TORONTO, ON - January 13, 2014 /CNW/ - The countdown is on for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada live on CBC on January 18, 2014 from Lloydminster, AB/SK. Ahead of the countrywide hockey festivities, the Scotiabank Community Hockey Poll asked Canadian hockey parents how they feel about the sport and what it means to their communities.

Quick Facts

• Seven in ten parents whose kids play hockey (71%) agree community hockey is the heart of their town/city.
• Most hockey parents (80%) agree community hockey brings families and communities together.
• Almost all hockey parents (90%) agree community hockey benefits the local community by teaching kids about teamwork and camaraderie.
• Seven in ten hockey parents (68%) agree hockey benefits the community by giving kids an opportunity to give back to their community through volunteerism or fundraising for a local charity or non-profit organization.
• Hockey parents say the top ways their children's teams give back to their communities is through fundraising for local charities (45%), donating their used hockey equipment (45%), and volunteering their time at local charities (34%).

Quotes

"Through Scotiabank's Community Hockey Sponsorship program, where we sponsor 5,000 minor teams and leagues across the country, we see firsthand just how much community hockey means to Canadian hockey families," said Jacquie Ryan, Scotiabank Vice President of Sponsorships and Partnerships. "The theme of this year's Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada is 'Community' and we are excited to work with our partners at CBC to celebrate what a great impact local hockey teams have in their communities like the host city, Lloydminster."

"I have had the chance to be part of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada over the years and it is always incredible how communities come together to celebrate this great game. So whether you are able to come to Lloydminster or one of the other celebrations across the country or are watching the live broadcast on CBC, it is going to be an unforgettable day," said NHL Alumni and Scotiabank Hockey Ambassador Lanny McDonald, who will be taking part in the Lloydminster, AB/SK celebrations, including coaching minor hockey team clinics, alongside other hockey greats.

About the polling data
The 2013 Scotiabank Community Hockey Poll was conducted online using Harris/Decima's online panel. A total of 1,000 completed surveys were collected from a sample of panel members across Canada who have children under the age of 17 who play hockey. The surveys were conducted from October 1 to October 11, 2013.

About Scotiabank

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 5,000 minor hockey teams and leagues. Scotiabank is the Official Bank of the NHL®, NHL Alumni™, CWHL, Vancouver Canucks®., Winnipeg JetsTM, Toronto Maple Leafs®, Ottawa Senators and the Calgary Flames® whose home arena is the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Bank also has a partnership with the Montreal Canadiens®.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 $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

Note to Media: Interview Possibilities

Scotiabank Ambassadors Lanny McDonald, Darcy Tucker, Mark Napier and Marty McSorley are available for interviews from January 16 to January 18. Scotiabank representatives are available before this time to discuss the poll findings and the plans for this year's Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada and the events in Lloydminster, AB/SK, Prince George, B.C. and Barry's Bay, Ontario.