WINNIPEG, MB - December 07, 2016 /CNW/ - More than 300 future female hockey stars will hit the ice with Olympian, World Champion and Canadian women's hockey star Cassie Campbell-Pascall for the 6^th Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest in Winnipeg, on Sunday, December 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:05 p.m. at the MTS Iceplex.

Originally created in partnership with the Ottawa Senators in 2004, Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest has provided female minor hockey players with positive experiences through the game of hockey for over a decade.

"Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest is an incredible opportunity to bring together young female hockey players to improve their skills, build their confidence and celebrate Canada's game," said Cassie Campbell-Pascall. "I know first-hand how valuable it is to receive support from the hockey community as a young athlete. The support I received helped me get to where I am today, and I'm thrilled to be able to give back through Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest -- and to celebrate Canada's game with these girls who share my love for the game."

Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest is a day-long on and off-ice training series designed to engage and encourage young girls across Canada to dream big and reach their full potential. The event is available at no cost to girls aged 7-14. In partnership with Hockey Manitoba, the program includes on- and off-ice training from Olympian/hockey great Cassie Campbell-Pascall and members of the University of Manitoba Bisons Varsity Women's Hockey Team. The day also includes a nutrition session explaining the importance of healthy and proper nutrition, and a keynote address from Cassie Campbell-Pascall on the importance of teamwork and giving back to the community.

"We are delighted to present Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest, encouraging young athletes to reach their full potential through teamwork, on-ice drills and inspiration from hockey heroes," said Martin MacCool, District Vice President at Scotiabank. "Girls HockeyFest in Winnipeg will allow us to share our passion for the sport and to inspire a new generation of players to achieve their hockey dreams."

Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting Canadian hockey at all levels -- from local teams and minor hockey associations to professional players and leagues. Scotiabank is proud to support over 8,000 community hockey teams across Canada through the Scotiabank Community Hockey Sponsorship Program.

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

About Scotiabank
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 supports over 8,000 minor hockey teams in communities across Canada. To find out more about Scotiabank's hockey programs, please visit www.scotiabank.com/the5thseason.

For media enquiries only:

Amrita Labana
Narrative PR
(416) 568-2286
amrita.labana@narrative.ca