TORONTO, Oct. 1 /CNW/ - Scotiabank - Canada's Official Bank of the
National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players'
Association (NHLPA) - today launched the ScotiaHockey(TM) Visa(*) card and
ScotiaHockey Rewards(TM) program in support of Canadians' enduring passion for
their national sport.
    "Now hockey families and hockey fans have a great new way to show their
love of the game and reward themselves on their purchases," said Chris
Hodgson, Executive Vice-President and Head of Domestic Personal Banking. "The
ScotiaHockey Visa card and ScotiaHockey Rewards program form a consumer
package that recognizes our customers' passion for hockey and lets them
actually show it off every time they use the card."
    With excitement building toward the start of the 2008-2009 National
Hockey League regular season, the ScotiaHockey Visa card and ScotiaHockey
Rewards program are designed to meet the unique needs of hockey fans and
hockey families seeking rewards for their Visa purchases.
    ScotiaHockey Visa card customers earn one ScotiaHockey Rewards point for
every dollar in purchases charged to their credit card. New ScotiaHockey Visa
card customers receive 2,000 points with their first purchase within 60 days
of opening their account and are automatically entered into a draw to win one
of three sets of two tickets to a Stanley Cup Final Game, including travel and
accommodations. Cardholders can redeem points for NHL merchandise at
www.shop.nhl.com, exclusive hockey experiences with NHL players, or for travel
to see their favourite team play in person.
    The new ScotiaHockey Visa card features two card designs to choose from
and exclusive access to the ScotiaHockey Rewards program.
    "ScotiaHockey Visa card customers can earn thousands of ScotiaHockey
rewards points each year simply by using their cards for everyday purchases
like groceries, gas, meals out and event tickets," said Mr. Hodgson. "It's a
great way to earn NHL hockey experience rewards and gift certificates for
shop.nhl.com, and take part in ongoing contests for chances to win game
tickets and more."
    Scotiabank was named Canada's Official Bank of the NHL and the NHLPA in
2007. The unique, historic partnership provides the Bank with opportunities to
bring more hockey to more Canadians.
    Also in 2007, Scotiabank teamed up with the Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation (CBC) and Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC) to sponsor a new pre-game
show, Scotiabank Hockey Tonight. Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Kids is a key
element of the pre-game show, providing minor hockey teams across Canada with
an opportunity to introduce HNIC. Scotiabank Power Stats provide HNIC viewers
with game statistics and updates during the third period of every game.

    Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and
Canada's most international bank. With more than 60,000 employees, Scotiabank
Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12.5 million customers in some 50
countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and
services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking.
With $462 billion in assets (as at July 31, 2008), Scotiabank trades on the
Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit
www.scotiabank.com.

    TM Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia
    (*) Visa Int./Lic. user The Bank of Nova Scotia


    Scotiabank Hockey Backgrounder

    Scotiabank's Community Involvement-   Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we
        live, work and play, in Canada and abroad.
    -   Scotiabank is recognized as a leader internationally and among
        Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic
        activities.
    -   In 2007 the Bank provided more than $43 million in sponsorships and
        donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the
        areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture.

    Scotiabank's Hockey History

    -   Scotiabank has a long history of supporting minor hockey in Canadian
        communities through team sponsorships and Scotiabank employee
        volunteerism.
    -   The Scotiabank Hockey College program created a hockey club for
        Canadian youth in 1971, while introducing them to banking and savings
        practices. Participation included a monthly publication - Hockey
        College News - featuring hockey heroes and banking tips. Kids could
        also win National Hockey League (NHL) game tickets and trips to
        Disney World. Nearly 225,000 youth registered for the College.
    -   Scotiabank participated in The Bankers Hockey League, providing high
        caliber hockey in Canada before the formation of the NHL. The Bank of
        Nova Scotia hockey team was photographed as early as 1908.

    Scotiabank Partnerships with the NHL and the NHLPA

    -   Scotiabank entered into partnership with the Calgary Flames and
        the Ottawa Senators in 2006. In each of the team cities Scotiabank
        offers savings clubs for youth that feature hockey-themed products
        and prizes.
    -   The Ottawa Senators' home arena was renamed Scotiabank Place in 2006.
        The sponsorship reinforces Scotiabank's commitment to hockey and
        Canadian communities, providing Ottawa with a venue for professional
        hockey and a variety of entertainment options. Scotiabank has had a
        presence in the Ottawa-Gatineau region for more than a century.
    -   Scotiabank was named Canada's Official Bank of the National Hockey
        League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players' Association
        (NHLPA) in 2007. The historic partnership creates opportunity for
        Scotiabank to bring more hockey to more Canadian customers and
        communities.

    Scotiabank and CBC's Hockey Night in Canada

    -   Scotiabank formed a partnership with the Canadian Broadcasting
        Corporation's Hockey Night In Canada (HNIC) in 2007, featuring a new
        pre-game show called Scotiabank Hockey Tonight. The new show kicks
        off the CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts.
    -   A key element of the pre-game show, a new Scotiabank Hockey Tonight
        Kids television segment gives minor hockey teams across Canada an
        opportunity to introduce the HNIC broadcast. Teams can sign up online
        at cbcsports.ca/hockey.
    -   Also, a new Scotiabank Power Stats segment provides viewers with
        statistics and game updates during third period coverage.
    -   Former HNIC Montreal host Brian McFarlane was editor of Scotiabank's
        Hockey College News from 1971 to 1982.