2011 RBC PLAY HOCKEY GRANT RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

More than 30 organizations across North America benefit in first round

TORONTO, May 5 /PRNewswire/ - RBC, in partnership with USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, today announced that more than 30 organizations from across North America will receive 2011 RBC Play Hockey grants. RBC Play Hockey is a wide-ranging, multi-year commitment to grow the game of hockey from the grassroots level in communities across North America.

"Each of our recipients has demonstrated a commitment and passion to keep hockey vibrant and strong in their community," said Jim Little, chief brand and communications officer, RBC. "RBC is proud to support the hard work and dedication that helps hockey happen. We believe in giving back to our local communities and these grants will benefit a wide range of programs and services so that more people can play the game."

To help shine a spotlight on the people and programs associated with hockey in communities across North America, RBC Play Hockey Grants have been awarded to existing and future projects dedicated to helping people play all forms and all levels of hockey. The 2011 RBC Play Hockey grant recipients will be awarded a grant in the amount of $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000.

2011 RBC Play Hockey grant recipients:

RBC has been involved in hockey at both the community and national level for decades, since 1947. With $1 million in grants available and a team of RBC Play Hockey Ambassadors which includes Steve Yzerman, Steven Stamkos and P.K. Subban who will share their passion and excitement for the game, RBC Play Hockey will strengthen and energize the game at the grassroots level and deliver a hockey program that gives everyone the chance to play.

To date, RBC has provided more than $200,000 in grants to hockey programs across North America - ranging from learn-to-skate, ball hockey, and equipment-sharing programs to reduced registration, access to ice and hockey clinic initiatives. RBC Play Hockey grant applications will continue to be accepted until September 30, 2011. A second round of grants will be announced in October 2011. To apply for a grant or for more information about the RBC Play Hockey program, visit www.rbcplayhockey.com.

"Without skates to tie, volunteers to teach, coaches to inspire, and ice to skate on, the game of hockey simply would not happen," said Little. "Our focus is to help people get started, get better and go further in hockey."

RBC is committed to helping hockey happen in communities across North America. As a premier partner of USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, RBC is an official sponsor of each country's men's and women's national teams, the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship, Canada's National Junior A Championship - the RBC Cup - and the Hockey Hall of Fame. RBC sponsors amateur sport in communities across North America, from grassroots programs to national sport associations and elite-level athletes.

SOURCE HOCKEY CANADA