MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP SPECIAL EVENTS ANNOUNCED

Press Release

SASKATOON – The host organizing committee for the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup is pleased to introduce the starting lineup for PotashCorp FanFest, running May 17-26 at the CNH Training Centre.

PotashCorp FanFest will be the social hub of this year’s junior hockey showcase. The lineup features:

    More than 20 great bands, including Rocky Night in Canada Cabarets:

          Saturday, May 18 – Loverboy with special guests Men Without Shame and The Gong Show

          Saturday, May 25 – Honeymoon Suite, Nick Gilder & Sweeney Todd, and Harlequin

Tickets for the PotashCorp Fanfest Rocky Night in Canada Cabarets go on sale this Friday, April 19 at all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge by phone at 306-938-7800 or online at Ticketmaster.ca.

Tickets only $26 plus service charges.

    A nightly Hot Stove Lounge, sponsored by Saskatchewan Lotteries, with Saskatchewan hockey legends Wendel Clark, Bryan Trottier, Bernie Federko, Brent Ashton and many more.

    Prior to each game, a Full Line Buffet with extensive salad bar, ever-changing entrees and a fabulous dessert selection will be available. This lineup combined with our special 5 Station Hockey menu prepared by two executive chefs will provide fans with a spectacular dining experience.

    More than 15 interactive games and displays at PotashCorp FanFest, where you can measure the speed of your slap shot, test your shooting accuracy, and also record your own play-by-play calls for great moments in hockey history.

    The MasterCard Memorial Cup merchandise store will be open daily inside PotashCorp FanFest at the CNH Training Centre.

    The AREVA School Program showcases colourful displays created by students from around the province. All 60 CHL teams will be represented by a class/group of students. The school program also includes two video components that will be featured throughout the tournament at PotashCorp FanFest.

“PotashCorp FanFest is to hockey what the Brier Patch is to curling,” says Scott Ford, director of PotashCorp FanFest. “We have a great variety of bands for all musical tastes and the Hot Stove Lounge offers fans a chance to hear unique perspectives from some of their hockey heroes.”

The attached PotashCorp FanFest schedule outlines all of the fun and the CNH Training Centre (230 Marquis Drive) is a 10-minute walk from the arena. A free shuttle bus will also run daily between the CNH Training Centre and the arena. Fans can access PotashCorp FanFest free with their game tickets on most days. The exceptions are the Rocky Night in Canada Cabarets which require separate tickets available through Ticketmaster.

All-new Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit celebrates CHL history

The MasterCard Memorial Cup will also feature an all-new Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit, sponsored by Kramer, with a Canadian Hockey League theme. Based at Midtown Plaza, the exhibit will be on display from May 17-26 with:

    Displays showcasing the history of the Saskatoon Blades and Saskatchewan hockey.

    Retrospectives chronicling the dominant junior careers of Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and more.

    Junior and pro memorabilia from Bernie Federko – the first Blade to be enshrined in the Hall – and recent inductee Joe Sakic.

    A collection of junior hockey hardware, plus the Canada Cup Trophy and the World Cup of Hockey.

Additional MasterCard Memorial Cup attractions include:

    MasterCard Memorial Cup Arrival Ceremony on Thursday, May 16, in Kiwanis Park at the Vimy Memorial.

    Opening banquet on May 16 at Prairieland Park, featuring NHL legends Bernie Federko and six-time Stanley Cup champion Bryan Trottier as the keynote speaker – Tickets are $150 each or $1,200 for a table of 8. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Blades’ administration office at 306-975-8844.

    Pre-game ceremonies featuring Saskatchewan hockey legends. As announced previously, Mr. Hockey® - Gordie Howe® will perform the ceremonial faceoff May 21 when the OHL champions meet the QMJHL champions.

    The CHL Awards Gala, May 25, at the Remai Arts Centre on River Landing.

Get in on the action – Full-event packages and two-game mini-packs are available for the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup through Ticketmaster. Purchase your tickets online at Ticketmaster.ca or by phone at (306) 938-7800 or 1-800-970-SEAT (7328). Event details are available at www.mastercardmemorialcup.ca

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)