Canadian dates set on new cross-country 'Celebration of Hockey' tour

TORONTO, Nov. 2 /CNW/ - The Stanley Cup(R), Canada's oldest and most famous sports trophy kicked off its nation-wide tour this weekend in Manitoba as part of Scotiabank's Celebration of Hockey Tour. The Cup was greeted by hockey fans and families who were eager to have their photos taken with this iconic piece of hockey history. This year the Stanley Cup(R) will be accompanied by historical hockey artifacts from the Hockey Hall of Fame that will showcase the evolution of the game.

"The Celebration of Hockey Tour is one of many Scotiabank Hockey Club programs that gives Canadians in smaller communities a chance to get up close to hockey's beloved Stanley Cup, which for many will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said John Doig, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Marketing. "As Canada's Hockey Bank, Scotiabank is proud to create new and meaningful ways for Canadian hockey families to enjoy the game they love."

Scotiabank Hockey Club launched on October 1st with the kick-off of the 2009-2010 NHL hockey season. Any child who enrolls in the Scotiabank Getting There Savings Program will receive a Scotiabank Hockey Club Savings Tin and be offered membership in the Scotiabank Hockey Club featuring free magazines and web access filled with hockey tips and chances to win amazing hockey-related prizes, like trips to a Stanley Cup Playoffs game, Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic(R) or NHL Awards(TM) in Las Vegas

Through Scotiabank's Celebration of Hockey Tour, the Stanley Cup(R) will make an appearance at the following Canadian locations in the 2009-2010 Season:

Steinbach, MB - Oct. 31, 2009          Pembroke, ON - Dec. 30, 2009
    Portage la Prairie, MB - Nov. 1, 2009  Lloydminster, AB - Jan. 9, 2010
    Grande Prairie, AB - Nov. 21, 2009     Beauport, QC- Jan 23, 2010
    Peace River, AB - Nov. 22, 2009        Fort McMurray, AB - Mar. 21, 2010
    Haileybury, ON - Dec. 12, 2009         Yellowknife, NT - Mar. 22, 2010
    South Porcupine, ON - Dec. 13, 2009    Whitehorse, YT - Mar. 23, 2010
    Melfort, SK - Dec. 29, 2009

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.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 2009 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.scotiahockeyclub.com

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