Isabelle Brasseur and Todd Warriner set to battle on behalf of the Heart and
Stroke Foundation

CBC Television's hit series Battle of the Blades returns to the ice this fall

OTTAWA, Sept. 27 /CNW/ - BATTLE OF THE BLADES skating partners Olympian Isabelle Brasseur and former NHL left winger Todd Warriner, who played for the Quebec Nordiques and Toronto Maple Leafs, are pleased to announce that they will be skating in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation this year.

Uniting two of Canada's greatest passions - figure skating and hockey - BATTLE OF THE BLADES pairs eight ex-NHL hockey players with eight champion figure skaters to compete for a $100,000 prize donation to the winners' charity of choice. On Sunday, October 3 at 8:00 p.m. local time, the smash hit series makes its triumphant return to CBC Television with a brand new season.

"I am excited and honoured to be skating on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation for the second year in a row on BATTLE OF THE BLADES," says World Champion figure skater Isabelle Brasseur. "Heart disease has affected many members of my family, so it is very important for me to give back in this way and support life-saving research and education."

"We're absolutely thrilled Isabelle Brasseur and Todd Warriner have identified the Heart and Stroke Foundation as their charity for this sensational competition," said Sally Brown, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. "Their donation will help fund vital research and health initiatives to eliminate heart disease and stroke−a leading cause of death and disability in Canada.  Having professional athletes such as these lend their name to the cause is very gratifying."

The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a volunteer-based health charity that leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke through the promotion of healthy living and advocacy. Supporters can tune in to CBC Television each week on Sunday at 8:00 pm local time and vote for Isabelle Brasseur and Todd Warriner by calling 1-877-844-8153, online (www.cbc.ca/battle) or by texting 53 to 777111 - with a portion of the 15 cent charge going directly to the Foundation.

The two pairs with the fewest votes return for the Monday night live results show where the judges determine which pair goes home and which advances to the next round. The winning pair will receive a $100,000 cheque made out to their chosen charity, and each week the eliminated pair receives a $25,000 donation.

Produced by Insight Productions in association with CBC Television, BATTLE OF THE BLADES takes to the ice for the first live performance on Sunday, October 3 at 8:00 p.m. on CBC Television.

About the Heart and Stroke Foundation

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living, and advocacy.

About Insight Production Company Ltd

Insight Production Company Ltd, headed by John Brunton and Barbara Bowlby has become an industry leader in the creative development, financing and production of highly rated television programs and cutting edge multiplatform content for the global market in every genre. Since 1979, it has been recognized for its reputation for quality as the recipient of numerous International awards, including multiple Gemini's.

For further information:

Eileen Melnick McCarthy
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
[email protected]
1.613.569.4361 ext. 318