This is the 14th year the event is taking place in Ottawa

OTTAWA, Dec. 8, 2017 /CNW/ - On December 13 and 14, 300 female hockey players aged 7-14 will hit the ice with Canadian hockey legend Cassie Campbell-Pascall for the 14th annual Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest in Ottawa, on the outdoor rink located on Parliament Hill.

Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest on the Hill is a free on and off-ice training series designed to empower young girls across Canada, with a passion for hockey, to dream big and reach their infinite potential. The event has provided aspiring female minor hockey players in Ottawa with positive experiences through the game of hockey since 2008. This year Scotiabank reached the important milestone of supporting one million kids and counting, through its commitment to kids' community hockey across Canada.

"Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest is a fantastic opportunity for young female hockey players to celebrate our nation's favourite game," said Cassie Campbell-Pascall. "Through this event, these young athletes will improve their skills, build their confidence, and learn how to work together as a team. I'm incredibly proud to be a part of this event because I know from my own experience how valuable it is to receive support from the hockey community. It's my pleasure to give back through the Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest to these young girls who share my passion for the game."

This season, Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest on The Hill is available to young female hockey players at no cost in four communities across Canada – Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Toronto. Along with providing young girls with access to some of Canada's most influential female hockey stars, the program includes on and off-ice training. This event in Ottawa is especially momentous, as it is taking place at the newly built rink on Parliament Hill.                                                                                                                               

"It is an honour to present Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest, especially on the historically significant Parliament Hill. The event helps encourage the young female athletes in our community to reach their infinite potential through skill development, teamwork, and the impact of working with their hockey heroes," said Carole Chapdelaine, Senior Vice-President Quebec,Eastern Ontario Region at Scotiabank. "This event allows Scotiabank to share our love for the game, and to inspire a new generation of athletes to go forward with their dreams. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank's goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success."

Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting Canadian hockey at all levels – from community teams and minor hockey associations, to professional players and leagues. At Scotiabank, investing in our communities has been a focus for 185 years. We believe investing in young people is the pathway to community prosperity.                                         

To learn more about the event and Scotiabank's commitment to kids' community hockey, visit www.scotiabankgirlshockeyfest.com.

About Scotiabank Hockey

Scotiabank is the Official Bank of the NHL^®, NHL Alumni^™, CWHL, Vancouver Canucks®, Winnipeg Jets®, Toronto Maple Leafs^®, Ottawa Senators^®, Edmonton Oilers^® and the Calgary Flames® whose home arena is the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Bank also supports the Montreal Canadiens®. Scotiabank's Community Hockey Sponsorship Program has supported over million kids through its involvement with minor hockey teams in communities across Canada. To find out more about Scotiabank's hockey programs, please visit www.scotiabank.com/the5thseason.

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SOURCE Scotiabank