Scotiabank Announces Support of League and Upcoming Tournament in
    Sarnia, ONTORONTO, March 12 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced sponsorship of the
Little Native Hockey League and the upcoming tournament at Aamjiwnaan First
Nation in Sarnia, ON, March 16 - 19, 1009.WHAT(*):  Little Native Hockey League 2009 Tournament,
              Opening Ceremonies

    WHERE:    Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Complex (SSEC), 1455 London
              Road

    WHEN:     7:00 p.m. start.

    WHO:      100+ teams from Aboriginal communities across Ontario
              NHL Alumni Mark Napier and Johnny Bower"Hockey plays a key role in communities from coast to coast and
Scotiabank is proud to support this annual landmark event promoting and
showcasing the hockey talents of Aboriginal youth," said Michelle Baptiste,
Scotiabank National Manager, Aboriginal Relations. "Scotiabank is committed to
supporting the communities it serves and has greatly expanded its grassroots
hockey program to support minor hockey teams and events like the Little Native
Hockey League tournament. The partnership announced today also complements the
Bank's ongoing support of programs and services in Aboriginal communities
across Canada."
    In its 38th year, the annual tournament of the Little Native Hockey
League brings together more than 2000 boys and girls representing more than
100 teams from Aboriginal communities across Ontario. Opening ceremonies will
feature a greeting from the NHL's Sheldon Souray and appearances by special
guests, including NHL Alumni Mark Napier and Johnny Bower. Tournament
activities take place at the Sarnia Arena, Clearwater Arena and Germain Arena.
    "With professional hockey league role models, encouragement in our
communities, and support like the Scotiabank sponsorship announced today, we
continue to encourage Aboriginal youth to pursue their goals," said Vince
George, Little Native Hockey League Hockey Committee. "Through hockey, we
promote the positive values of teamwork and discipline, while encouraging a
healthy and active lifestyle. We look forward to welcoming hockey enthusiasts
to Sarnia where there will be great hockey played and great memories made."
    (*)For more details, please visit
http://www.littlenativehockeyleague.com/home.html.

    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.