MARKHAM, ON - December 09, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Women's Hockey League and the City of Markham today announced that the Clarkson Cup will return to Markham in 2014 and 2015. The city hosted the 2013 Clarkson Cup to great fanfare and today's announcement is a testament to the broad and growing appeal of this world-class professional hockey championship.

Known as the Stanley Cup of women's hockey, the Clarkson Cup will take place at the Markham Centennial Community Centre from March 18-22, 2014. Presented in partnership with lead sponsor Scotiabank, the tournament will feature the top four CWHL teams competing for a chance to hoist the six-year old trophy. As the 2013 reigning champions, the Boston Blades will look to defend their title this season.

"Last year's Clarkson Cup tournament was a great success on so many levels," said Brenda Andress, Commissioner of the Canadian Women's Hockey League. "We smashed through attendance records, made a lasting connection with fans and proved that the state of women's professional hockey is alive and well.

As hosts, the City of Markham has demonstrated its shared commitment to growing our game and ensuring the Clarkson Cup continues to showcase the very best in women's hockey," added Andress.

According to the Ontario Women's Hockey Association, more than 2,500 women and girls play minor hockey in Markham and that number continues to grow each year.

"This tournament is a great inspiration for everyone who plays the game and we're thrilled at the opportunity to extend our partnership with the CWHL," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "Professional women hockey players serve as important role models for young women and we welcome the opportunity to help grow competitive sport participation by young women right here in Markham." 

"As longtime supporters of Canadian women's hockey, Scotiabank is proud to help bring the Clarkson Cup to Markham," said Peter Branov, Scotiabank Manager of the Main Street Markham Branch. "This tournament is an exciting showcase of incredibly talented female athletes and an inspiration to all minor girl hockey players from communities across the country. It shows young athletes how much can be achieved through team work and dedication."

About Markham: Markham, a municipality with more than 330,000 residents centrally located in the Greater Toronto area, is home to 400 corporate head offices and 900 high tech and life science companies. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada's most diverse community, enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Canada's newest urban city as of July 1, 2012, Markham has received the Excellence Canada PEP III Integrated and Accessibility Awards, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.

About the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL): The CWHL is the most premier, professionally run women's hockey league in the world. For more information, Please visit www.CWHL.ca, follow the CWHL on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/cwhl_insider and "like" the CWHL fan page on Facebook.

About the Clarkson Cup: First awarded in 2006 to Canada's National Women's Team, the Clarkson Cup was commissioned by the Right Honorable Madame Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada. Her dream was to create a trophy that would be played for by North America's top women's hockey club teams. It was first awarded in 2008 to the CWHL champions, the Montreal Stars. Since then, it has become a coveted prize for all female players and is the ultimate achievement in our game. In 2013, the Clarkson Cup was inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

About Scotiabank: Scotiabank is the Official Bank of the NHL®, NHL Alumni™, CWHL, Vancouver Canucks®., Winnipeg Jets™, 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®. 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 4,500 minor hockey teams and leagues. To find out more about Scotiabank's hockey programs, please visit www.facebook.com/scotiahockeyclub.

Markham Mayor 
Frank Scarpitti
fscarpitti@markham.ca
905-475-4872

Markham inquiries / interview requests:
Dennis Flaherty
media@markham.ca
905-415-7520 

Brenda Andress
Commissioner 
CWHL
bandress@cwhl.ca
(647) 278-6515

CWHL inquiries / interview requests:
Jeff Fredericks
jeff.fredericks@rogers.com
647-963-6957