Mastercard Memorial Cup organizers announce details for thrilling Centennial Salute opening ceremonies event.

REGINA, May 7, 2018 /CNW/ - The 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup Host Committee, together with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), have announced details of the celebratory kick-off event planned for the May 17^th Mastercard Memorial Cup opening ceremonies.

"We are launching the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup with the biggest bang in the 100-year history of the championship," says Shaun Semple, Chair of Regina's Host Committee. "The Centennial Salute will have something for everyone: first-class live entertainment, a tribute to the Cup and its illustrious history, a tribute to our Canadian military, a huge fireworks display and a feature performance by the Eagles - one of the greatest bands in rock 'n roll history. And all of it will be hosted by Canadian comedy legend Brent Butt!"

The Host Committee has also added a special musical tribute to the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, featuring Jack Semple and the Regina Symphony, to recognize the many lives affected by the tragic bus crash near Tisdale, SK., on April 6, 2018.

Festivities will kick off at 4:00pm at Confederation Park with the Centennial Salute Tailgate Party, presented by The Brandt Group of Companies. It will be hosted by Adam Growe of Cash Cab fame and feature a comedy performance by Brent Butt, along with live music, fan photo opportunities, prizes and much more.

A pre-event red-carpet VIP Opening Reception will take place at 5:00 at the spectacular AGT Lounge, overlooking the concert stage at Mosaic Stadium. This exciting event will feature celebrity interviews, along with appearances by NHL hockey greats and representatives from the Canadian Military and the Canadian Hockey League.

Fans will be encouraged to move to their main-event seats prior to 7:00pm when the entertainment will begin at Mosaic Stadium. The production will feature live performances by Jess Moskaluke and Chad Brownlee and appearances by Canadian hockey icons, the four teams contending for the Mastercard Memorial Cup and a fly-past by members of the legendary Snowbirds air demonstration squadron. The show will culminate in a full-length live performance by the Eagles, including Vince Gill, followed by a huge closing fireworks display that will light up the sky over Mosaic Stadium.

The entire evening will be a celebration of Canada's deep love for the game of hockey, our pride in our country and our deep respect for those who put their lives on the line to preserve our freedoms and a way of life that we love – the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces. Through video, live performances and special guest presenters, it will describe the 100-year evolution of the Cup into the premier national junior hockey event in the world.

The Centennial Salute will be a fitting kick-off event for the 100th MasterCard Memorial Cup, which will take place May 18-27, 2018, at the Brandt Centre. The ten-day championship will feature the host Regina Pats along with the champions of the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, all battling for Canadian junior hockey supremacy.

Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime Centennial Salute event are available at mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

About the Mastercard Memorial Cup
The Memorial Cup has a rich tradition that has shaped the way junior hockey is played in North America. The trophy was originally known as the OHA Memorial Cup and was donated by the Ontario Hockey Association in March, 1919, in remembrance of the many soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice for Canada in the First World War. In 2010 the Memorial Cup was rededicated to the memory of all fallen Canadian Military Personnel killed in combat serving our country. The 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup runs from May 17-27 at Regina's Brandt Centre, featuring the host Pats along with the champions of the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. For more information please visit www.mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

SOURCE 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup

Pam Lougheed, Hwy #1 East, Regina, SK, S4P 3R8, T: [phone], E: [email protected], visit www.mastercardmemorialcup.ca