Media Advisory
February 18, 2011
For Immediate Release
Veteran NHL goaltender, Kevin Weekes to visit Cardinal Léger Secondary School
Former NHL goalie to share his story with students
As part of its Black History Month celebrations, Cardinal Léger Catholic Secondary School in Brampton has added a visit from Kevin Weekes, eleven-year veteran NHL goaltender, hockey analyst and philanthropist, to its roster of events.
On February 22, Weekes will be at the school talking about his journey into the world of professional hockey and the importance of striving for your goals, and believing in yourself.
A first-generation Canadian, Weekes was born in Toronto to Barbadian parents. Through neighbourhood street hockey games, he developed a passion for the sport and, with his father’s encouragement, began to learn the basics of ice hockey around the age of six. Despite the lack of visible minority hockey players in the 1980s, Weekes refused to let anyone deter him from his dream of becoming an NHL goaltender.
Drafted by the Florida Panthers in 1993, he also played for the Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.
“We’re all very excited to have Kevin Weekes visit our school,” says Cardinal Léger principal, Dolores Proietti. “His message of hard work, dedication and encouragement, will be appreciated by our students.”
Kevin Weekes is not only a pioneer in the game of hockey, but also in media. In 2009, he joined CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, becoming Canada’s first Black hockey commentator. He also founded Skillz Hockey, a program based in Toronto, that promotes the participation of minority youth in hockey. Weekes is also the recipient of a Harry Jerome Award, which recognizes and honours excellence in African-Canadian achievement.
WHAT: Kevin Weekes speaks to students at Cardinal Léger
WHEN: Tuesday February 22, 2011 (8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)
WHERE: Cardinal Léger Catholic Secondary School
75 Mary Street, Brampton
Weekes’ visit to Cardinal Léger is only one of its planned Black History Month events. Two town hall-style meetings addressing issues facing Black teenagers today, are among the other events and activities planned at the school.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is also hosting a large-scale Black History Conference, called, “I AM . . . WE ARE,” on February 24, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School in Mississauga. Now in its seventh year, the interactive conference will focus on members of the local Black community who have achieved success, fulfillment of their ambitions and who are also role models for all students.
A detailed list of school events and activities across the board is available at www.dpcdsb.org.
Cardinal Léger Catholic Secondary School, located at 75 Mary St. in Brampton, has a student enrolment of 1,483 and is one of 26 secondary schools in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.
-30-
Media Contact: Julia Seeratan, Communications Officer
(905) 890-0708 ext. 24278