WHL Kamloops Blazers

Kickoff to 2016 Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada

Published on December 3, 2015 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kamloops Blazers News Release


Kamloops, B.C. - Details for this year's Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada were announced at a press conference this morning at Sandman Centre. The annual celebration of hockey will take place in Kamloops from February 3 to 6, 2016, with family-friendly activities and events from Wednesday through Saturday. The annual event wraps up with an all-day live NHL® broadcast on CBC and Sportsnet featuring all seven Canadian teams in action on Saturday, February 6, 2016.

"Combined with our community's enthusiasm and passion for sport, the festivities and special guests are bound to create a fantastic experience for sports fans, spectators and families alike," said Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar.

"Scotiabank is proud to partner with Sportsnet and the City of Kamloops for the biggest celebration of Canadian hockey," said Kevin Rains, Scotiabank Branch Manager, Kamloops. "Community hockey is an important part of who we are as Scotiabankers - we are fans, coaches and players. Each year, Scotiabank is proud to support over 5,000 kids' community hockey teams across Canada, including teams in the Kamloops Minor Hockey Association. We look forward to celebrating with everyone here in Kamloops and across the country on Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada."

"At its heart, this is a celebration of the game and its traditions, uniting Canadian hockey fans from coast-to-coast," said Joel Darling, Executive Producer, NHL Special Events, Rogers. "From the sights and sounds of Kamloops featuring an all-star cast of alumni and personalities, to the can't-miss hockey games, Sportsnet will keep fans from across the nation connected to the fun and the game they love."

This year's Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada festivities is headlined by a series of hockey events, where fans of all ages are encouraged to celebrate our nation's favourite pastime. The event will be televised on CBC and Sportsnet from Kamloops in a 13-hour national broadcast featuring all seven Canadian NHL® teams. The event is hosted by Canadian icon Ron MacLean, featuring a special edition of Coach's Corner live onsite with Don Cherry, along with appearances from other Sportsnet personalities and NHL Alumni™. The Stanley Cup® and the CHL Memorial Cup will also make several appearances throughout the community!

Several NHL stars and sports commentators will attend select events over the four-day celebration, including Kamloops' own Mark Recchi, Darcy Tucker, Trevor Linden, Wendel Clark, Corey Hirsch, Kirk McLean, Lanny McDonald, Mark Napier, Bryan Trottier, as well as Sportsnet's Cassie Campbell-Pascall, James Cybulski and Caroline Cameron. Stay tuned for more special guests to be confirmed.

Tickets will soon be available for the following three feature events:

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada Celebrity Luncheon: Thursday, February 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Tournament Capital Centre, hosted by Ron MacLean and Don Cherry, as well as NHL Alumni™ and the Stanley Cup®.

WHL's 50th Season Pro Am Alumni Game: Thursday, February 4 at Sandman Centre from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., featuring teams made up of NHL and WHL alumni in a fun, family-oriented game, including such names as Lanny McDonald, Mark Recchi, Darcy Tucker, Wendel Clark, Mark Napier, Kirk McLean, and more to be announced as confirmed.

The Music of Hockey with Host Ron MacLean presented by Scotiabank: Friday, February 5 at Sandman Centre from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Musical guests include Dave Bidini and the Bidini Band, Tom Wilson, Barney Bentall, Amelia Curran, Craig Northey, Bryan Trottier and Lindy Vopnfjord with numerous special guests making stage appearances throughout the evening.

To purchase tickets and for details on all 2016 Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada events, including the music lineup, celebrity guests and more, visit www.kamloops.ca/hockeyday.

A number of other free, local community activities will also take place throughout the community over the multi-day hockey celebration, including an Opening Ceremony at Sun Peaks on Wednesday, February 3, public viewings of the Stanley Cup®, the Memorial Cup, school visits and minor hockey clinics. On Saturday, February 6 at Sandman Centre, hockey fans will enjoy a youth road hockey tournament, a live broadcast onsite with Ron MacLean and coverage of simultaneous NHL® games, NHL Alumni™ autograph sessions, free merchandise, and a Blazers pre-game party. The weekend will also play host to Scotiabank's Community HockeyFest event, where sponsored minor hockey teams can participate in an on-ice clinic with NHL Alumni™.

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada is a nationally televised event, produced by Sportsnet. Each year a host city is selected from a number of applicants, with the 2016 event to be hosted in Kamloops, BC.

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada's 16th annual celebration continues an important Canadian tradition. Previous host locations include: Halifax, NS (2015); Lloydminster, AB/SK (2014); Peterborough, ON (2013); Prince Edward Island (2012); Whitehorse, Yukon (2011); Stratford, ON (2010); Campbellton, N.B. (2009); Winkler, MB (2008); Nelson, B.C. (2007); Stephenville, N.L., (2006); Shaunavon, SK (2004); Iqualuit, Nunavut (2003); Windsor, N.S. (2002); Red Deer, AB (2001); and Toronto, ON (2000).

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