Scotiabank has agreed a deal to become the official bank of Canadian ice hockey team the Vancouver Canucks.
The length of the deal, which was struck through the team’s Canucks Sports and Entertainment division, was not disclosed.
Through the partnership, the Canadian bank and the team will focus on programmes to support Canucks fans, community initiatives and grassroots ice hockey.
Scotiabank and the Canucks marked the deal by presenting ‘Open Scrimmages’ from September 13-15 at the team’s Rogers Arena stadium. Fans were invited to participate in a number of initiatives such as question-and-answer sessions with former players.
Future joint programmes will include a community hockey in-game feature where Scotiabank-sponsored teams that have made a positive impact on the local community will be recognised at Canucks home matches. In addition, free hockey festival Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest will offer girls aged between seven and 14 the chance to improve their on- and off-ice skills. Scotiabank will also support the Canucks for Kids Fund initiative.
Scotiabank already sponsors over 4,500 minor ice hockey teams across Canada as part of its Scotiabank Community Hockey Sponsorship Programme.
Dave Poole, Scotiabank’s senior vice-president for the British Columbia and Yukon Region, said: “Over the last several years, we’ve developed programmes that unite us with professional and grassroots players and leagues, connecting fans with teams and this sport we all love. Our partnership with the Vancouver Canucks is a natural fit for us as we expand our hockey programme in communities across Canada.”