KUUJJUAQ, QC - March 23, 2015 /CNW/ - Scotiabank is teaming up with the NHL®, Project North, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and improving the lives of children in Canada's North to bring the Stanley Cup^® to Kuujjuaq, Nunavik and Iqaluit, Nunavut, March 27 and 28. 

"We are thrilled to be partnering with the NHL, Project North and First Air to offer this unique celebration of hockey in Kuujjuaq and Iqaluit," said John Doig, Scotiabank's Chief Marketing Officer.

This will be the first time that the Cup will travel to Kuujjuaq.

In partnership with Project North, Scotiabank is also donating 25 hockey bags full of gear, which will be shipped by the team at First Air, the official airline of Project North.

"This special tour with NHL Alumni and the Stanley Cup allows us to combine our love of hockey with our commitment to giving back to the community," added Doig. "We want to invite hockey fans of all ages to join us on March 27 and 28." 

"This rare opportunity to bring equipment and the Stanley Cup, the epitome of Canada's national sport, to the people of Canada's North is an incredible chance to celebrate community with our friends in the Arctic," says Michelle Valberg, president of Project North. "On behalf of Project North, it remains our privilege to contribute to the lives of these children, and help them play and truly enjoy Canada's game." 

"We are honoured to work with our partners, Scotiabank and Project North, to bring this much needed hockey equipment to 25 deserving youths in Nunavik," said Bert van der Stege, First Air's Vice President Commercial said. "It is a great way for us to show appreciation for our clients and communities whose support has made us the Airline of the North."

In Kuujjuaq, residents are invited to attend a public Stanley Cup^® event, where they will be able to take photos with hockey's top trophy and meet some special NHL Alumni™ guests.

The Stanley Cup® will then travel to Iqaluit where it will appear throughout the community, including a stop at a special VIP hockey game featuring NHL Alumni™ coaches. The game will support local charities including Qayuqtuvik Society, Iqaluit Soup Kitchen, and YWCA -- Qimavik. Minister Leona Aglukkaq will drop the ceremonial puck at the opening face-off.

Project North is proud to continue working with communities throughout Nunavut. This organization has been working in the region for the past six years.

A detailed agenda will be announced soon 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 2015. All Rights Reserved.