And Your Winners Are...

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:

The Petitcodiac/Salisbury Bantam "A" Flyers from New Brunswick!

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!