The Home Depot Expands Commitment to
Junior & Community Hockey across Canada

Addition of nine new teams to its Community Hockey Program brings total to 56

Download your ballot here

The Home Depot today announced that it is expanding its Community Hockey Program to include nine new Junior hockey teams from communities across Canada. With the addition of the Cowichan Valley Capitals, The Home Depot now supports 56 Junior, Canadian University and American Hockey league teams coast-to-coast with funding and volunteer support for local community hockey events and initiatives.

“Whether funding community-run coaching clinics or helping to re-build local rinks, The Home Depot is proud to have been a part of community hockey in Canada for more than fifteen years and to now expand our commitment to include nine new teams,” said Peg Hunter, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, The Home Depot Canada. “Supporting high level hockey in the communities we serve allows us to build strong relationships with our customers, while giving back in a meaningful way.”

The newest members of The Home Depot’s Community Hockey Program include Junior hockey teams located in Port Alberni, BC; Campbell River, BC; Collingwood, ON; Duncan, BC; Halifax, NS; Mississauga, ON; Montreal, QC; Okotoks, BC; and Sarnia, ON. As part of the program, each team will be paired with a local The Home Depot store and will work together to bring the partnership to life through Backyard Rink Contests, On the Bench know-how coaching clinics and innovative in-arena experiences for fans.

“The Home Depot is new to our community and The Capitals are excited to be working with them and promoting the “On the Bench” contest with our local minor hockey associations said Capitals Business Manager Shari Paterson.
The Home Depot is more than a sponsor – they are our community partner.”

Highlighting the importance of community hockey to Canadians, close to nine million fans attended Junior hockey games across the country in 2008; more than the combined attendance of all six Canadian NHL teams.

“From Junior to university leagues across Canada, community hockey is a source of pride for the communities we serve,” added Hunter. “Through The Home Depot’s Community Hockey program we are proud to help build home teams in Canadian towns and cities, while supporting an important piece of Canadian culture.”

Download your ballot here