Canada-based financial services company CIBC has entered into a partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, which oversees the organisation of the world’s largest development ice hockey competition.
The deal will run for five seasons, from 2016-17 to 2020-21.
CIBC will become the official bank of the CHL and its three regional leagues, the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
The deal also includes the sponsorship of 23 CHL teams, title sponsorship of the Canada Russia Series and associate sponsorship of the Memorial Cup and CHL Top Prospects Game.
CIBC also will provide financial management, advice and banking resources to the CHL, as well as support the league’s scholarship program.
The firm will activate the sponsorship and mark the start of the 2016-17 season at various opening week games in 23 communities across Canada, with these activities to continue throughout the season. In addition, CIBC will support KidSport, a national non-profit initiative that aims to encourage children to get active.
CHL president David Branch said: “CIBC's commitment to our teams and to the CIBC Canada Russia Series will help us showcase some of the best major junior players in the world to hockey fans across the country.”