PRESS RELEASE

MONTREAL – Alex Kovalev may already be a proud father of two, but his family got even bigger on Tuesday following the unveiling of the Kovy's Kids Suite at the Bell Centre.

Through this initiative, Alex will give many children the opportunity to attend Canadiens games at the Bell Centre.

“My wish is to make a difference in the lives of children in need," said Kovalev. "The kids will get together in the suite, have fun, laugh and, I hope, experience an unforgettable evening.”

Alex and his wife Eugenia will have the opportunity to meet the children on occasional game nights. Canadiens’ mascot Youppi! will also be a regular visitor in the suite.

Since its inauguration in the fall of 2002, thanks to a donation from goaltenter José Théodore, close to 700 children benefited from the Foundation’s suite, including young patients from Sainte-Justine Hospital as well as the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Moreover, many organizations working with sick and underprivileged children from all areas of the province of Quebec will continue to have access to the suite.

Kovy’s Kids Suite has already greeted young guests for the first four games of the 2006-07 season, including the Canadiens home opener against the Ottawa Senators, on Saturday, October 14 as well as the following games on October 17, 21 and 23 against the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche and Buffalo Sabres, respectively.

The Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation helps underprivileged, sick and special needs children by contributing financial resources in the fields of poverty, health, well-being and amateur sport. Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has donated over $4 million to charitable endeavors therefore financially supporting two hundred non-profit organizations from all across the province of Quebec.