HALIFAX, 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 Peter Bessey, Senior Vice-President, Atlantic 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 Atlantic region 148 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 183 minor hockey teams and 20 leagues in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland/Labrador and Prince Edward Island 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 Bessey. "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 Atlantic region, please see attached backgrounder.

Scotiabank Community Hockey Sponsorship Program
    Sponsored Teams*

    *NB: The names are as submitted to the program, & identified leagues or
    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, Pro Hockey Life.

    -   Teams across Canada who received support are listed below.

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

    ATLANTIC REGION

    New Brunswick

    Atom Comp C No. 1 - Florenceville, NB
    Atom Comp C No. 2 - Florenceville, NB
    Atom Competitive - Florenceville, NB
    Atom King Fisher's - St. George, NB
    Atom/PeeWee Dunsters - Sussex, NB
    Bantam C Lancaster Jets - Lancaster, NB
    Bantam Comp C No. 1 - Florenceville, NB
    Bathurst Maroons - Bathurst, NB
    Bathurst Pee Wee Lightening - Bathurst, NB
    Boiestown-Doaktown Minor Hockey Association - Doaktown, NB
    Butland Seafood Midget Hockey Team - Hillsborough, NB
    Campbellton Atom AA Tigers - Campbellton, NB
    Cora's Moncton PeeWee AAA Hawks - Dieppe, NB
    Fredericton Youth Hockey Association - Fredericton, NB
    Grand Falls Junior Cats - Grand Falls, NB
    Grand Lake Wild Bantam Competitive - Chipman, NB
    Hampton Bantam Huskies - Hampton, NB
    Kennebecasis Valley Bantam C Capitals - Rothesay, NB
    Keswick Valley Minor Hockey - Fredericton, NB
    Lancaster Atom C - Grand Bay, NB
    Les Etoiles - Shippagan, NB
    Lewisville Bantam Senators - Moncton, NB
    Lewisville Hurricanes - Moncton, NB
    Miramichi Atom AA Rivermen - Miramichi, NB
    Miramichi Midget AA Rivermen - Miramichi, NB
    Moncton Pee Wee A Hawks - Moncton, NB
    Novice -3 - Florenceville, NB
    Novice 1 - Shippagan, NB
    Novice 1 and 2 - Edmundston, NB
    Pee Wee Comp No. 2 - Bath, NB
    Pee Wee Comp C No. 1 - Bath, NB
    Pee Wee Competitive - Florenceville, NB
    Pee Wee Girls - Fillies - Florenceville, NB
    Peewee Recreatifs Tracadie-Sheila - Tracadie-Sheila, NB
    Petitcodiac/Salisbury PeeWee A Flyers - Petitcodiac, NB
    Renous Atom C - Miramichi, NB
    Riverview Atom A Blues - Moncton, NB
    Riverview PeeWee A Blues - Moncton, NB
    Riverview Peewee Bruins - Riverview, NB
    Riverview PeeWee Warriors - Moncton, NB
    Sackville Midget A Rangers - Sackville, NB
    Sackville Midget Rangers - Sackville, NB
    Saint John Atom Flames - Saint John, NB
    Saint John Youth Minor Hockey Association - Saint John, NB
    St. Andrews Minor Hockey Association - St. Stephen, NB
    Tri Country River Cats - Oromocto, NB
    Woodstock Atom DQ Comp AA - Woodstock, NB
    Woodstock Atom DQ Comp - Woodstock, NB
    Woodstock Atom Walmart Comp C - Woodstock, NB
    York West Minor Hockey Association - McAdam, NB

    Nova Scotia

    Acadia Minor Hockey Pee Wee B - New Minas, NS
    Acadia Minor Hockey Atom AAA Team - New Minas, NS
    Acadia PeeWee AAA Junior Axeman - Kentville, NS
    Advance Novice Team - Yarmouth, NS
    Antigonish Bantam Girls - Antigonish, NS
    Antigonish Midget Girls - Antigonish, NS
    Atom Blue Devils - North Sydney, NS
    Atom Team 2 - Windsor, NS
    Bantam AA Bordertown Ramblers - Amherst, NS
    Bantam House 1 - Windsor, NS
    Berwick Bruins PeeWee B - Kentville, NS
    Bridgetown Minor Hockey Association - Bridgetown, NS
    Bridgewater Minor Hockey Association - Bridgewater, NS
    Cape Breton County Minor Hockey Novice III Team I - Ingonish Beach, NS
    Cape Breton County Minor Hockey Novice III Team III - Ingonish Beach, NS
    CHBA Canucks - Dartmouth, NS
    CHBA Midget A Redwings - Dartmouth, NS
    CHBA Peewee AA - Dartmouth, NS
    Chebucto Atlantics Atom A - Halifax, NS
    Chebucto Atlantics PeeWee A - Halifax, NS
    Chebucto Atom BB - Halifax, NS
    Chebucto Bantam Storm - Halifax, NS
    Chester Ravens Atom A - Chester, NS
    Chester Ravens Atom B - Chester, NS
    Chester Ravens PeeWee B - Hubbards, NS
    Clare Acadians Bantam B - Digby, NS
    Colchester Bantam Cyclones Girls Hockey Team - Truro, NS
    Cole Harbour Bantam Female Tier 1 - Burnside, NS
    Cole Harbour Bantam Rangers - Cole Harbour, NS
    Cumberland Barracudas - Amherst, NS
    Dartmouth Explosion - Dartmouth, NS
    Dartmouth Explosion - Dartmouth, NS
    Dartmouth Whalers Atom A - Cole Harbour, NS
    Dartmouth Whalers Atom B rep team - Bedford, NS
    Dartmouth Whalers Pee Wee BB - Cole Harbour, NS
    Dartmouth Whalers Peewee A - Dartmouth, NS
    Digby Area Minor Hockey Bantam - Digby, NS
    East Hants Penguins Novice Advanced - East Hants, NS
    Eastern Shore Mariners Peewee AA - Sheet Harbour, NS
    Fort Equipment - Oxford, NS
    Girls Play 2 - Sydney Mines, NS
    Glace Bay Miners Bantam AAA - Glace Bay, NS
    Halifax Hawks AA Bantam - Halifax, NS
    Halifax Hawks Atom AA Red Female - Halifax, NS
    Halifax Hawks Atom Female - Halifax, NS
    Halifax Hawks Bantam A Boys Team - Halifax, NS
    Halifax Hawks Bantam AAA - Halifax, NS
    Halifax Hawks Novice Advanced - Halifax, NS
    Halifax Hawks Pee Wee AAA - Halifax, NS
    Halifax Hawks Peewee B Red - Halifax, NS
    Liverpool Cougars - Liverpool, NS
    Metro Boston Pizza Midget AAA Hockey Team - Fall River, NS
    Middleton Mustang Novice - Middleton, NS
    Middleton Mustang Bantam - Middleton, NS
    New Waterford Sharks Atom A - Glace Bay, NS
    Pictou County Bantam Female Subway Selects - Pictou, NS
    Pictou County Minor Hockey Association Stellarton Division -
    Stellarton, NS
    Pictou Maripacs Novice - Pictou, NS
    Port Hawkesbury Novice 7-8 Progarm - Port Hawkesbury, NS
    Sackville Flyers Pee Wee AAA - Sackville, NS
    Shelburne Bantam B - Shelburne, NS
    South Shore Bantam AAA Ice Sharks - Hubbards, NS
    Sydney Steelers Pee Wee B - Sydney, NS
    Tantallon and Surrounding Area Ducks - Bedford, NS
    TASA Atom Female - Halifax, NS
    TASA Bantam A Girls Team - Halifax, NS
    Tatamagouche and Area Minor Hockey League - Tatamagouche, NS
    Tatamagouch and Area Minor Hockey Association - Pugwash, NS
    Thorburn Novice Intermediate - New Glasgow, NS
    Trenton Steelers - Trenton, NS
    Truro Pee Wee Bearcats - Truro, NS
    West Hants Atom Girls - Hantsport, NS
    West Hants Bantam AA - Windsor, NS
    West Hants PeeWee Girls - Hantsport, NS
    Western Valley Midget Vixens - Annapolis Royal, NS
    Western Valley Minor Hockey Female Bantam A - Annapolis Royal, NS
    Westville Miners - Westville, NS
    Yarmouth PeeWee AAA Mariners - Yarmouth, NS

    Prince Edward Island

    Bedeque and Area Minor Hockey Association - Albany, PEI
    Bedeque and Area Minor Hockey Association - Crapaud, PEI
    Charlottetown Abbies Bantam AA - Morell, PEI
    Charlottetown Atom AAA Abbies - Charlottetown, PEI
    Gulfstorm Midget AA - Kensington, PEI
    Kensignton Novice AA IceCats - Kensington, PEI
    Montague Atom Female - Montague, PEI
    North River Flames Bantam Girls - Charlottetown, PEI
    Northumberland Bantam A Boys - Montague, PEI
    O'Leary Atom A - O'Leary, PEI
    Pownal Bantam A Team No. 1 - Sherwood, PEI
    Sherwood Atom A No. 3 - Sherwood, PEI
    Southside Lynx Atom A - Albany, PEI
    Tyne Valley Bantam A Boys - O'Leary, PEI
    Western Maroon Bantam AAA Minor Hockey - Summerside, PEI

    Newfoundland & Labrador

    Atom House Mount Pearl Minor Hockey Association Scotiabank -
    Mount Pearl, NL
    Avalon All-Stars Bantam B - St. John's, NL
    Avalon Minor Hockey Association - St. John's, NL
    Baie Verte Sabres Atoms - Baie Verte, NL
    Bay Arena Roverines - Bay Roberts, NL
    Beothic Minor Hockey Association - Wesleyville, NL
    Bonavista Cabots - Bonavista, NL
    Burgeo Minor Hockey Association - Burgeo, NL
    Cee Bees Atom - Carbonear, NL
    Central AAA Bantam IcePak - Baie Verte, NL
    Conception bay South Renegades Peewee - Long Pond, NL
    Deer Lake Minor Hockey League - Deer Lake, NL
    Female Under 19 Female Cataracts - Windsor, NL
    Fogo Island Hawks - Fogo, NL
    Gander Bantam A All-Stars - Gander, NL
    Glovertown and Area Minor Hockey Association - Glovertown, NL
    Goulds Midget House Team - Goulds, NL
    La Scie Jets - Baie Verte, NL
    Labrador West Lakers Atom A - Labrador City, NL
    Lake Melville Xtreme Minor Hockey Association - Goose Bay, NL
    Lewisporte Seahawks Bantam Division - Lewisporte, NL
    Marystown Mariners Atom A - Burin, NL
    Marystown Mariners Atom B - Burin, NL
    Marystown Mariners Atom C - Marystown, NL
    Marystown Mariners Junior Girls - Marystown, NL
    Marystown Mariners Novice A - Burin, NL
    Marystown Mariners Novice B - Marystown, NL
    North East Eagles Canadians - St. John's, NL
    Northeast Eagles - St. John's, NL
    Northeast Minor Hockey Association Pee Wee B Eagles - St. John's, NL
    Novice 2 - St. Anthony, NL
    Port Aux Basques Atom Blaze - Channel-Port Aux Basques, NL
    Scotiabank Atoms - Corner Brook, NL
    Southern Shore Midget Breakers - Goulds, NL
    Springdale Midget Braves - Springdale, NL
    St. John's Caps - St. John's, NL
    Stephenville Minor Hockey Midget B Rep Team - Stephenville, NL
    Straits Midget Rifters - Flowers Cove, NL
    Trinity Placentia Pee Wee Team - Whitbourne, NL
    Twillingate New-World Island Combines Atoms - Twillingate, NL
    Under 12 Female Caribous - Clarenville, NL
    United Towns Minor Hockey Association - Grand Bank, NL