Special Guest Announced For MasterCard Memorial Cup

Press Release

Mr. Hockey® - Gordie Howe® is coming home for the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

The host organizing committee is pleased to announce that Mr. Hockey® - Gordie Howe®will be the guest of honour for the May 21 game between the OHL and QMJHL champions in Saskatoon. He is one of eight Saskatchewan hockey legends who will be honoured during pre-game ceremonies at the 10-day event. Additional VIPs will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Tron Power is the presenting sponsor for the May 21 special appearance by Mr. Hockey® - Gordie Howe®.

“Having Gordie Howe participate in the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup is a natural,” says Jack Brodsky, co-chair of the event. “His name is synonymous with hockey, and for people from these parts, it’s also synonymous with Saskatoon, so we’re extremely excited about the opportunity to honour him in his hometown."

Born in Floral, Saskatchewan, and raised in Saskatoon, Mr. Hockey® - Gordie Howe® celebrated his 85th birthday on March 31. Between the NHL and WHA, he played in 2,186 regular-season games and won six Hart Trophies as the NHL’s most valuable player. His name is engraved on the Stanley Cup four times as a member of the Detroit Red Wings.

The 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup host organizing committee looks forward to welcoming home Mr. Hockey®.

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

About 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup

The MasterCard Memorial Cup is the Canadian Hockey League championship and will feature the top team from the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, as well as the host team, Saskatoon Blades. The championship will take place May 16-26, 2013. The 10-day event will include a community-wide celebration showcasing alumni events, concerts and the CHL Awards. The Saskatoon Blades last hosted the MasterCard Memorial Cup in 1989.

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