CALGARY, Alberta – The Hockey Canada Foundation (HCF) has announced changes to its board of directors that will further enable the foundation to fulfil its mission of removing barriers and growing the game on and off the ice.

Effective immediately, Ashif Mawji has been appointed as chair of the board of directors, with Mike Humes serving in the same capacity for the board’s U.S. arm.

Elected to the HCF Board of Directors in 2020, Mawji was most recently vice-chair and succeeds outgoing chair Doug Goss. 

Humes has served as vice-chair of the HCF U.S. board for more than a decade and replaces Bill Ackerman, who will remain on the board as treasurer.

In addition, five directors have been elected to the foundation’s boards, including Kat Bitove, Paul Di Benedetto and Cheryl Pounder in Canada, as well as Barbara Laidlaw and Lowell Thomas in the U.S.

“Today’s announcement is an exciting day for the Hockey Canada Foundation, and we are thrilled to have Ashif and Mike in their new roles as we welcome Kat, Paul, Cheryl, Barbara and Lowell as directors,” said Donna Iampieri, HCF executive director. “Each year, the HCF works to positively impact thousands of children and families on and off the ice, and we look forward to continuing that important work through Ashif and Mike’s leadership.”

More information on Mawji, Humes and the five new directors can be found here.

“The Hockey Canada Foundation plays a critical role in removing barriers for participants across Canada and with the addition of our new directors, we anticipate being able to support even more children and families in hockey,” said Mawji. “Growing the game is a collective effort and a responsibility that we do not take lightly. Through programs like the Assist Fund, we hope our investments in the future of hockey continue to welcome more participants to the sport.”

“Hockey is a powerful unifier in our communities. Having experienced firsthand the incredible work that the Hockey Canada Foundation has led for years, our board is looking forward to the opportunity to influence even more positive change through hockey on and off the ice,” said Humes. “It’s an exciting time for Hockey Canada and our foundation, and we cannot wait to collaborate on additional ways to enhance our great game.”