Celebrate Winter and Play Hockey in its Purest Form: Scotiabank Prairie Pond
Hockey Challenge on Wascana Lake opens for registration

Named as an official remote location for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada

REGINA, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - The Scotiabank Prairie Pond Hockey Challenge on Wascana Lake - Saskatchewan's first-ever official pond hockey tournament was launched this morning at a media conference, officially opening tournament registration and announcing the event as an official remote location for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada on CBC on February 12, 2011.

The Challenge, a partnership between the Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA), the Regina Regional Opportunities Commission (RROC), the Wascana Centre Authority (WCA), the Cougars Men's Hockey Alumni and title sponsor Scotiabank, will take place on February 12 and 13, 2011, on twenty rinks along Wascana Lake east of the Conexus Art Centre between Goose and Tern Island. CBC will broadcast live from Wascana Lake on February 12, 2011, and highlight the hockey festivities in Saskatchewan as part of their national programming.

"Hockey is alive and well in Saskatchewan - and this event is the perfect opportunity to strap on the skates and play the game the way it was meant to be played," said Kelly McClintock, General Manager of Saskatchewan Hockey Association. "Family friendly fun both on and off the ice will take the sport back to its roots this winter."

"As Canada's Hockey Bank, Scotiabank has seen first hand through the many community events that we sponsor, the passion that Canadian families have for this great game," said Russell Seifried, Scotiabank District Banking Manager, Saskatchewan South District. "Winter in Regina is a time to celebrate, and I can't think of a better way to enjoy the season than by taking hockey back to its roots by playing the game in its purest form."

There will be plenty of activity both on and off the ice. Spectators can visit the entertainment tent which will broadcast the NHL games as part of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. The Regina Cougars Men's Hockey Alumni will also host a raffle and give away prizing throughout the weekend starting at the registration night on Friday February 11 at the Conexus Art Centre.

The format of the Challenge is made up of 30 minute games (two 15 minute halves) played by teams of five players, with four on the ice at any given time. Teams are guaranteed four games during the tournament on Saturday and the top 32 teams will move to the single elimination play on Sunday until the first-ever Scotiabank Prairie Pond Hockey Champions are named. Starting at noon on Sunday, the rinks not being used in tournament play will become available for public use.

To register teams, sign up as a volunteer, become a partner, or for more information, please visit www.prairiepondhockey.ca.

Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA) is the governing body of hockey for the province of Saskatchewan. The SHA's membership includes 213 minor hockey associations across Saskatchewan, covering 309 rinks in over 250 communities throughout the province. Last year there were 29,666 players, 6,529 team officials, and 2,792 referees registered in the province. This totals 38,987 registered members out of a population of 1,006,644. Visit us at www.sha.sk.ca.

The Regina Regional Opportunities Commission (RROC) is an organization that identifies, develops and promotes opportunities that advance economic prosperity of those who live, work, visit and invest in the Regina region. RROC's main focus is growing Regina's economy by building on the strengths, resources and talents of the people, businesses and partners. RROC was created in 2009 after a merger between Tourism Regina and the Regina Regional Economic Development Authority.

Scotiabank is very proud to be Canada's Hockey Bank. As the Official Bank of the NHL(R), NHLPA(R), NHL Alumni(TM) and the CWHL, Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting hockey in Canada from local teams and minor hockey associations to professional players and leagues. Through its partnerships, Scotiabank's hockey programs enrich the communities where Canadians live and work by engaging fans and players in new ways to celebrate our game. Scotiabank supports the passion and pride Canadians feel for hockey and believes it is fundamental to helping young people learn about teamwork, camaraderie and the spirit of competition. Scotiabank's partnership with Pro Hockey Life provides exclusive in-store and online discounts to Scotiabank customers, promotes advice on equipment and enhances the grassroots community programs of both companies. In addition to the Calgary Flames(R), Scotiabank also has partnerships with the Montreal Canadiens(R) and the Ottawa Senators(R), whose home arena is Scotiabank Place. For more information, on Scotiabank's hockey programs visit www.scotiahockeyclub.com

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2009 the Bank provided about $39 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com

Wascana Centre Authority is located in Regina, Saskatchewan and is the governing body of one of North America's largest urban parks in the province of Saskatchewan. Cyclists, joggers and cross-country skiers are among the many outdoor recreation enthusiasts who take full advantage of the eight kilometer walking path and the 300 acre man made Wascana Lake. Wascana Centre is also home to several attractions and events including: the Legislative Building, MacKenzie Art Gallery, Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the Saskatchewan Science Centre and Kramer Imax Theatre, SaskTel Summer Invasion, Canada Day Celebrations, and many more.

Regina Cougars Men's Hockey Alumni is a non-profit corporation whose goal is to improve, enhance, and promote the University of Regina Cougars Men's Hockey Team. The RCMHA participate in fundraising initiatives in order to provide scholarships for current members of the team and to enhance the experience of each player who passes through the team.

For further information: or general media inquiries: Kyle Ulmer, Saskatchewan Hockey Association, 306-789-5101 or [email protected]; For Scotiabank media inquiries: Livy Feldgajer, 416-866-6203, or [email protected].