Canada's Hockey Bank Lights it Up in the West

CALGARY, Oct. 8 /CNW/ - As the 2010 Calgary Flames take to the ice on Sunday for the first home game of their season, the team will make history by playing the very first game in the newly named Scotiabank Saddledome. Earlier today the Calgary Flames and Scotiabank, Canada's Hockey Bank, unveiled the much anticipated arena logo that builds on the five-year partnership between the hockey team and the Bank.

"We are delighted to be taking a new step in our partnership with the Calgary Flames, an integral part of this city, the province and one of Canada's favourite sports," said Duncan Hannay, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Marketing, Canada. "We are also extremely proud to have our name associated with one of the truly iconic buildings in the NHL - a building that represents the culture and passion of the people of Calgary and the nation."

Originally named the Olympic Saddledome, the stadium was constructed in 1983 for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics and became the first modern arena in North America with an Olympic regulation-sized ice rink. Capable of seating more than 19,000 people, the Saddledome has also been home to the Calgary Flames since 1983 after the team's move from Atlanta to Calgary in 1980. The arena is home to the Calgary Flames, Calgary Hitmen, Calgary Roughnecks and many of Calgary's premier events including concerts and trade shows. Building naming rights are subject to City Approval.

"The Calgary Flames are honoured and proud that Scotiabank, one of the nation's oldest and most respected financial institutions has chosen to partner in the Scotiabank Saddledome. It's much more than a name on a building. It is a total and mutual commitment to co branding and marketing two of Canada's best, in banking and in hockey. A dynamic partnership excited about the future of our city, our province and our country," said Calgary Flames President and CEO Ken King.

"Scotiabank is proud to have an excellent relationship with the Calgary Flames and the Calgary Flames Family - a group we have a great deal of respect for. The Flames are more than just hockey, they are an integral part of Southern Alberta," said George Marlatte, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Prairie Region. "The Scotiabank Saddledome is a complementary addition to our existing partnership, and this is a very exciting time for our customers and our employees. Scotiabank has had a presence in Calgary and Southern Alberta since 1903 and we are deeply committed to the communities around us."

Scotiabank's existing partnership with the Calgary Flames includes numerous grassroots and community hockey programs including:

-  Scotiabank Skater program: This popular program offers Calgary and
       area minor league hockey and ringette players and skaters, between
       eight and 11 years of age, the chance to skate with the Calgary Flames
       during every regular season home game.
    -  Calgary Flames Better Halves Ultimate Ladies Night Out: An annual
       event hosted by the players' wives, which raises funds for the
       community through the Flames Foundation for Life.
    -  Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest: A free event for girls between the ages
       of seven and 14 years, which offers a unique blend of skills training,
       advice and encouragement from a professional woman's hockey player,
       designed to inspire girls to reach for their goals both on and off the
       ice.

In 2007, Scotiabank became the Official Bank of the NHL, NHLPA and the NHL Alumni.

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's partnership with Pro Hockey Life provides exclusive in-store and online discounts to Scotiabank customers, promotes advice on equipment and enhances the grassroots community programs of both companies. In addition to the Calgary Flames(R), Scotiabank also has partnerships with the Montreal Canadiens(R) and the Ottawa Senators(R), 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 $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