- Canada's Hockey Bank™ partnership introduces Scotiabank Hockey Club programs to Newfoundland and Labrador

ST. JOHN'S, NL, July 27, 2011 /CNW/ - Scotiabank and the new St. John's AHL team (which has yet to be named) today announced a new partnership, making Scotiabank the Official Bank of the team formerly known as the Manitoba Moose. The partnership will bring many of Scotiabank's hockey events to the hockey-loving communities of Newfoundland and Labrador, including Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest, Celebration of Hockey, Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Kids and more.

"Scotiabank is thrilled to come onboard as sponsor of the St. John's AHL team and expand our hockey partnerships and sponsored teams and leagues to communities across Canada," said Islay McGlynn, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Atlantic Region.  "Hockey in St. John's is back.  The entire community has embraced the return of an AHL team to Newfoundland and Scotiabank is looking forward to the exciting hockey season ahead."

"We're extremely pleased to welcome Scotiabank onboard as a corporate partner of our new AHL team," said Danny Williams, Franchise President & CEO.  "We're particularly excited with some of the initiatives that Scotiabank will bring to the table that involve public participation, as we have a vision for this team to be deeply involved in community outreach."

As Official Bank of the NHL® and NHLPA®, Scotiabank also has partnerships with the Ottawa Senators, the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadiens.  Across Canadian communities from coast to coast, Scotiabank's community hockey sponsorship program reaches out to more than 3,450 minor hockey teams and leagues.  In 2011, 24 teams and five leagues from Newfoundland were sponsored by the Bank.  The teams each receive a financial bursary as well as the opportunity to participate in unique experiences such as the Guard of Honour at a Stanley Cup™ visit to a Scotiabank branch.

The partnership between Scotiabank and the St. John's AHL team will provide more benefits enriching the greater hockey community of Newfoundland and Labrador, some of which include:

• Scotia Skater program: Minor hockey players have the chance to lead their local team onto the ice carrying their team's flag, and stand with the players on the blue line for national anthem;
• Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest: a FREE one-day event for 300 minor girls hockey players to learn fundamental on-ice and off-ice skills from elite female hockey players which in the past have included Cassie Campbell-Pascall and Tessa Bonhomme;
• St. John's AHL team player appearances at Scotiabank Branches;
• Celebration of Hockey: Scotiabank brings the Stanley Cup™ to communities across Canada, giving all fans the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Cup; and
• Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Kids: Lucky sponsored minor hockey teams are given the chance to introduce CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada" and are hosted by their local Scotiabank branch for a special viewing party to celebrate their TV appearance.

"Sponsorship opportunities with partners like Scotiabank is mutually beneficial for the entire community," said Glenn Stanford, Franchise COO.  "We are very pleased with the level of interest in our corporate sponsorship program, and especially pleased to welcome Scotiabank as Silver partners to the new St. John's AHL team."

About the St. John's AHL team:
In operation since 1936, the American Hockey League serves as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams.  More than 87 per cent of today's NHL players are AHL graduates, and through the years the American Hockey League has been home to more than 100 honoured members of the Hockey Hall of Fame.  On June 10, 2011, it was announced that St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador would once again be home to an AHL franchise starting in the 2011-2012 season.  This was made possible after a series of moves at the NHL and AHL level which saw Winnipeg welcome an NHL team back to its city and relocate its former AHL franchise, the Manitoba Moose, to St. John's.  Danny Williams is the lease holder of the franchise which is owned by True North Sports and Entertainment.

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.