RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/07/13 --

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The National Hockey League's (NHL) Willie Mitchell will be honoured tonight at a ceremony held in his home province of British Columbia as "Best of BC" Athlete of the Year. Founded by non-profit sport federation Sport B.C., and in its 47th year, the award recognizes a professional or amateur athlete for outstanding athletic achievement. Past recipients include Steve Nash, Justin Morneau, Joe Sakic and Lauren Woolstencroft. More than 7500 fans voted to recognize Mitchell with this year's award.

"Willie Mitchell is a homegrown B.C. success story," said Hon. Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. "He's a small-town boy who worked long and hard to make it to the NHL, and since then, has done our province proud with his many achievements, including winning the Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings last year. He is an inspiration to all British Columbians, and I congratulate him on this well-deserved award."

Currently playing for the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, Mitchell keeps close ties to B.C. and Vancouver Island where he was born and raised. He supports a number of community causes including Save Our Salmon and Fishing for Kids. Most recently Mitchell has joined former NHL teammate Brendan Morrison (as part of Morrison's Saltwater Classic charity fishing derby) to supporting the West Coast Multiplex facility planned for phased construction on land adjacent to the Tofino-Ucluelet Airport on Vancouver Island. When constructed, the West Coast Multiplex will serve multi-generational families in eight west coast communities interested in improving health and wellness through a variety of recreational and educational activities.

"Supporting important community initiatives in British Columbia keeps me connected with my roots," said Mitchell. "I am particularly excited about the West Coast Multiplex project because it will bring a much-needed year round sports and recreation facility to a more remote area of Vancouver Island."

About Willie Mitchell

Willie Mitchell is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing with the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Mitchell's NHL career includes playing with the New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks. Known for his passion in helping children and environmental causes, Willie is an advisory committee member and director-at-large with Save Our Salmon and an advisory committee member and active participant in the West Coast Fishing Club Tournament "Fishing for Kids". Follow Willie Mitchell on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/willie_mitch33

About the West Coast Multiplex (http://www.westcoastmultiplex.org)

The West Coast Multiplex (WCM) is a community facility in the making -- the dream of many passionate West Coast Vancouver Island parents, kids, sports enthusiasts, health professionals, wellness advocates, senior citizens, educators and business people from eight communities. Planned for phased construction on land adjacent to the Tofino-Ucluelet Airport, the WCM will serve multi-generational families interested in improving health and wellness through a variety of recreational and educational activities.

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