News Release
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release March 13, 2017 Celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Stanley Cup® Where the Tradition Began Ottawa – the only city on the continent to host festivities
Ottawa – The Ottawa 2017 Bureau, the National Hockey League and the Ottawa Senators, in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, the Canadian Museum of History and Lord Stanley’s Gift Memorial Monument, are delighted to invite hockey fans everywhere to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Stanley Cup® in Canada’s capital region from March 15 to 19.
As Canada marks its 150th birthday, this memorable five-day event will celebrate the integral role hockey has played in shaping our country’s identity and the longstanding love and admiration Canadians have for our national treasure, the Stanley Cup®. It is the signature event in all of North America to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup®.
Schedule of events:
Wednesday, March 15 Stanley Cup® 125th Evening Celebration ($) 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Canadian Museum of History
Members of the 100 Greatest NHL® Players, including Mike Bossy, Paul Coffey, Dave Keon, Guy Lafleur, Frank Mahovlich, Bernie Parent and Bryan Trottier will join special guests and the Stanley Cup® for a soirée with guest speakers, entertainment and an exclusive viewing of the newly opened hockey exhibit. In support of the Ottawa Senators Foundation and their commitment to the Lord Stanley’s Gift Monument.
Thursday, March 16 The Stanley Cup® Returns Home During March Break (Free) 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. Rideau Hall
The Governor General David Johnston will welcome the iconic trophy back to Rideau Hall, along with 100 Greatest NHL® Players Mike Bossy, Paul Coffey, Dave Keon, Frank Mahovlich, Bernie Parent and Bryan Trottier. The public will be able to have their picture taken inside the residence, beneath the official portrait of Lord Stanley, Canada’s 6th governor general and donator of the Stanley Cup®. Visitors are also
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invited to lace up their skates and hit the ice on Rideau Hall’s refrigerated outdoor skating rink.
NHL Centennial Fan Arena (Free) 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Canadian Tire Centre
An interactive traveling fan experience, the NHL Centennial Fan Arena is a main pillar of the League’s Centennial festivities honoring a century’s worth of extraordinary players, teams, remarkable plays and unforgettable moments. Fans can experience the innovative Museum Truck; clean a sheet of ice in a one-of-a-kind virtual reality Zamboni game; or watch some of the NHL’s greatest highlights and stories on a giant video screen.
Friday, March 17 Pre-Show Hockey Zone (Free) 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Outside Plaza of the Canadian Tire Centre
Everyone’s invited to take part in the Stanley Cup® Pre-Show Party, where they’ll have the opportunity to take their photo with the holy grail of hockey (from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.) and enjoy hockey themed activities, giveaways and more.
Stanley Cup® 125th Anniversary Tribute Concert ($) 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Canadian Tire Centre
This original concept show features musical performances by Metric, The Sheepdogs, Bobby Bazini and Kevin Bazinet. The concert includes tales of Stanley Cup® glory from hockey legends Mike Bossy, Dave Keon, Guy Lafleur, Frank Mahovlich, Bernie Parent and Bryan Trottier, six of the 100 Greatest NHL® Players in history, in addition to rare archival footage of some of hockey’s most historic moments. The Stanley Cup® will be the guest of honour at this memorable experience for all ages. Liam Maguire, NHL historian, author and radio personality, will host the event along with renowned hockey sports anchor Chantal Machabée.
Saturday, March 18 Stanley Cup® Monument Ground-Breaking Ceremony (Free) 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Sparks Street at Elgin Street
In December 2017, a monument to mark the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup® will be unveiled in Canada’s capital, steps from the very birthplace of hockey’s most treasured trophy. Residents and visitors will witness the ground-breaking ceremony at the site of this future national landmark on Sparks Street, 125 years to the day that the Stanley Cup® was born.
NHL Centennial Fan Arena (Free) Noon – 6 p.m. (Stanley Cup®: noon – 5 p.m.) Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne
(See above). In addition to the fan activations mentioned above, the Stanley Cup® will be available for fans to get their photo taken.
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Sunday, March 19 NHL Centennial Fan Arena (Free) Noon – Post-Game (Stanley Cup®: noon – 7 p.m.) Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne
(See above). In addition to the fan activations mentioned above, the Stanley Cup® will be available for fans to get their photo taken. Fans are also invited to a viewing party to watch the Montreal Canadiens host rival Ottawa Senators. The viewing party begins at 7:30 p.m.
Ongoing Hockey ($) Daily Canadian Museum of History
Until October 9, 2017, sports enthusiasts can explore a new hockey exhibition developed by the Canadian Museum of History that celebrates the sport’s evolution and its widespread appeal.
Stanley Cup® 125th Anniversary Tribute events are being organized by the Ottawa 2017 Bureau, the National Hockey League, the Ottawa Senators, the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General and Lord Stanley’s Gift Memorial Monument. For more information visit http://www.ottawa2017.ca/events/signature-events/stanley-cup-tribute/.
About Ottawa 2017 Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations will offer Canadians and visitors from around the world an exceptional and memorable year of high-caliber experiences while bringing a record number of visitors to Ottawa in 2017 to celebrate this important milestone for our country.
Ottawa 2017 thanks the Government of Ontario (www.ontario.ca/150 #ontario150) and the Government of Canada (www.canada.ca/150 #canada150) for their contributions in helping to deliver the Stanley Cup® Tribute celebrations.
Stay informed on plans for Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations in the capital. Visit ottawa2017.ca, follow us on Twitter @2017ottawa (#Ottawa2017) and on Facebook.
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Media information:
Ottawa 2017 Rideau Hall Press Office Denise LeBlanc Marie-Ėve Létourneau Manager, Media Relations 613-998-0287 613-858-1506 613-302-0912 (cell) [email protected] [email protected]
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National Hockey League Lord Stanley’s Gift Monument Jasmine Ghafour Barry Padolsky Manager, Communications Professional Advisor and Project Manager [email protected] 613-241-7198 [email protected]
Ottawa Senators Canadian Museum of History Brian Morris Stephanie Verner Senior Director, Communications Media Relations Officer 613-599-0289 819-776-7169 [email protected] [email protected]
NHL, the NHL Shield and the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup are registered trademarks and the Stanley Cup 125th Anniversary logo is a trademark of the National Hockey League. Ottawa Senators name and primary logo are registered trademarks and the Senators' Anniversary logo is a trademark of the NHL team. © NHL 2017. All Rights Reserved.
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