Earlier this month Scarborough’s Parkwood Major Atom Selects received an unforgettable surprise when the iconic Stanley Cup® was brought into the team dressing room just before their practice began.
“The Stanley Cup is the most revered trophy in professional sports. When I was a minor hockey player, like many of my teammates, I used to dream about skating around the ice with the Cup as part of the winning team,” said Dan Sutton, Scotiabank Branch Manager. “Scotiabank is proud to bring the thrill of that dream a little bit closer to the players on Parkwood Major Atom Selects today. Our Scotiabank Stanley Cup® Surprise and Delight campaign – in support of youth hockey – aims to ignite local hockey pride and promote the spirit and culture of our nation’s game in communities across Canada.”
The Parkwood Major Atom Selects is part of the Scotiabank Community Hockey Sponsorship Program, which sees a $1000 grant given to each branch across the country to sponsor a local minor hockey team. The program supports more than 3,700 minor hockey teams in communities across Canada through the Scotiabank Bright Future philanthropic program.
Suited up in their hockey gear, players smiled with pride and excitement as they posed for shots with the iconic Stanley Cup® throughout the practice, while friends and family were invited to jump in on the action. The team was treated to a special photo session and after-party where the official Hockey Hall of Fame Cup-Keeper answered their questions and gave them a chance to get up-close and personal with the Cup.
“The kids had absolutely no idea this was happening and it was heartwarming to see their faces light up,” said Francis Cooke, Team Coach. “I’m thrilled Scotiabank provided our team with the opportunity to be part of such an inspirational initiative, and I’m sure every player will remember the moment for the rest of their lives.”
In addition to bringing a piece of the Hockey Hall of Fame to the local Scarborough Village, Scotiabank presented the Parkwood Major Atom Selects with a $500 donation to demonstrate its commitment to community hockey and the meaningful place it has in the hearts of Canadians.