EDMONTON and TORONTO, Dec. 9 /CNW/ - As hockey enthusiasts prepare to lace up with former NHL greats in the battle against Alzheimer's, Scotiabank and Baycrest today officially announced that the Bank will become the title sponsor of the 2010 Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's, which expands to two cities this year: Edmonton and Toronto.

"As Canada's Hockey Bank, Scotiabank welcomes the opportunity to increase our involvement in a one-of-a-kind event that allows everyday hockey enthusiasts to team up with former NHL greats in the battle against Alzheimer's and related disorders," said John Doig, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Marketing. "The Scotiabank Pro-Am makes an enormous difference in people's lives, and we are proud to be part of something that impacts so many Canadians in communities we serve."

The Scotiabank Pro-Am offers the ultimate three-day hockey experience for men and women, aged 25 and up (Toronto event), and 30 and up (Edmonton event). The two tournaments will kick off with an unforgettable Draft Night 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 positions will be determined by the total dollars raised by each team.

"The Scotiabank Pro-Am is transforming hockey and fundraising because it means more exposure for the event and more awareness about how crucial it is to find treatments in the battle against Alzheimer's and related disorders," said Mark Gryfe, Baycrest Foundation President. "With the recent move to bring the Scotiabank Pro-Am to Edmonton, the buzz surrounding the event is tremendous. Between the two events in Toronto and Edmonton, more than 1,000 people will be playing and raising funds and awareness for a great cause."

As Canada's largest annual fundraiser for Alzheimer's, having raised more than $7.5 million in its four-year history, the Scotiabank Pro-Am will continue to provide crucial funding for care and research in Alzheimer's and related disorders. Last year, 'Mr. Hockey'(TM) Gordie Howe attached his name to the Scotiabank Pro-Am by establishing the Gordie & Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's. Proceeds from the Toronto and Edmonton events will be directed to the Howe Fund at Baycrest, one of the world's leading cognitive science institutes, and will also support the work of the Alzheimer Society in funding Alzheimer's research in Alberta.

The 2010 two-city Scotiabank Pro-Am is scheduled for Edmonton (April 9, 10, and 11), and Toronto (May 6, 7, and 8). Registration is now open at www.scotiabankproam.com. Space is limited. Teams are encouraged to register early and start fundraising.

About Baycrest:

Baycrest is an academic health sciences centre that is internationally renowned for its care of aging adults and its excellence in aging brain research, clinical treatments, and promising cognitive rehabilitation strategies. Earlier this month, Baycrest and Toronto innovation centre MaRS announced the launch of a new company, Cogniciti, that will develop and market brain fitness products aimed at helping adults extend their memory and cognitive abilities longer in the lifespan. To learn more, visit www.baycrest.org

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.scotiabank.com.