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World Juniors and City of Edmonton Host Pep Rally Today

WJC.021.11
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December 23, 2011
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Team Canada gathers at City Hall before first pre-tournament game in Edmonton

Edmonton, Alberta () – Appearing in Edmonton for the first and only time before the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship begins, Team Canada joined the World Junior committee, City of Edmonton staff and hockey fans for a pep rally at City Hall.

Edmontonians of all ages gathered to take part in the festivities which included Paul Brandt’s new music video for the tournament theme song “I Was There,” personal “I Was There” moments from the team, and a “hockey mob” to help get the crowd excited and moving.

“The City is thrilled to welcome Team Canada and the World Junior Championship to Edmonton, and we want to share our excitement with the community,” said City Councillor Ed Gibbons. “Canadians are known internationally for our hockey spirit. I know Edmontonian fans will live up to live up to this reputation and give a warm welcome to teams from around the world to our city.”

A special video message from Canadian country music superstar Paul Brandt introduced the full version of the newly-released “I Was There” music video. The song, which shares its title with the World Juniors slogan, is now available for download at www.hockeycanada.ca/2012juniors, at www.paulbrandt.com and on iTunes. Net proceeds from the song purchase of “I Was There” will be received by the Hockey Canada Foundation for its nationwide support of hockey for underprivileged kids.

“It’s great to be in Edmonton and to see and feel the support of so many fans,” said Don Hay, head coach of Canada’s 2012 National Junior Team. “We feel fortunate to be hosting the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship in Canada and I hope everyone enjoys watching our journey as we go for the gold.”

The 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship will kick off Dec. in both Edmonton and Calgary. Team Canada, silver medallists at the last two World Juniors, will begin its quest for gold against Finland on Dec. at 1:30 p.m. MT at Rexall Place in Edmonton. For a full tournament schedule please visit www.hockeycanada.ca/2012juniors.

Footage from the event will be uploaded to www.hockeycanada.ca/2012juniors early next week.

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 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 Edmonton and Calgary.

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:

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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