News
Power Wheelchair Hockey Shoots For Live Broadcast
Aug, 6th, 2010
Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League (TPWHL) is bringing players together for a
full weekend of competitive Hockey. What makes this event special is that for the first
time, games will be broadcasted LIVE on Gretky.com/tpwhl/ through web streaming video.
This will allow teams to play for a national audience and will allow fans to tune in to
support their favourite North American TPWHL teams in real time.
The TPWHL is for kids and young adults with various disabilities who have limited upper
body strength and/or mobility. The league works hard towards physical and emotional
growth by teaching the game of hockey. This builds players into strong leaders in
sportsmanship and team spirit, regardless of their skill level.
Gretzky.com is very pleased to present this amateur sport live online and hopes this
will lead to stronger fan interaction and greater excitement for the sport of hockey.
TPWHL provides the opportunity for families to come together to share their own
experiences and offer support to one another. The tournament runs from August 6-10th
so come join in on the fun this weekend at Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St, 2nd floor
in Kerr Hall West.
For more information call 416-690-1412 or email: torontopwhl@gmail.com
Northlands welcomes Honda Canada on board as title sponsor of the 2010 Honda Indy Edmonton
Mar, 25th, 2010
MEDIA RELEASE
March 25, 2010
EDMONTON, AB – Northlands is pleased to welcome Honda Canada on board as the title sponsor for the 2010 Honda Indy Edmonton, July 23-25. The announcement was made earlier today at a media conference attended by Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel, Northlands President Ken Knowles, and Honda Canada Inc. Executive Vice-President Jerry Chenkin.
“Northlands is very pleased to welcome a national sponsorship partner like Honda Canada as the title sponsor for the 2010 Honda Indy Edmonton,” said Ken Knowles, Northlands President. “Honda Canada is a national leader in supporting innovation and community involvement in motor sports across Canada. As one of Edmonton’s leading international sporting events and tourism destinations, the 2010 Honda Indy Edmonton will provide an incredible international platform to showcase this new sponsor partnership.”
“We will be working closely with Northlands and the event sponsors to ensure the Honda Indy Edmonton remains as the largest motorsports event in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest for this year and beyond,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc.
Soichiro Honda’s love of victory helped launch a small company into a racing giant. He possessed an uncanny ability to develop technology for racing and adapt it to the consumer market. At age 22, and drawing upon his skills as a mechanic, Mr. Honda developed a V-8 Curtis Wright aircraft engine to race. He took the wheel himself that year and set a Japanese speed record hitting 75 mph. Honda Racing was born. Soichiro Honda began to tackle racing from the development standpoint, producing some of the finest engines ever to race.
Honda Canada’s commitment to racing extended well beyond international borders, and could be found in communities across Canada. The company made a visible commitment to ‘grassroots racing initiatives’ for years as evidenced through the popular Honda Michelin Challenge that ran for 17 straight years in the 1980s and ’90s.
Auto racing fans across North America get to see the best in open-wheel racing right here in Edmonton as the Honda Indy Edmonton takes to the track from July 23-25. Three-day ticket packages for the Honda Indy Edmonton are on sale now and are available online at www.edmontonindy.com or at www.ticketmaster.ca.
Northlands rocks Edmonton with 2,500 events each year that attract over 4 million visitors to Alberta’s Capital City. Think, Canadian Finals Rodeo, Farmfair International, Capital EX, Honda Indy Edmonton, the best of horse racing, headliner concerts, international events and all the trade shows you can handle. Visit northlands.com to find out more.
Media Contacts:
Brian Leadbetter
Director, Government & Community Relations
Northlands
Ph: (780) 471-7295
Cell: (780) 902-3723
E-mail: bleadbetter@northlands.com
Sid Priddle
Media Relations Manager
Honda Indy Edmonton
Cell: (780) 886-4929
E-mail: spriddle@northlands.com
Richard Jacobs
Honda Canada Inc.
(416) 287-4708
Oshawa to host World’s Best Curlers for Canadian Open
Mar, 9th, 2010
The world’s best curlers are coming to Oshawa! The Capital One Grand Slam of Curling, the World Curling Tour and iSport Media and Management announced today that Oshawa, Ont. has been awarded the hosting rights to the 2011 Canadian Open. The third leg of the men’s 2010-11 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series, the Canadian Open is scheduled to take place at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, Ont. from January 26-30, 2011.
Early bird ticket packages will go on sale to the public on Friday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be available at the General Motors Centre Box Office, by phone at 1-877-436-8811, online at www.generalmotorscentre.com, or at the United Way Information Kiosk at the Oshawa Centre. Early bird ticket packages are priced at $100.00 for a Weekend Package and $160.00 for a Five-Day Package.
“We’re elated to be returning the world’s best curlers to the GTA,” said Wendy Kane, Executive Director, Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series. “This season’s Grey Power World Cup of Curling in Mississauga was a tremendous success and we’re looking forward to carrying that momentum into Oshawa for the Canadian Open.”
An elite 18-team event consisting of the world’s top ranked curling foursomes, the field for the Canadian Open is expected to include a wealth of Olympic and World Championship medallists including Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.), Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.), David Murdoch (Lockerbie, Scotland), Brad Gushue (St. John’s, Nfld.), Randy Ferbey (Edmonton, Alta.), Thomas Ulsrud (Oslo, Norway), Wayne Middaugh (Etobicoke, Ont.), Jeff Stoughton (Winnipeg, Man.) and Kerry Burtnyk (Winnipeg, Man.).
The event features a total purse of $100,000 (CDN).
“The management and staff of the General Motors Centre are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the 2011 Canadian Open and bring this truly remarkable world class international event to Oshawa and the Durham Region,” stated Global Spectrum’s Vince Vella, General Manager of the General Motors Centre. “As the General Motors Centre’s first curling event, the 2011 Canadian Open will be a great test for our facility. I am confident that we will exceed everyone’s expectations and demonstrate that our staff and facility can accommodate events of the highest caliber. We also look forward to working with members of our local curling clubs who have been a guiding force during the bid process.”
The Canadian Open will mark the second consecutive season that the Greater Toronto Area has played host to a Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event. In 2009-10, the Grey Power World Cup of Curling was contested at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ont.
“What great news for Oshawa, the General Motors Centre and our downtown,” said Mayor John Gray. “Our city is absolutely thrilled to host the Canadian Open, and we welcome the world’s best curlers, and their dedicated fans. Our city and the General Motors Centre are uniquely positioned to provide a first-class event. Prepare to be amazed as Oshawa proudly shows itself off as a world-class venue and community,”
The 2011 Canadian Open will mark the 10th edition of the event. Martin, Canada’s 2010 Olympic representative, won this season’s tournament which was contested at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Man. in January.
The 2010-11 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series will begin with the Grey Power World Cup of Curling, taking place at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ont. from November 3-7, 2010. The series will continue with The National, scheduled from December 15-19, 2010 at the Wesbilt Centre in Vernon, B.C. before moving to Oshawa for the Canadian Open. The 2010-2011 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series concludes with the Grey Power Players’ Championship, a joint men’s and women’s event, scheduled for April 12-17, 2011 at the Crystal Centre in Grande Prairie, Alta.
As part of its exclusive agreement, CBC will air live playoff coverage of the first three men’s 2010-11 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events. CBC will also broadcast the men’s and women’s finals of the 2011 Grey Power Players’ Championship.
Held annually since 2001-02, the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling features the world’s best players in one series.
The Kevin Smith & Walter Gretzky Show
Feb, 26th, 2010
When filmmaker Kevin Smith first learned about the Gretzky family, he never imagined he would get the chance to stage a press conference with Canada’s most famous hockey dad.
On Wednesday, a dream came true, as he and Walter spoke to the press at Wayne Gretzky’s Restaurant in Toronto to announce their plans for the fourth annual Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament.
“Never in a million years did I think I’d do this,” Smith said during an interview following the announcement. “Reading about the Gretzky family and all the work they’ve done was something … This was just incredible. Aside from everything else that is happening with this tournament, I got to hang out with Walter Gretzky today.”
True to his style, Smith started the event with a joke, saying he had called the press conference to announce that the Edmonton Oilers were trading Walter to the Los Angeles Kings.
He and Walter then spoke about the fourth edition of Brantford’s street hockey tournament.
Kevin Martin Captures Fifth BDO Classic Canadian Open
Feb, 6th, 2010
Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.), Canada’s 2010 Olympic representative, captured his record 14th career Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event title this afternoon after defeating defending champion Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.) 6-4 in the finals of the BDO Classic Canadian Open at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Man. The five-day event concluded with a total attendance of 43,392.
Today’s final against Howard was Team Martin’s last competitive game before travelling to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
“You can’t ask for better (Olympic) preparation than this, with the ice being almost perfect and probably a lot like it will be in Vancouver,” said Martin. “I know (Team Norway) would feel the same way. It was great for them to be here and play on those kinds of conditions and just to get ready. And you can’t find better competition than the Grand Slam either. So the timing is perfect.”
The victory was Martin’s fifth career BDO Classic Canadian Open championship following titles during the 2002-03, 2004-05, 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.
With the win, Martin improved to 14-6 in career Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event finals while Howard dropped to 8-4. The victory snapped a two year Slam title drought for Martin who was winless in his previous eight Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events.
“It’s nice to get (another Slam). It’s been a while,” added Martin, who concluded the event with a perfect 8-0 mark. “Everybody is so tough in these events and to win one is huge and you just have to get back on the track. Once you start to not win them, it’s tough to get back on that winning track.”
Martin seized control of the game early, scoring two points in the first end on an open hit and adding another two points with a tap back in the third frame to race out to a 4-1 advantage.
With Martin ahead 5-2 through six ends, Howard closed the gap in the seventh frame after executing a double takeout for two points.
Holding the hammer in the eighth and final end, Martin secured the victory after Howard failed to draw around a guard and carve his rock inside the four-foot with his final stone.
“That wasn’t a great game by any stretch,” said Howard, who finished the tournament at 7-1. “I don’t think either team played very well. (Kevin’s team) is getting better which is good to see.”
In 2008-09, Howard defeated Martin 8-4 at the MTS Centre to capture his first career BDO Classic Canadian Open title.
Despite the loss, Howard’s second place finish propelled his team into the overall lead in the Capital One Cup standings with 16 points. Randy Ferbey (Edmonton, Alta.) is currently in second place with 14 points while Martin and Brad Gushue (St. John’s, Nfld.) are tied for third place with 13 points each.
The Capital One Cup is a points-based competition that rewards the top three men’s and women’s teams which record the highest cumulative results during the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events.
In 2008-09, Howard’s foursome captured the inaugural Capital One Cup, earning a $50,000 (CDN) bonus.
As tournament champions, Martin’s team won $25,000 (CDN) and earned 40.000 Canadian Team Ranking System (CTRS) points. By finishing second, Howard’s squad took home $17,500 (CDN) along with 27.000 CTRS points.
The BDO Classic Canadian Open was also site of the Capital One Million Dollar Button national final.
Alma Laidlaw, 63, of Guelph, Ont. won $1,000 (CDN) in the finals of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest today after her rock failed to land in the rings.
As the contest’s national finalist, Laidlaw had just one opportunity to cover the button for $1 million (CDN).
The final of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest aired live on CBC Television during the game’s fourth end break.
Held annually since 2001-02, the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling features the world’s best players in one series.
Jodeyne Higgins: There will never be another tonight!
Jan, 15th, 2010
Hi everyone, hope that you all had a great week. Wow, it is hard to believe that we have reached the final weekend. The time really has flown by. When you think about all of the days and the memories it sure is amazing what each of the guys accomplished. They each succeeded in their own way.
It has been a great week because all of us from the show have been back together putting together a couple of numbers for the final shows. So, it has been nice to spend time together talking and just enjoying time with friends. The only thing that has been hard is that we have been able to relax for the most part as we are not competing this weekend but, the three other pairs are so they are still very focused as it is the final push for them to put every last little bit of effort into their performances. I am sure they are all pretty tired as they have been working very hard to make sure all of the fine details have been covered.
Skatebuzz designed to keep fans and newbies plugged in
Jan, 8th, 2010
When Skate Canada CEO William Thompson had the idea of an interactive, and at times, live website devoted to coverage of figure skating, he wondered if the older skating fans would get on board.
He soon had the answer when his 70-something mother was in the stands at the HomeSense Skate Canada International event in Kitchener last fall. She was plugged in and listening to the www.skatebuzz.com in-house commentary called Skatebug.
“She loved it; she really enjoyed it” said Thompson, a skating judge, who had an assignment at the last Winter Olympics in Turin, and a former competitor.
“It’s not just appealing to a younger demographic.”
Skatebuzz had a soft launch in October and has been adding material ever since.
This week at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships at both the Western Fair Sports Centre and the John Labatt Centre, daily coverage is offered on the website, with host Debbi Wilkes leading the way.
Capital One Million Dollar Button Contest
Jan, 1st, 2010
Guelph’s Alma Laidlaw Wins $1,000 in Capital One Million Dollar Button Contest
Alma Laidlaw, 63, of Guelph, Ont. won $1,000 in the finals of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest today at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Man. after her rock failed to reach the rings.
“It was a lot harder not having a practice shot,” said Laidlaw following her throw. “It was hard to know what weight to throw but the whole experience has been a fabulous opportunity.”
As the national finalist of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest, Laidlaw had just one opportunity to cover the button for $1 million (CDN).
Laidlaw’s $1 million attempt aired live on CBC Television during the fourth end break of the BDO Classic Canadian Open championship game between Kevin Martin and Glenn Howard.
Laidlaw advanced to the finals of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest yesterday after emerging from a pool of six semi-finalists when her rock landed 63.5 inches / 161.3 centimetres from the button – the closest of all the competitors.
During the finals of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest, Laidlaw had an opportunity to win $100,000 (CDN) if the rock touched any part of the button. Alternatively, $25,000 (CDN) would have been awarded if the rock touched the four-foot circle. A prize of $10,000 (CDN) would have been awarded if the stone touched the eight-foot circle while a rock that touched the 12-foot circle was worth $5,000 (CDN). A throw that did not land on any of the rings was worth $1,000. Full contest details are available at www.capitalone.ca/button.
Last year, Ron Trottier of Osoyoos, B.C. came within 35 inches / 89 centimetres of winning $1 million after his shot slid just past the button. Trottier’s shot was good enough to earn him $10,000 (CDN) as the inaugural finalist of the Capital One Million Dollar Button.
The Capital One Million Dollar Button is Canada’s first ever million dollar curling contest.