Waterloo's Bourque selected to coach in NHLPA Allstate All-Canadians Mentorship Cup

WATERLOO, Ont. - Head coach of the Waterloo men's hockey program Brian Bourque has been chosen as a coach for the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) Allstate All-Canadians Mentorship Cup held on Saturday, August 6 at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga.

The Mentorship Cup wraps up an intense five-day camp, led by 21-year National Hockey League (NHL) veteran Gary Roberts that will have given 42 of Canada's top bantam-aged players an exclusive opportunity to learn from NHL players.  NHL stars such as Luke Schenn, Jeff Skinner and Jason Spezza have been on hand for the camp to teach these young and upcoming players the importance of fitness, nutrition, mental condition, and much more. 

This was the first year the NHLPA has put on this mentorship program and coach Bourque is thrilled to be part of the coaching staff for the Allstate All-Canadians Mentorship Cup that will be broadcasted on TSN.  Two of the games brightest young stars Jason Spezza and Luke Schenn will face off as head coaches in the Cup with Brian Bourque serving as an assistant coach on Team Spezza.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity.  There are a lot of excellent people involved in the program and I know it will be a great experience for these young players.” commented Bourque.

The Allstate All-Canadians Mentorship Program aims to support all levels of hockey players and athletes by providing tips and advice to players, coaches, parents and fans. Since its launch in November 2010, the program has enabled NHL players and leading experts to successfully reach tens of thousands of Canadians through the web, grassroots initiatives and special events, for the purpose of mentoring and guiding the next generation of Canada's hockey youth.

“The NHLPA understands the importance of supporting Canada's hockey communities in order to continue raising intelligent and healthy athletes who can flourish both in the game and outside of it,” said Mike Ouellet, NHLPA Chief of Business Affairs. “That's why the Allstate All-Canadians Mentorship Camp is about more than just on-ice skills. Players and parents will be educated on a variety of subjects that not only create a well-rounded athlete, but a strong individual as well.”