MONTREAL, Sept. 15 /CNW/ - Scotiabank and the Montreal Canadiens today announced that they are teaming up to bring young fans the Scotiabank Canadiens Fan Club. As members of the Club, fans between the ages of five and 16 will have access to the Fan Club Web site as well as exclusive offers and contests.

"As Canada's Hockey Bank, Scotiabank is proud to be teaming up with the Montreal Canadiens, one of hockey's most iconic teams and an integral part of Montreal's culture," said Diane Giard, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Quebec and Eastern Ontario Region.

Membership to the Scotiabank Canadiens Hockey Club includes a host of exclusive and experiential benefits such as:

-  A chance to win the "Be Part of the Team" contest, a
       once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Montreal Canadiens flag on
       the ice prior to every home game;
    -  The opportunity to talk hockey with other fans and ask questions to
       Fan Club co-captains, Maxim Lapierre and Hal Gill;
    -  A brand-new Fan Club Kit which includes: a Canadiens branded scarf,
       pen and stickers, two 8x10 pictures with pre-printed autographs of the
       fan club co-captains, membership card, and one pass to the Montreal
       Canadiens Hall of Fame;
    -  Access to the Fan Club web site where members can play games and enter
       exclusive contests for giveaways including Montreal Canadiens game
       tickets, as well as admission to special events; and
    -  Access to interactive content.

"We're very pleased to have Scotiabank on board as our partner for the Fan Club," said Ray Lalonde, Canadiens Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. "The enthusiasm and energy with which Scotiabank has embraced our program and envisioned its growth over the coming years is exciting, and we look forward to what promises to be a very dynamic partnership with them."

The Scotiabank Canadiens Fan Club is the latest complement to the Scotiabank Hockey Club. Launched in 2009, the goal of Scotiabank Hockey Club is to help parents interest their children in developing strong saving habits. The main icon for this program is a savings tin coin bank, specifically designed to interest hockey's youngest fans.

New Scotiabank Canadiens Fan Club members who open a "Getting There" account at a participating Scotiabank branch will have their club membership fee waived.

"With the Scotiabank Canadiens Fan Club, we want to encourage young Canadians to establish strong saving habits at an early age, preparing them for saving success throughout their lives," concluded Ms. Giard.

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 it is fundamental to helping young people learn about teamwork, camaraderie and the spirit of competition. Scotiabank also has partnerships with the Calgary Flames(R), the Montreal Canadiens(R) the Ottawa Senators(R) and whose home arena is Scotiabank Place. For more information, on Scotiabank's hockey programs visit www.scotiahockeyclub.com