November 30, 2004 - For Immediate Release

SHERWOOD PARK, AB - The National Inline Hockey Association - Canada (NIHA-Canada) has been accepted as an Associate Member of Hockey Canada, the governing body for hockey, the NIHA-Canada announced Tuesday.

Hockey Canada, member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), recognizes the NIHA-Canada as the Official Governing Body for Inline Hockey in Canada. The addition of the NIHA-Canada to their umbrella further demonstrates Hockey Canada's commitment to the game of hockey in all its various forms.

"Hockey Canada is pleased to support the development of NIHA-Canada through our acceptance of them as an Associate Member, " said Allan Matthews, Chair of the Board, Hockey Canada. "It builds on the support we have provided the inline programs in our Branches since 2001 when Hockey Canada discontinued its own inline program. Associate Membership of an organization dedicated to inline was seen at the time, and continues to be seen, as the appropriate involvement for Hockey Canada. We hope this new relationship will grow the game of inline hockey. We
welcome NIHA-Canada to our family and look forward to working with them."

The purpose of the NIHA-Canada is to provide guidance and direction for the development and implementation of inline hockey in Canada. This will be accomplished in a way that is responsible, affordable and focused on quality services and programs for its members. NIHA-Canada consists of an elected Board that is governed by the Bylaws and Regulations of the Association. Members of the Board are representatives from each of the NIHA-Canada Provincial branches.

Grassroots development is the foundation of the NIHA-Canada. "Our main focus is to provide our members the opportunity to enjoy the dynamic game of inline hockey in a fun and safe environment," says Kevin Sharp, NIHA-Canada Chair.

"We are extremely grateful to Hockey Canada for accepting NIHA-Canada as an official part of their family of associate members. This opportunity was an important element of our Association's evolution. To work alongside the largest and most progressive hockey organization in the world is a true benefit to the inline hockey player in Canada and for inline hockey as a sport," continued Sharp. "Hockey Canada has proven to be a world leader in development and promotion of the game of hockey. They have recognized the dedication and hard work of the volunteers in our organization and the value of inline hockey to the overall foundation of the game of hockey. With NIHA-Canada's ability to now draw on the expertise and experience of Hockey Canada, the inline hockey player in Canada will benefit immensely. Hockey Canada will be very instrumental in providing us direction and information in our endeavor of providing our membership international competition and in the development of our grassroots programming."

NIHA-Canada submitted its application for Associate Member status to the Hockey Canada Officers in October 2004. After review of the application, the Officers included NIHA-Canada on the agenda for the Semi-Annual Meeting, November 27, 2004. After a comprehensive presentation, the motion to accept NIHA-Canada as Associate Member was passed by Hockey Canada.

The NIHA-Canada joins other Hockey Canada Associate Members which includes the National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Player Association (NHLPA).

For more information on the National Inline Hockey Association - Canada or Hockey Canada, please visit the official web sites at www.niha.ca and www.hockeycanada.ca.