MEDIA AVAILABILITY
January 11, 2012
For immediate release
ESSO MINOR HOCKEY WEEK KICKS OFF THURSDAY
CALGARY, ALTA - Hockey Calgary and Imperial Oil are pleased to announce the kick off to the 42nd Annual Esso Minor Hockey Week. The opening ceremonies will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at South Fish Creek Recreation Complex Arena 1.
"This tournament is like the Stanley Cup for these kids and their enthusiasm never fails to rub off on us. The tournament is growing every year thanks to Imperial Oil and we are fortunate to continue our partnership with them,” said Todd Millar, president, Hockey Calgary.
The opening ceremonies will see some of Calgary's favourite mascots, Hitmen players Cody Sylvester and Brock Sutherland, Founder of Respect in Sport Sheldon Kennedy, Imperial Oil Public Affairs Advisor Jon Harding, Hockey Calgary President Todd Millar and a figure skating show with figure skaters from Indus Figure Skating club.
“Imperial Oil and the Esso brand are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the company’s association with the game of hockey in Canada,” said Brad Merkel, vice-president and general manager Fuels Marketing, Imperial Oil. “Imperial’s proud support of Hockey Calgary’s successful Esso Minor Hockey Week tournament is a reflection of our dedication to the game and we wish everyone involved a safe, fun and successful tournament.”
What: Esso Minor Hockey Week Opening Ceremonies
When: Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012
Where: South Fish Creek Recreation Complex (100-333 Shawville Blvd. SE)
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
In Attendance: Hockey Calgary President, Todd Millar
Imperial Oil Public Affairs Advisor Jon Harding
Former NHL player and founder of Respect in Sport Sheldon Kennedy
Calgary Hitmen players Cody Sylvester and Brock Sutherland
Game following the ceremony: Bantam Division 2 (Midnapore vs Shaw Meadows)
Esso Minor Hockey Week is the largest minor hockey tournament in the world, seeing over 8,600 kids, 500 teams, 2,500 coaches and 4,000 volunteers through the week. This year Esso Minor Hockey Week is taking place between Jan. 12 – Jan. 21.
Esso Minor Hockey Week creates friendly competition throughout the entire city and we want YOU to be a part of it. Please visit the Hockey Calgary web site at www.hockeycalgary.com for the full schedule.
-30-
For more information, please contact
Christina Rogers
Manager, Communications, Marketing and Events
Hockey Calgary
christina@hockeycalgary.com
Office: (403) 245-5773 ext. 203
Cell: (403) 354-4407