OTTAWA, Feb. 24 /CNW/ - More than 1,600 minor hockey team and leagues across Canada received Scotiabank's support during their 2009-10 season through Scotiabank's Community Hockey Sponsorship Program, which provides financial support and experiential opportunities for boys and girls ages seven to 16. In its second year, the program goes beyond the cheque by giving all sponsored teams the opportunity to win experiences featuring NHL and NHL Alumni players, hockey apparel discounts and the chance to be featured on the most famous hockey show in Canada - Hockey Night in Canada's Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Kids.

"Hockey is more than a sport in Canada, it's imbedded in who we are as Canadians, it's a part of our culture and is rooted strongly at the community level," said Diane Giard, Senior Vice President, Quebec/Eastern Ontario Region. "As Canada's Hockey Bank, it's important for us to support community hockey programs to help offset some of the expense teams incur and to help keep our kids on the ice."

In the Quebec and Eastern Ontario Region, all 125 Scotiabank branches participated in the Scotiabank Community Hockey Sponsorship Program, which provides each branch with $1,000 to sponsor one or more minor boys or girls hockey team in their region. A total of 195 minor hockey teams and five leagues in Quebec and Eastern Ontario received funding. (For a full list of participating teams, see attached backgrounder).

Along with the financial support, each team in the Scotiabank Community Hockey Sponsorship Program receives exclusive Scotiabank Hockey Club Team Kits which include jersey crests, player booklets, mini first aid kits from hockey retailer Pro Hockey Life, the NHL DVD, Just like me -The legends and the chance to win a number of memorable hockey experiences.

Once again this year Scotiabank will be awarding ten teams the chance to skate on their home ice and learn and test their on and off-ice skills with NHL Alumni. Ten teams will also have their end-of-year banquet hosted by Scotiabank with special appearances by NHL stars. Six of the sponsored teams will win the opportunity to introduce Hockey Night in Canada on CBC.

"At Scotiabank, we know that minor hockey plays a key role in instilling the values of teamwork, commitment, and discipline, and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age," said Giard. "Our sponsorship program is an important part of efforts to enrich the hockey experience for kids and their families."

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. Most recently, Scotiabank and Pro Hockey Life teamed up to provide exclusive in-store and online discounts to Scotiabank customers, promote advice on equipment and enhance the grassroots community programs of both companies. 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 $39 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.

For a full list of participating teams from the Quebec and Eastern Ontario Region, please see attached backgrounder.

Scotiabank Community Hockey Sponsorship Program
    Sponsored Teams*

    *NB: The names are as submitted to the program & identified
    leagues/associations represent multiple teams.

    -   More than 1,600 minor hockey team across Canada are set to receive
        Scotiabank's support in their 2009/2010 season through Scotiabank's
        Community Hockey Sponsorship Program, providing financial support and
        experiential opportunities for boys and girls ages seven to 16.

    -   The program, part of the Scotia Hockey Club umbrella, also offers
        contests featuring NHL players, NHL Alumni and discounts on hockey
        apparel from the Bank's partner, PHL.

    -   Teams across Canada who received support are listed below.

    -   For more information about this program, please contact your local
        Scotiabank branch manager.

    Quebec & Eastern Ontario

    Ahuntsic Braves - Montreal, QC
    Akwesasne Bantam B - Cornwall, ON
    Alexandria and District Minor Hockey Association Novice C1 - Alexandria,
     ON
    Alexandria Senior Tykes - Vankleek Hill, ON
    Ambassadeur Bantam BB - Quebec City, QC
    Arnprior Minor Bantam No.1 Team Tropics - Arnprior, ON
    Association de Hockey Mineur de Boisbriand
    Athens Aeros Novice B - Brockville, ON
    Atom A Team A - Nepean, ON
    Atom C Team A Wolverines - Ottawa, ON
    Atom CC Ahuntsic Braves - Montreal, QC
    Atome CC Rapido - Laval, QC
    Bantam A - Kanata, ON
    Bantam A Ahuntsic Bruins - Montreall, QC
    Bantam B3 - Kanata, ON
    Bantam C Team B - Nepean, ON
    Banam CC Collège Français de Longueuil - Longueuil, QC
    Bantam House 1 - Ottawa, ON
    Bantam House 2 - Ottawa, ON
    Barracudas Atom BB - Montreal, QC
    Beachburg Atom Bulls - Beachburg, ON
    Blackburn Stingers Atom B - Ottawa, ON
    Blackburn Stingers Novice B1 - Ottawa, ON
    Blizzard de Repentigny - Anjou, QC
    Blue Wings Bantam B1 - Lanark, ON
    Bulldogs de Brossard Laprairie Bantam BB - Montreal, QC
    Canterbury C1 - Ottawa, ON
    Carleton Place Atom A Kings - Ottawa, ON
    Carleton Place Cyclones Novice - Ottawa, ON
    Carleton Place Cyclones Peewee B - Ottawa, ON
    Castors de Buckingham Bantam A - Buckingham, QC
    Citoyens de Hull - Gatineau, QC
    Clarence Castors Initiation B - Rockland, ON
    Clarence Castors Novice B - Rockland, ON
    Clarence-Rockland Lightning Girls Hockey Peewee - Rockland, ON
    Cobden Minor Hockey Midgets - Cobden, ON
    College Français Atome BB - Longueuil, QC
    College Français Pee Wee AA - Montreal, QC
    College Français Peewee BB - Montreal, QC
    Cornwall Colts Atom B House - Cornwall, ON
    Cornwall Typhoons Pee Wee BB - Cornwall, ON
    Cote Saint Luc Canucks - Mont Royal, QC
    Cote Saint Luc Minor Hockey League - Cote St. Luc, QC
    Cumberland Jr Grads Minor Bantam B - Ottawa, ON
    Cumberland Jr Grads Minor Peewee A - Ottawa, ON
    Cumberland Novice C Thunder - Ottawa, ON
    Cumberland Pee Wee B2 - Ontario, ON
    Cumberland Pee Wee B3 Preditors - Ottawa, ON
    Deep River & Area Bantam 1 Knights - Deep River, ON
    Deux Rives Dauphins Bantam AA - Pierrefonds, QC
    Duvernay Rafales - Laval, QC
    Eperviers de Mascouche Bantam - Montreal, QC
    Eperviers de Mascouche Midget - Montrael, QC
    Express Midget BB - Laval, QC
    Falcons - Ottawa, ON
    Fédération de L'est - St. Leonard, QC
    GCGH Bantam 1 - Ottawa, ON
    Gladiators - Orleans, ON
    Gloucester Blackhawk Major Pee Wee - Gloucester, ON
    Gloucester Cougars Bantam A - Gloucester, ON
    Gloucester Cumberland Girls Hockey Peewee C Stars - Orleans, ON
    Gloucester Rangers Major Bantam AA - Gloucester, ON
    Gloucester Rangers Major Peewee AA - Ottawa, ON
    Gloucester Rangers Minor Atom White - Ottawa, ON
    Gloucester Rangers Minor Pee Wee A - Ottawa, ON
    Hawkesbury Hawks Novice B - Hawkesbury, ON
    Hot Shots PH4 - Nepean, ON
    Huskies - Vimont, QC
    Icebergs D'Aylmer Bantam A - Gatineau, QC
    Iced Caps AH5 - Nepean, ON
    Kanata Blazers - Kanata, ON
    Kanata Grizzlies Major Pee Wee A - Kanata, ON
    Kanata PeeWee BB - Kanata, ON
    Kanata Rangers Midget B - Nepean, ON
    Kanata Rangers Pee Wee C - Kanata, ON
    Kemptville Minor Midget Rep B - Kemptville, ON
    Kids Christian Hockey Club
    Killer B's - Ottawa, ON
    Kinsmen Reds - Ottawa, ON
    KMHA Novice B5 - Ottawa, ON
    KMHA Novice Team B4 - Kanata, ON
    Lakeshore Bantam AA Panthers - Kirkland, QC
    Lakeshore Bantam B Tigers - Montreal, QC
    Lakeshore PW CC Tigers - Kirkland, QC
    L'atome BB - Duvernay, QC
    Laval Nord - Montreal, QC
    Leitrim Hawks - Ottawa, ON
    Leitrim Hawks Atom B2 - Ottawa, ON
    Les Aigles de Gatineau Pee Wee CC - Hull, QC
    Les Avalanches - Anjou, QC
    Les Bastions de Blainville Les Novice C6 - Laval, QC
    Les Bruins de Repentigny - Anjou, QC
    Les Bulldogs de Brossard Laprairie Bantam CC - Montreal, QC
    Les Bulldogs de Brossard Laprairie Bantam CC - Montreal, QC
    Les Cariboux de Charlesbourg Novice A - Boucherville, QC
    Les Cobra de Laplaine - Mascouche, QC
    Les Comets de Verdun - Verdun, QC
    Les Coyottes des Collines - Gatineau, QC
    Les Ducs Pee-Wee CC - Laval, QC
    Les Eclairs de Monteuil Midget BB - Laval, QC
    Les Elans de BCCC - Beauport, QC
    Les Faucons de Bantam CC - Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC
    Les Faucons des Trois Lacs Pee Wee CC - Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC
    Les Faucons du CGS - Candiac, QC
    Les Gouverneurs de Terrebonne - Mascouche, QC
    Les Harfangs - Lebourgneuf, QC
    Les Olympiques - Ottawa, ON
    Les Rebelles de Laval Peewee A - Laval, QC
    Les Seigneurs de Beaubourg Peewee AA - Quebec City, QC
    Les Seigneurs de Lachenaie - Anjou, QC
    Les Vautours de Beauport Atome B - Beauport, QC
    L'Extrême d'Aylmer Atome A - Aylmer, QC
    Loups des Collines de l'Outaouais - Ottawa, ON
    Madawaska Mustangs - Arnprior, ON
    MAHG2 Tim Bits - St. Laurent, QC
    Maroons de Lachine Atome B - Lachine, QC
    Metcalfe Jets Novice B1 - Ottawa, ON
    Metcalfe Major Atom River Rats - Ottawa, ON
    Midget B Jaguars - Montreal, QC
    Midget House League - Ottawa, ON
    Mistral - Montreal, QC
    NDG Novice Cougars - Montreal, QC
    Nepean Atom A - Nepean, ON
    Nepean Mini Raiders - Ottawa, ON
    Nepean Minor Hockey Novice A Team D - Ottawa, ON
    Nepean Raiders Major PeeWee - Ottawa, ON
    Nepean Raiders Minor PeeWee B White - Ottawa, ON
    NDG Minor Hockey Association - Montreal, QC
    NGS Bantam B House - Avonmore, ON
    NGS Bantam Rep B - Avonmore, ON
    NGS Midget House B Braves - Maxville, ON
    NGS Minor Hockey Peewee B House Contact - Avonmore, ON
    NGS Minor Hockey Peewee B House Non-contact - Avonmore, ON
    North Dundas Demons Atom B House - Chesterville, ON
    North Glengarry Stormont Minor Atom C House - Maxville, ON
    Novice A Team - Ottawa, ON
    Olympique de L'Outaouais -Gatineau, QC
    Orleans Knights Peewee C - Ottawa, ON
    Osgoode Rideau Atom B2 - Osgoode, ON
    Osgoode Rideau Novice A - Osgoode, ON
    Osgoode Rideau Novice B3 - Osgoode, ON
    Ottawa Jr. 67's AAA Major Midget - Ottawa, ON
    Ottawa Sting B - Ottawa, ON
    Ottawa Sting Major Atom A - Ottawa, ON
    Ottawa Sting Major Atom AA - Ottawa, ON
    Ottawa Sting Midget AA - Ottawa, ON
    Ottawa Valley Silver Seven Major Bantam AA - Ottawa, ON
    Ottawa Valley Titans - Ottawa, ON
    Ottawa West Golden Knights Major Bantam - Ottawa, ON
    Pee Wee C2 - Ottawa, ON
    Pee Wee C Warriors Team G - Ottawa, ON
    Peewee A Rockets - Montreal, QC
    Peewee CC Rapido - Mont Royal, QC
    Peewee Cumberland B2 - Orleans, ON
    Pembroke Atom Kings - Pembroke, ON
    Perth Lanark Peewee B2 - Perth, ON
    Petawawa Novice Penguins - Petawawa, ON
    Preditors - Montreal, QC
    Rapido - Laval, QC
    Richmond Royals Atom B Black - Richmond, ON
    Richmond Royals Peewee B - Richmond, ON
    Rideau St. Lawrence Thunder PeeWee A - Kemptville, ON
    Rockland Nats Atom PGL - Rockland, ON
    Russell Minor Hockey Hockey Association Novice B - Russell, ON
    Russell Minor Hockey Association PeeWee B Warriors - Russell, ON
    Russell Minor Hockey Association Warriors Atom B - Russell, ON
    Sharks Masson-Anger - Hull, QC
    Sieurs 3 Peewee B - Brossard, QC
    Smiths Falls Minor Hockey Bantam B2 Bears - Smiths Falls, ON
    South Dundas Bantam C Rep - Morrisburg, ON
    South Stormont Selects Bantam C2 House - Cornwall, ON
    Southend Seals Novice A - Ottawa, ON
    Southern Storm - Nepean, ON
    St. Leonard Predators - Montreal, QC
    St. Isidore Eagles Bantam PGL - St. Isidore, ON
    Stittsville Atom B1 - Ottawa, ON
    Stittsville Bantam House Rams - Ottawa, ON
    Stittsville Knights Novice A3 - Ottawa, ON
    Stittsville Rampage - Richmond, ON
    Stittsville Rams Black - Hull, QC
    Stittsville Rams Major Bantam B - Ottawa, ON
    Tempetes de Monteuil Atome A - Laval, QC
    The Dominators - Ottawa, ON
    Tigres Delta Peewee A - Laval, QC
    Tigres du Lac St. Louis - Lac St. Louis, QC
    Vankleek Hill Cougars Bantam Nation - Vankleek Hill, ON
    Vankleek Hill Cougars Midget Nation - Vankleek Hill, ON
    Viking Novice C2 - Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC
    West Carleton Minor Hockey Association Novice C - Carp, ON
    West Carleton Warriors Novice A - Carp, ON
    West End Hockey League Pee Wee B Ice Devils - Ottawa, ON
    West End Ice Hawks - Ottawa, ON
    Wildcats Novice B - Ottawa, ON