A Weekend of Exciting Hockey Takes Centre Ice in Niagara Falls

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, March 22, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) in association with the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) and Scotiabank are hosting the highly anticipated CWHL Clarkson Cup Championship at the Gale Center in Niagara Falls, Ontario on March 22 - 25, 2012.

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. Players competing for the Clarkson Cup this season include current and former Olympian Gold Medalists, such as Tessa Bonhomme, Sami Jo Small, Megan Agosta, Cherie Piper, Caroline Ouellette, Gillian Apps and Jayna Hefford.

Interview/Photo Opportunity - Olympic Gold Medalist Tessa Bonhomme

When: Saturday, March 24, 2012, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Gale Centre, 4171 Fourth Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 4N1
Who: Tessa Bonhomme, Olympic Gold Medalist/Toronto Furies

CWHL Clarkson Cup Championship Weekend Agenda

Thursday, March 22
Game 1: Montreal Stars vs. Toronto Furies, 12:00 p.m.
Game 2: Boston Blades vs. Brampton HC, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Gale Centre, 4171 Fourth Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 4N1

Friday, March 23
Game 1: Montreal Stars vs. Brampton HC, 12:00 p.m.
Game 2: Boston Blades vs. Toronto Furies, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Gale Centre, 4171 Fourth Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 4N1

Saturday, March 24
Game 1: Toronto Furies vs. Brampton HC, 11:00 a.m.
Game 2: Montreal Stars vs. Boston Blades, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Gale Centre, 4171 Fourth Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 4N1

Event: Media availability for Tessa Bonhomme, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Gale Centre, 4171 Fourth Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 4N1

EVENT: HOT STOVE, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Applebee's, 6546 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, Admission is Free
What: 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.

Sunday, March 25
Clarkson Cup Final: 1pm (Broadcast on TSN - time TBD)
Trophy Presentation by Madame Adrienne Clarkson - 5:00 p.m. (approx)
Where: Gale Centre, 4171 Fourth Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 4N1

Additional Interview Opportunities

• Brenda  Andress, Commissioner, CWHL
• David Thorpe, Scotiabank - Presenting sponsor of the CWHL Clarkson Cup Championship
• Additional CWHL players as requested onsite
• For full team rosters go to www.cwhl.ca

How to Buy Tickets: Gale Centre Arena, www.cwhl.ca or email info@chwl.ca

About 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®, 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.