The world's best junior hockey players will descend on Ottawa from to for the IIHF World Junior Championship. As a major supporter of Hockey Canada, and official title sponsor of the Samsung Hockey Country Experience, Samsung Electronics Canada is staging a number of special events to ensure an unparalleled entertainment experience for hockey fans.

"Samsung continues to be a proud supporter of hockey in Canada," said Benjamin Lee, president of Samsung Electronics Canada. "We are thrilled to participate in the IIHF World Junior Championship. Our sponsorship of the Samsung Hockey Country Experience is a natural fit with Samsung's Get Together for the Game campaign, designed to connect hockey fans and communities across the country and further ignite their passion for the game."

A major component of the Samsung Hockey Country Experience (HCE) is Samsung's FanFest at Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park, a unique experience complete with interactive games, a Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit and live TSN feeds.

Fans are encouraged to participate in the Samsung Hockey Challenge – an NHL09 gaming competition that runs from to . Contestants will compete head-to-head and those who earn the daily top scores will receive a free copy of EA SPORTS NHL09. The competition's overall top scorer will receive two tickets to the gold medal game while the runner-up will receive two tickets to the bronze medal game. A special media challenge is scheduled from 10am to 12pm on January 2nd.

In addition to its HCE sponsorship, Samsung is using this occasion to stage a used hockey equipment drive. Visitors to the event are encouraged to donate their gently-used hockey equipment for the benefit of the Ottawa District Hockey Association and its existing equipment donation programs. All equipment will be re-distributed to children in need throughout the Ottawa Valley.

Donations can be made on January 2nd outside Samsung's FanFest at the Aberdeen Pavilion, in front of the entrance facing the Rideau Canal at Lansdowne Park. Donations will be accepted from 12:00pm to 7:00pm.
   
The Samsung Hockey Country Experience will take advantage of Ottawa's distinguishing features, showcasing what the nation's capital can offer during the winter months. Additional components of the HCE program include:

Samsung Hockey Canada House – a large tent at SBP Arena with food and entertainment. Tent passes can be purchased by visiting www.capitaltickets.ca .

Samsung New Year's Eve Celebration – a stage located on the Rideau Canal that will host a live New Year's Eve celebration, screening of the Canada vs. USA game, fireworks display and a live performance by Finger Eleven.

Rideau Canal Skateway – a section of the canal, adjacent to Lansdowne Park, will be used to stage special events (ice conditions and weather permitting).

For more information, please contact:
André Brin, Hockey Canada, 403-540-8444
Phil Legault, 2009 IIHF WJC host committee, 613-599-0327