers will play against the Gatineau Olympiques. A military escort will also participate to display the prestigious cup on ice.

"The Memorial Cup is a great Canadian way to honour the memory of our service men and women," said Minister Thompson. "The values in the Memorial Cup Tournament are very similar to the values that our service men and women live by-those of teamwork, camaraderie, dedication and discipline."

For information about commemorative events, please visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

613-996-4649