New Million Dollar Hockey Pool invites Ontarians to streak for a great cause

TORONTO, Sept. 2, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society is calling on hockey fans in Ontario to put their knowledge of the game to the test in Million Dollar Hockey Pool, Canada's first major charitable sports pool to offer a $1 million prize.

Sports broadcasters Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole, hockey legends Doug Gilmour and Brad Marsh and a team of underwater hockey players joined the Canadian Cancer Society today at a downtown pool to launch this new online hockey pool that will provide much-needed funding for the charity's important work.

Million Dollar Hockey Pool is easier to play than many fantasy sports pools because contestants don't have to manage a roster of players. The goal of the pool is to put together the longest winning streak by selecting a winning team from scheduled games every day. The players that put together a streak of 45 games or more are eligible to win $1 million. Players can also win a variety of other prizes that are up for grabs throughout the hockey season.

"Many sports fans might not know that Dan and I have a tremendous passion for both streaking and sports pools," says Million Dollar Hockey Pool ambassador Jay Onrait. "Naturally, we'd like lots of company while we streak, so we challenge all of you sports pool hot shots out there to register now and see how your picks stack up against ours throughout the season."

Register now
Starting today, Ontarians 18 and older can register for Million Dollar Hockey Pool at milliondollarhockeypool.ca. The registration fee is $50 per player with proceeds supporting cancer research and services that help people who are living with the disease. Games can be selected up to a week in advance for the duration of the contest, which runs for the regular hockey season — October 8, 2014, through April 11, 2015. Follow the Million Dollar Hockey Pool action on Twitter at @CCSHockeyPool and use #milliondollarhockey to join the conversation.

"By playing Million Dollar Hockey Pool, you could win $1 million and other great prizes plus fight cancer at the same time. Talk about a win-win situation," says Mike Kirkpatrick, Director of Marketing for the Canadian Cancer Society in Ontario. "We know that many Ontarians already participate in some kind of fantasy sports league. With Million Dollar Hockey Pool, sports pool fans can now support cancer research and services that help people who are living with the disease."

Last year the Canadian Cancer Society invested $45 million in cancer research, supporting the best scientists across Canada.  Last year in Ontario alone, almost 50,000 people were helped through the Society's information and support services, making the cancer journeys of patients and their families less overwhelming.

About the Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario)
Through our mission, the Canadian Cancer Society fights more than 200 different types of cancer on numerous fronts. From cancer prevention activities to advocacy efforts on important issues, we give a voice to cancer patients and their families. We also fund the best research and offer information and support services that are proven to decrease stress and anxiety in patients and caregivers. The work of the Canadian Cancer Society is supported by our volunteers and the generous support of Million Dollar Hockey Pool and other fundraising campaigns, such as Daffodil Month and Relay For Life. To learn more, call 1 888 939-3333 or visit cancer.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division)

For further information: or to book an interview opportunity, please contact: Bria Weaver, [e-mail], 416-960-5100 x 292; Camille Beaubien, [e-mail], 416-323-7181