2012 IIHF World Junior Championship Kicks Off With First Pre-Competition Game in Calgary

WJC.018.11
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December 18, 2011
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Paul Brandt's "I Was There" music video to premiere at Team Canada pre-competition game

Calgary, Alberta () – Team Canada fans get their first look at this year's edition of Canada's National Junior Team when it takes on Finland in the pre-tournament opener for both, at 7 p.m. tonight at the Saddledome. The game will also be the first time music and hockey fans will be able to view the music video for Paul Brandt's "I Was There," the official theme song of the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Tonight's pre-tournament game is the only time Calgary fans will be able to see Team Canada play in their city before the World Juniors kick off Dec. 26. The launch of the "I Was There" music video will pay tribute to hockey fans, who were selected based on their best hockey story submissions, to be featured in the music video. Hometown fans will also receive a special video message from Paul Brandt.

"We have waited a long time for this day and this first pre-competition game is sure to set the stage for some great hockey in the coming weeks," said Jim Peplinski, co-chair of the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship. "The launch of the 'I Was There' video is the final touch on what promises to be an incredible tournament."

"I'm excited for hockey fans and country music fans alike to see the finished video tonight for 'I Was There' at the first IIHF World Junior Championship pre-competition game," said Paul Brandt. "I hope this video encompasses the spirit of hockey, and the passion that Canadians have for our sport."

The song, which shares its title with the slogan of the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, is now available for download at www.hockeycanada.ca/2012juniors, or through iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/i-was-there-single/id484120902. The official video will be available for viewing at www.edmontonjournal.com/paulbrandt.

The 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship officially begins Dec. 26 in both Edmonton and Calgary. Team Canada, silver medallist at the last two World Juniors, opens the tournament on Boxing Day against Finland at 1:30 p.m. MT at Rexall Place in Edmonton. For the full tournament schedule, please visit www.hockeycanada.ca/2012juniors.

About the World Juniors

The International Ice Hockey Federation World Under-20 Championship (colloquially known as the World Junior Championship) is an annual event for national under-20 ice hockey teams from around the world. The tournament features the top ten ranked hockey nations in the world, from which a world champion is crowned.  The 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held Dec. to Jan. in Calgary and Edmonton.

About Paul Brandt

Paul Brandt is the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history. Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, his first big break was in 1996 with the single "My Heart has a History," which hit No. 1 in Canada and made him the first Canadian male country artist to reach the Billboard Top Ten in the U.S. since Hank Snow in 1974. Paul has nine tremendously successful albums to his credit to date. In September 2011 Paul released his latest album Give It Away, and his first ever box set collection, titled NOW, featuring all of his award-winning albums and much more. In addition to his music, Paul also has a strong passion for helping people, working with a number of charities, including his own foundation, The Priceless Gift of Hope Foundation, and being involved with humanitarian pursuits around the globe.

For more information and interview inquiries please contact:

Alisha Samnani
Brookline Public Relations, Inc.
Office: 403 538 5641 ext 102

For more information:

Esther Madziya
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 284-6484 

[email protected] 

Spencer Sharkey
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 777-4567

[email protected]

Jeremy Knight
Manager, Corporate Communications
Hockey Canada

(647) 251-9738

[email protected]

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