OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2009 An historic Olympic hockey victory for Canada is now forever etched on a 25-cent coin. The Royal Canadian Mint is inviting Canadians to save the latest circulation coin in its Vancouver 2010 collection - the 25-cent coin celebrating the men's hockey gold at Salt Lake City in 2002.

The launch of the coin was commemorated today at a special event for local hockey youth with special guests including NHL hockey star and member of the 2002 men's Olympic hockey team Mike Peca, Ottawa 67's head coach Chris Byrne, and members of the Ottawa 67's hockey team.

"Many Canadians from coast to coast remember where they were on February 24, 2002 when the final seconds of the game counted down to the exhilaration of Canada's first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey in 50 years," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "We can each relive the thrill of that magical day by saving this special 25-cent coin while looking forward to new memories which will be made at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

The coins are available exclusively at RBC branches and participating Petro-Canada locations. RBC is a Premier National Partner and Petro-Canada is a National Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Canadians can also look for these special coins in their change. Individual coins may also be available from select coin dealers, like Brian Grant Duff of All Nations Stamp and Coin. Participating Petro-Canada locations will also sell sport cards, containing a uniquely painted version of the coin for $7.95.

The men's hockey gold medal at Salt Lake City in 2002 was voted by fans as the No. 1 Canadian Olympic Winter Games Moment of all time - out of 10 moments - in an online contest hosted earlier this year by the Mint and Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium. The top three moments will be featured on 25-cent coins.

Coming in at No. 2 was the Canadian women's hockey gold medal at Salt Lake City 2002, followed by Cindy Klassen at No. 3 and her five long track speed skating medals at Turin 2006. The coins marking these two moments will be launched into circulation on November 17, 2009 and January 5, 2010 respectively.

The three million coloured 25-cent coins, which were produced using state-of-the-art patented technology at the Mint's Winnipeg facility, feature the maple leaf in brilliant red colour.

The Mint has also produced a special uncirculated set featuring all three coloured moments coins, available from the Royal Canadian Mint.

In addition to the next two Olympic moments coins, Canadians can look forward to the release

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