July 6, 2015 (Watson Lake, YT) – The Watson Lake Minor Hockey Association (WLMHA) is pleased to announce that Mike Smith – National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) member and Arizona Coyotes goaltender – will be one of several current and former NHL players to visit Watson Lake, on the final stop of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams’ 15th Anniversary multi-city celebration tour.

Hosted by the WLMHA and Watson Lake RCMP, in partnership with JDS Silver, ATCO Electric Yukon, and Air North, Yukon’s Airline, the NHLPA Goals & Dreams 15th Anniversary tour stop in Watson Lake will take place August 1st and 2nd.

Representing NHLPA Goals & Dreams, Smith headlines a roster of players that will engage Yukon youth in the sport of hockey, encouraging healthy lifestyles through physical activity and teamwork. Smith will be joined by teammate B.J. Crombeen; as well as Crombeen’s father, Mike Crombeen, a St. Louis Blues and Hartford Whalers alumnus; forward David Booth; and Brent Gilchrist, a Stanley Cup winner with the Red Wings.

“NHLPA Goals & Dreams has helped deserving children play hockey for the past 15 years, and I am proud to be a part of this upcoming event in August,” said Mike Smith, NHLPA member and Coyotes goaltender. “Our whole group is excited to head north – myself, along with B.J. and Mike Crombeen, David Booth and Brent Gilchrist – to help the children of Watson Lake by providing some new equipment and on-ice instruction.”

Youth from across the Yukon will be given the opportunity to take part in the hockey camp, free of charge. NHLPA Goals & Dreams has also committed to donate $20,000 worth of youth hockey equipment to the community of Watson Lake.

“The NHLPA Goals & Dreams tour stop is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the community of Watson Lake, as well as for Yukon youth,” said Denina Paquette, president of the WLMHA. “We’re thrilled to welcome Mike Smith, B.J. and Mike Crombeen, David Booth, and Brent Gilchrist to the territory. It’s important for us to involve as many youth as possible by eliminating financial barriers. We are working with the Yukon Amateur Hockey Association (YAHA), as well as recreational staff in the communities and rural RCMP detachments, to identify participants.”

"Hockey is healthy in Whitehorse and so by giving priority to rural Yukon, we hope to raise the profile of the game in the smaller communities and create excitement for our youth, parents and community volunteers,” said Watson Lake RCMP Const. Jean-Michel Sauvé. “We want to grow the sport exponentially from where it is currently, which in turn could provide an opportunity for some youth to develop their skills to a higher level, and further their education while focusing on the sport in or outside the Yukon."

The camp will include on-ice clinics each day, player talks, a fishing derby, and a community potlatch. Players and NHLPA staff will coach the Sergeant’s Cup recreational hockey game, which will include members of the RCMP and Watson Lake Silver Tip Oldtimers. The project will also provide professional development opportunities for local hockey coaches.

“My experience is that anytime you get to be on the ice with other coaches, as well as professional hockey players, it’s a huge learning opportunity,” said Martin Lawrie, who was the coach of Yukon’s U-16 hockey team at the 2015 Canada Games, and will be spearheading the drills and coaching development on behalf of YAHA. “From YAHA’s perspective, we’re hoping to see a bump in minor hockey registration and a bump in interest.”

More information regarding the Watson Lake stop of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams 15th Anniversary Tour is available on the event Facebook page, or by contacting the Watson Lake Minor Hockey Association: wlminorhockey@gmail.com.

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