Air Canada Centre to host star-studded inaugural CWHL All-Star Game
TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - Fresh off a thrilling 2014 4 Nations Cup in Kamloops, British Columbia, women's hockey fans will not have to wait long before they get another chance to cheer on their favourite female hockey stars. With support from the Toronto Maple Leafs, the inaugural Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) All-Star Game will be held at Air Canada Centre on December 13, 2014. Additionally, as part of an existing four-year broadcast deal, the game will air on Sportsnet, giving further exposure to these hockey superstars.
"We are grateful to the Toronto Maple Leafs for their support and partnership, without which this extraordinary event would not be possible," said Brenda Andress, CWHL Commissioner. "The inaugural CWHL All Star Game presents an incredible opportunity for the league to showcase its top talent both in person at Air Canada Centre and through our broadcast partnership with Sportsnet. As we grow the league and its fan base it seems only natural to add an event like this to our annual calendar of exceptional sporting entertainment. We invite all fans to join us on December 13th and at CWHL games in their communities throughout the season."
The first annual CWHL All- Star Game is a free event that will feature some of the best female hockey professionals in the world. The best 40 CWHL players including 19 Olympians and National Team players from their respective countries will entertain fans and shine a light on the high-level of athleticism and competition the CWHL provides. The 40 players were pre-selected based on input from players, coaches and management of the five CWHL teams. On November 20th, the participating players will be announced and from November 29th to December 10th, fans will be able to vote, online, for their favourite player to captain one of the two All-Star teams. To complete the selection process, a private draft will be held on December 12th with both captains picking their first five players. Remaining players will be chosen road hockey style, by way of a random stick pull.
At the inaugural CWHL All Star-Game, fans will have the opportunity to witness women's professional hockey with the feel of an NHL-game experience. The day will begin with a skills competition, followed by two full periods of hockey.
The CWHL is the premier, professionally run women's hockey league in the world and features the best international female players. Currently, the league consists of five teams, including the Toronto Furies, Boston Blades, Brampton Thunder, Calgary Inferno and Montreal Stars.
For more information or to RSVP to the game, please visit mapleleafs.com/cwhlallstar
About the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL)
The CWHL is the premier, professionally-run women's hockey league in the world. It enables elite female hockey players to pursue their dreams of competing at the highest level possible, while enhancing the lives of others through exceptional athleticism, entertainment and motivation. The league is centrally funded, with all participating teams in the CWHL receiving equal access to financial support and given the same opportunities to succeed. The CWHL is a not-for-profit organization, with every dollar going towards building a league that is dedicated to raising the profile of women's hockey, providing a place for the best female players in the world to compete and inspiring the next generation of female hockey heroines.
SOURCE: Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
Media contacts: Abby Albino, MLSE, [email protected]; Kristen Lipscombe, CWHL, [email protected]
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