• Kids get to "Feel like a Pro" and practice hockey skills with Paul Coffey and other hockey pros

TORONTO, June 1, 2011 /CNW/ - Scotiabank teams up with the Canadian Cancer Society to support Minor Hockey Fights Cancer "Feel Like a Pro Day", an event organized by 12-year-old pee wee minor hockey player Mark Mannarn. The event encourages kids to raise funds for cancer research and allows them the chance to practice hockey with professional players. "Feel Like a Pro Day" will take place in Toronto on June 18, 2011 and will include a hockey clinic hosted by NHL legend Paul Coffey for the first 240 registered kids to raise $200 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

"Mark's vision for bringing together his passion for hockey and his determination to fight cancer is truly inspirational and heart-warming," said Duncan Hannay, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Marketing, Canada. "We can all take a lesson from Mark and his drive to engage a new generation of young people to rally behind a good cause and create positive change."

Losing his grandmother to pancreatic cancer last year, and then learning of his Mom's cancer diagnosis prompted Mark to create Minor Hockey Fights Cancer "Feel Like a Pro Day". After being inspired by We Day, a school program aimed at promoting student advocacy, Mark decided upon a goal of raising $100,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

"Feel Like a Pro Day" promises to be a fun-filled day with prizes, a silent auction, as well as a Scotiabank All Star Top Fundraisers game for the top 30 fundraisers who raise a minimum of $1,000.

"As Canada's Hockey Bank, we're thrilled to sponsor an exciting event that will engage young people in the fight against the disease affecting so many Canadian families," said Mr. Hannay. "Scotiabank congratulates Mark and his vision to bring kids together for a good cause and have fun learning more about the game they love so much."

"Canadian Cancer Society counts on community fundraisers like "Minor Hockey Fights Cancer" to fund life-saving research and provide support services for cancer patients and their families. It is inspiring to see such a young individual like Mark rallying others to get involved in the fight against cancer," added Lesley Ring, Vice President, Development and Marketing, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division.

To register for "Feel Like a Pro Day" and for more details on the event and Mark's story, please visit www.minorhockeyfightscancer.ca.

About Scotiabank
As the Official Bank of the NHL®, NHLPA®, NHL Alumni™ 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 the Bank's customers, promotes advice on equipment and enhances the grassroots community programs of both companies. Scotiabank also has partnerships with the Montreal Canadiens®, the Calgary Flames® whose home arena is the Scotiabank Saddledome, 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, through our global philanthropic program, 'Bright Future'. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.