Premiere women's hockey league teams to compete for top prize

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, March 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) in association with the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) and Scotiabank play host to the highly anticipated Clarkson Cup Finals at the Gale Centre in Niagara Falls from March Thursday, 22 to Sunday, March 25, 2012.

What:  Clarkson Cup Presented by Scotiabank
Who:  CWHL, WWHL, Right Honorable Adrienne Clarkson and Olympic Gold Medalists
When: Thursday, March 22 to Sunday, March 25, 2012
Where: Gale Centre, 4171 Fourth Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 4N1
How to buy tickets:  CWHL website, www.cwhl.ca

"The Clarkson Cup Finals are a great opportunity to showcase some of Canada's most talented female hockey players and CWHL stars, including many former and current Olympians," said CWHL Commissioner, Brenda Andress. "These athletes work really hard to maintain a league that allows them to compete on an elite level, and the Clarkson Cup gives us the chance to bring these hockey stars together for a complete four days of elite hockey."

The CWHL Clarkson Cup and presenting partner Scotiabank are also giving hockey fans the chance listen to, and weigh in on, hockey topics at a hot stove event on March 24, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. Featured panelists will discuss what initiatives, ideas and actions are going on behind the scenes as Canadian women's hockey expands its scope. There will also be a Q&A session with the audience.

"Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting hockey, and as Canada's Hockey Bank, we are proud to support the CWHL and the Clarkson Cup Championship which spotlights women's hockey in communities across Canada," said Shawn Goddard, District Vice-President, Hamilton and Niagara Region, Scotiabank. "Teaming up with the CWHL is a natural fit for Scotiabank, as we are proud to support Canada's female hockey champions and the role they play as positive mentors for future CWHL'ers across Canada."

2012 Clarkson Cup Schedule:

The games are a round robin with the two top teams playing for the championship on Sunday, March 25.

Thursday, March 22 - 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.
Friday, March 23 - 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 24 - 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Hot Stove Event presented by Scotiabank, 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 25 - 1:00 p.m. Clarkson Cup Championship Game.  Broadcast on TSN.

The Clarkson Cup was awarded to the CWHL Montreal Stars for the first time in 2009 by the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson. Like the Stanley Cup™, it was commissioned by and named for a Governor General of Canada and is the premiere sports trophy in women's hockey.

About the CWHL

The Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising the profile of women's hockey, while providing a place for the best female hockey players in North America to train and compete. The league offers fans an international-grade showcase for the most talented female hockey players. Affordably priced, all CWHL games feature speed, finesse and skill and players are accessible to fans.

The CWHL is entering its fifth season as the premiere Women's hockey league in the world. Since its inception in 2007, the Canadian Women's Hockey League has supported all teams in their season of home/away games, as well as charity and exhibition games in the community. Each season has culminated in an exciting playoff tournament where the top teams play-off for the Clarkson Cup. The CWHL is a player-driven and centrally funded league, which means teams receive equal access to funding.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is very proud to be Canada's Hockey Bank and is the Official Bank of the NHL®, NHLPA®, NHL Alumni™, CWHL, Winnipeg Jets®, Toronto Maple Leafs®, Calgary Flames® whose home arena is the Scotiabank Saddledome, and the Ottawa Senators® whose home arena is Scotiabank Place. The Bank also has a partnership with the Montreal Canadiens®. Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting hockey in Canada from local teams and minor hockey associations to professional players and leagues. Across Canadian communities from coast to coast, Scotiabank's Community Hockey Sponsorship Program reaches out to more than 3,700 minor hockey teams and leagues.To find out more about Scotiabank's hockey programs, please visit www.facebook.com/scotiahockeyclub.

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 $45 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.