• Scotiabank, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and the National Hockey League are partnering with Project North and First Air to celebrate hockey with the North, April 26-29

IQALUIT, NU, April 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Scotiabank^®, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the NHL^®, Project North and First Air are teaming up to deliver 150 bags of new hockey equipment and an unforgettable experience with the Stanley Cup^® to eight communities in northern Canada, April 26-29.

"Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank is proud to work with our partners to help provide kids across Nunavut with a special hockey tour as our country celebrates its 150^th birthday," said John Doig, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Scotiabank. "We're committed to providing opportunities for young people to play hockey because we know the positive impact it has on strengthening communities and how it can help unlock their infinite potential."

In partnership with Project North, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in Canada's North, Scotiabank, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and the NHL^® are donating a total of 150 full sets of hockey equipment to the communities of Kugaaruk, Taloyoak, Gjoa Haven, Cape Dorset, Hall Beach and Qikiqtarjuaq.

"Hockey is woven into the fabric of our nation. More than just a game, the skills that players learn – like perseverance, confidence, and teamwork – are transferrable to life beyond the ice," said Landon French, President and CEO, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. "Jumpstart is proud to support Project North to extend its reach in Northern communities and help provide more children with the opportunity to experience the power of sport."  

The iconic Stanley Cup^® will be visiting eight communities with returning Stanley Cup Champion Lanny McDonald, joined this year by CWHL star and gold medal winning Olympian Natalie Spooner and the Clarkson Cup.

"I'm excited to be coming back to team up with Scotiabank, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the NHL and Project North on this amazing experience," said Lanny McDonald, NHL Alumni™. "Seeing how much the communities in Nunavut, particularly the young fans, embraced our tour last year was really touching. I can't wait to see everyone come out to join us this year."

First Air, the official airline of Project North, will navigate the tour.

"Project North is incredibly honoured to be part of this amazing tour of our Arctic communities," said Michelle Valberg, President and Founder, Project North. "For over eight years now, our organization has been working closely with these communities, and have witnessed their incredible stories first-hand. We are thrilled to be able to bring the Stanley Cup^® to them, and we hope it inspires them to play for years to come."

The tour will take place:

• Wednesday, April 26 -- Iqaluit
• Thursday, April 27 -- Cape Dorset, Kugaaruk, Taloyoak
• Friday, April 28 -- Gjoa Haven, Resolute Bay
• Saturday, April 29 -- Hall Beach, Qikiqtarjuaq

"As the NHL celebrates 100 years of hockey, it is equally important that we anticipate our future and inspire the next generation of hockey players - especially in Canada's North," said Laurie Kepron, NHL Group Vice President, Integrated Marketing. "Ensuring the game of hockey has a positive impact in all communities is a priority for the NHL. We're proud to skate alongside our partners at Scotiabank and Canadian Tire, and to bring the Stanley Cup to the region in our Centennial year. It's an honour to celebrate our shared passion for the game with NHL fans across Nunavut, particularly during the Stanley Cup Playoffs."

A more detailed agenda will be announced in the upcoming weeks to celebrate the Stanley Cup's journey to the North.

NHL, the NHL Shield, and the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup are registered trademarks and NHL Alumni name and logo are trademarks of the National Hockey League.  © NHL 2017.  All Rights Reserved.

"Scotiabank" is a registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. All Rights Reserved.

SOURCE Scotiabank