Earlier in November, I had written a quick article about the Scotiabank Big Save Contest that would allow teams to compete for a chance to head to Whitehorse, Yukon as a part of CBC's Hockey Day In Canada. Personally, I wished that I had had the opportunity to participate in contests like this when I was a kid playing hockey in my minor hockey days, but technology hadn't progressed far enough to make this Internet thing a major influence on life. Today, though, we have a winner announced in the Scotiabank Big Save Contest, and I'm excited for this team as they get to go on a trip of a lifetime!Now before we get to the winning team, let's review what was up for grabs. The winning team would receive airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, meals, and take part in lots of fun activities on February 12, 2011. And there's that little CBC venture called Hockey Day In Canada where the team will undoubtedly be featured. So that also means that everyone across Canada and parts of the northern USA will see some happy, smiling faces from one lucky team! How cool is that? The answer you're looking for is "very"!
Without further adieu, let's check out who the lucky kids and coaches are. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to present to you the winners of the Scotiabank Big Save Contest:
First off, congratulations to the Flyers for winning the contest! That's awesome, and I am extremely envious of your upcoming trip to the true Great White North in Whitehorse! There's going to be so much to see and do, and you'll probably get to meet these two guys as well!
"This is a great opportunity for our young hockey hopefuls to develop their skills through an experience they will cherish as a team for their entire lives," said Carl O'Neill, Manager for the Flyers, in the press release. "I have been involved in Petitcodiac/Salisbury minor hockey for more than 15 years and this is the greatest thing that has ever happened. Travelling to the Yukon, meeting NHL Alumni and playing with another team from across the country will help inspire the kids to reach their full potential both on and off the ice. I know this will be an experience they will never forget."
There was excitement at the local Scotiabank branch as well upon hearing that the Petitcodiac/Salisbury Bantam "A" Flyers would be making the trek north to the Yukon!
"As Canada's Hockey Bank, Scotiabank knows how important hockey is to our culture and to our community, while at the same time, we have always been committed to helping Canadians realize their savings goals," said April Caissie, local Scotiabank branch manager. "Scotiabank's community hockey programs provide exciting experiences like this one for hockey lovers in New Brunswick, and we are all going to be watching the Flyers and cheering them on throughout their journey to Whitehorse!"
I'm quite pumped about Flyers making the trip and seeing them on TV. Of course, CBC will be televising three games on Hockey Day In Canada: Ottawa at Edmonton, followed by Toronto at Montreal and Calgary at Vancouver. The team will fly to Whitehorse with the WHL's Vancouver Giants and Kamloops Blazers, and their arrival in Whitehorse will be filmed by CBC. The 17 members of the Flyers team will meet NHL alumni and play against a local minor hockey team from the Yukon in the Canada Games Centre. How cool is that?!?
Colour me green, Flyers, because I am envious. Have a great time, and congratulations on winning the Scotiabank Big Save Contest!
Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!
It was a great experience. The scotiabank was amazing.They pulled this trip off without a single hitch.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately for our hockey players, they did not get to meet Don Cherry or Ron Maclean. It was extremely disapointing for them and for us. It should have happened for them..that they got to meet them. Kind of a crappy disapointing part of the trip. Whoever was in charge of Ron and Don, should have thought of how far these kids travelled,and how big this all was for them. A real shame. It was Ron MacLean who sent them the DVD announcing our winning of the contest. It was cheap that he couldn't even be bothered to see them for even a few minutes. They should be ashamed that they couldn't spare a few minutes that day to even drop in on their hockey game. I've lost a bit of respect for them, and for the CBC, who were gracious enough**cough, cough** to give their story a lousy 2minutes of coverage in their 13hr coverage of Hockey Day in Canada. If I were the management for scotiabank, I would most definately be angry that they couldn't cover even 5minutes of their contest winners.
We were given 2 New Brunswick Tartan ties to present Rond and Don from some lovely ladies who took the time to hand make them for them. I hope our manager gave those ties to the whitehorse dignitaries who would no doubt appreciate it more then the 2 hockey night in canada icons that are obviously 2 big and 2 important for a group of 13-14yr old hockey players who flew all the way across the country to meet them.
Sincerely
Michelle Nott
Winner of the Scotiabank Big Save Contest
Congratulations on winning the Big Save Contest, Michelle! That's amazing!
ReplyDeleteWould it be possible for you to contact me via email? I have some questions. :o)
Thanks for the information on your experience (despite it being not so great)!
I sent you an email.:)
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong either, we had an amazing time. The Scotiabank treated us all like royalty. They were so organized, and so generous. We, as a team, already had a great relationship with the Scotiabank, but now, I would have to say we are even more loyal.
Meeting all the former NHL stars was not only awsome for the kids, but even the coaches. Especially the coaches. I could see the look of star struck in our head coaches eyes when Wendell Clark came on our bench to help Randy coach.
It was the best time ever!!And to have Hockey Day in Canada in the Yukon just made it that much better. The Yukon is beautiful, and the people are exactly what makes our country so great. Their hospitality and warmth was second to none. I personally think that HOckey day in Canada should be held in Whitehorse every year. It is the most perfect place in Canada to celebrate hockey's birthday. I hope someday to get back there, when I can have more time to see everything, because what I saw, makes me want to go back for more. :)