Scotiabank kick starts fundraising with $10,000 donation to Gordie &
    Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's

    Business leaders Greg Christenson and David Cynamon to serve as Co-Chairs

EDMONTON, Oct. 28 /CNW/ - Male and female adult amateur hockey players will have the opportunity to play with and against a host of high-profile NHL alumni from Edmonton, Calgary and other NHL teams, while raising critical funds for Alzheimer's research in the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's making its debut in Edmonton April 9, 10 and 11, 2010.

NHL greats confirmed for the tournament include Paul Coffey, Lanny McDonald, Mark Napier, Wendel Clark and Gary Leeman, with more being confirmed day by day.

The Scotiabank Pro-Am offers the ultimate three-day hockey experience for men and women, aged 30 and up. The tournament will kick off on Friday, April 9, 2010 with an unforgettable Draft Party, where each participating team of 11 to 17 players plus one coach will draft an NHL alumnus to play on their team. Teams must raise a minimum of $25,000 and draft position will be determined by the total dollars raised by each team. Registration is now open at www.scotiabankproam.com. Space is limited, so teams are encouraged to register early and start fund raising.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Gordie & Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's, which will provide valuable funding for research in Alzheimer's and related disorders conducted by scientists at Baycrest, a world-renowned academic health sciences centre, and in Alberta, including research at the University of Alberta. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit NHL Alumni Association(TM) community programs. The Howe Fund was launched earlier this year and is named in tribute to Gordie Howe and in loving memory of his wife Colleen who passed away from Pick's disease, a form of dementia, in March 2009.

"Colleen Howe was such a champion for the game of hockey, it is only fitting her legacy lives on through the Gordie & Colleen Howe fund for Alzheimer's," said Lyn Krutzfeldt, President, Alzheimer Society - Alberta and Northwest Territories "The funds raised through the Scotiabank Pro-Am will do much to support the work of the Society in funding important research for those affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, their caregivers, families and friends."

The Edmonton Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's is an extension of the highly-successful Scotiabank Pro-Am Hockey Tournament - formerly known as the Baycrest International Pro-Am Hockey Tournament presented by Scotiabank - which has raised more than $7 million in its four-year history.

"We are thrilled to see this exciting event expand to Alberta and we're very proud that it will now be known as the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's, reflecting our increased support," said George Marlatte, Scotiabank's Senior Vice-President, Prairie Region. "As Canada's Hockey Bank, we are delighted to be involved in an event that gives hockey lovers an amazing opportunity to play the game with some of hockey's biggest stars while raising funds for a cause that impacts so many people and their families."

Scotiabank, which will field a team at the tournament, jump started fund raising by presenting a cheque for $10,000 to Mr. Howe and Ms. Krutzfeldt.

Native Edmontonians Greg Christenson, co-owner of the Christenson Group of Companies, an award-winning, Edmonton-based builder of multi-family homes, and David Cynamon, Executive Chairman, K2 Pure Solutions and co-owner of the CFL's Toronto Argonauts, have graciously volunteered their time to serve as Tournament Co-Chairs.

"As someone who watched my father decline due to the ravages of Alzheimer's disease, my family and I know all too well the toll that it takes on the person suffering from the disease and their loved ones," said Mr. Christenson. "Hockey is a great way to put a spotlight on this horrible disease and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to be involved with an event that will raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's disease in such a fun and dynamic way."

"I am very excited to be a part of this incredibly innovative fundraiser," added Mr. Cynamon. "Putting hockey and Alzheimer's together was a brilliant idea, since Canadians love hockey and so many of us have been touched by this terrible disease."

Individuals or businesses can get in on the action and help 'Stick it to Alzheimer's' by sponsoring their favourite former NHLer, Scotiabank Pro-Am player or team at www.scotiabankproam.com. Sponsors who make contributions of $100 or more are entitled to complimentary entrance passes to watch the action on April 10 and 11, 2010.

The Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's is also pleased to announce that 630 CHED and Cineplex Entertainment have committed their support as sponsors of the event.

About the Gordie & Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's

Gordie and Colleen Howe's contribution to hockey is legendary, earning them the title Mr. and Mrs. Hockey(TM). When Colleen lost her battle with dementia in March of 2009, Gordie lost a wife, his children lost a mother and the world of hockey lost a champion. It was a battle that inspired the Howe family to improve the lives of others affected by the ravages of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. In pursuit of this mission, they have attached their name to the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's, originally established by Baycrest, an international leader in aging and brain health. The Gordie & Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's now represents an important partnership between Baycrest, the Alzheimer Society, and the NHL Alumni Association(TM) in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

About Scotiabank

As the Official Bank of the NHL(R), NHLPA(R), NHL Alumni(TM) and the CWHL, Scotiabank is very proud to be Canada's Hockey Bank. 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 hockey and believes that this great game helps young people learn about teamwork, camaraderie and the spirit of competition. Scotiabank also has partnerships with the Calgary Flames(R) and the Ottawa Senators(R) whose home arena is Scotiabank Place. For more information on Scotiabank's hockey programs, visit www.scotiahockeyclub.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.