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May 8, 2009
GN.007
RICHMOND HILL, Ontario – Don Cherry has been the voice of Hockey Night in Canada’s Coaches Corner for over
24 years and also a long-time supporter of minor hockey. Today, Cherry is giving more than his voice towards
a hockey safety initiative; he is personally funding the STOP Program helmet decal project.
“I am very happy to be working with the OMHA on the STOP decal program for helmets. It has been a long hard
struggle, but thanks to the OMHA and guys like Ken Catania who was the driving force behind this venture, we
are on our way. To have Hockey Canada and the OHF with us is as they say the “cherry on top,” says Cherry.
“Let me explain why I feel this venture is so important. When a player is cross-checking a player from
behind, he is looking directly at the back of the helmet where our STOP decal will be. I feel this decal will
prevent a lot of injuries. If we can help one kid it is worth the effort. So come on GMs and coaches – let’s
get aboard and help our kids.”
The Safety Towards Other Players (STOP) Program began in Windsor 11 years ago in hopes of raising awareness
of the dangers of checking-from-behind in hockey. Led by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the STOP
Program is now mandatory in many hockey associations around the world.
Hockey Canada, which oversees minor hockey in Canada in partnership with the 13 branches, is in full support
of the STOP Program. Players and teams in each of Canada's 13 branches can take advantage of this great
program to support fair and safe play.
The STOP Program helmet decal is not a replacement for the three-inch patch worn on the back of hockey
jerseys above the letters. It’s another method to promote the program and awareness that checking from behind
is not acceptable in hockey. The STOP Program patch and helmet decal’s purpose is a visual reminder for
players for when they see the STOP symbol, they should immediately STOP from hitting the opposing player from
behind.
“The OMHA strives to provide the safest environment possible for all participants, especially players,”
stated OMHA President Marg Ensoll. “The STOP Program is part of the OMHA’s continuing education that checking
from behind is not tolerated. We are proud to have Don Cherry help the OMHA promote this valuable
program.”
STOP Program helmet decals and patches are available by contacting the Ontario Minor Hockey Association at
(905) 780-6642 or by visiting www.safetytowardsotherplayers.com. There are 25 STOP Program helmet decals per
sheet, sufficient for one team and for a limited time, STOP Program helmet decals are available at no charge.
STOP Program patches are available for 55 cents per patch.
About the Ontario Minor Hockey Association
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association, founded in 1935, is the largest minor hockey association in the world
and oversees a participant base of 300,000 consisting of players, coaches, trainers, officials, hockey
volunteers and parents across the province. The OMHA has 260 active member minor hockey associations and
annually coordinates 31 leagues and approximately 600 development clinics throughout Ontario. For more
information, visit www.omha.net.
To learn more please contact:
Mark Dickie, Ontario Minor Hockey Association
P: (905) 780-6642, ext. 226
E-mail: mark.dickie@omha.net
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