As Canadians head south to enjoy the Caribbean sea, sand and sun, the
    team from the beach is heading north to Plaster Rock, NBTORONTO, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced its sponsorship of
the Cayman "Breakaway" pond hockey team to help the team with some of the
costs of participation in the 2009 World Pond Hockey Championships in Plaster
Rock, New Brunswick, February 19-22, 2009. Scotiabank is presenting sponsor of
the event, and sponsors some of the participating teams.
    "Canadians have a tremendous passion for the game of hockey. As a
Canadian living in the Caribbean, we are proud to share that spirit in to the
Cayman Islands," said Bill Messer of the Cayman Breakaway. "It's a great team
and a perfect opportunity to show the world that although we don't have frozen
ponds in the Cayman Islands, we can still play a great game of hockey. This is
our fifth year in the tournament and we get better every year."
    "It's wonderful to see players who have such a strong dedication to the
game that they would travel thousands of miles in the heart of winter in order
to play," said John Doig, Scotiabank Senior Vice President, Canadian
Marketing. "Scotiabank has had a presence in the Cayman Islands since 1968 and
with our strong commitment to promoting hockey, we're glad to help give this
team an opportunity to play in Canada."
    The World Pond Hockey Championship was first held in Plaster Rock, New
Brunswick in 2002. It was the first event of its kind to be held anywhere.
From humble beginnings during that first ever event in 2002 that saw 40 teams
compete, most of which were from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward
Island and Maine, the event has grown to feature 120 teams from around the
world. Aside from the hundreds of hockey enthusiasts that travel to Plaster
Rock each February to compete, the event attracts thousands of spectators and
media from around the globe as well. The 2009 event is scheduled for February
19-22, 2009. The Cayman Breakaway made their first appearance at the event in
2005.

    About Scotiabank

    Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting hockey in Canada from local
teams and minor hockey associations to professional players and leagues.
Through its partnerships, Scotiabank's hockey programs enrich the communities
where Canadians live and work by engaging fans and players in new ways to
celebrate our game. Scotiabank supports the passion and pride Canadians feel
for the game and believes it is fundamental to helping young people learn
about teamwork camaraderie and the spirit of competition. Scotiabank is the
Official Bank of the NHL, NHLPA, NHL Alumni and CWHL, and has partnerships
with the Calgary Flames and the Ottawa Senators whose home arena is Scotiabank
Place. For more information, on Scotiabank's hockey programs visit
www.scotiahockey.com
    Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live
and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally
and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic
activities, in 2008 the Bank provided about $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. Visit us at
www.scotiabank.com.