Hockey fans, both young and old, are sure to have a lot of fun at the SamSung FanFest at the Aberdeen Pavillion at Lansdowne Park as part of the 2009 World Junior Championship.

Open every day from noon to 10 p.m., the free Samsung FanFest brings the energy of this world-class event to both ticket holders and those just wanting to be a part of the unique experience.

Participants can test their hockey skills with several interactive activities. This includes trying to pick the top corner against a life-sized replica of Martin Brodeur; testing the speed of your slapshot; testing your glove hand as a Team Canada goalie, and putting it all together against your friends in the Samsung Hockey Challenge, an NHL® 09 gaming competition.

“I actually did better than my dad at the accuracy shooting” said Riley Quigg, as he flashed a smile at his dad, Tim.

If the Quigg’s experience is any indication, it appears that the competitive spirit is not going to be limited to the Civic Centre or Scotiabank Place ice this week.

For those looking for a slightly different experience, you can visit cultural kiosks presented by the embassies of the participating countries, test your hockey trivia against your friends and family, view an exhibit from the Hockey Hall of Fame that includes the winning trophies from past World Junior and men’s and women’s world championships, and purchase merchandise from your favourite international hockey country. You can also have a snack or drink in the FanFest Café while watching one of the WJHC games on one of 28 big-screen TVs throughout the Samsung FanFest Pavillion.

Over the next several days, there are a few FanFest highlights that will draw a lot of attention including:

Samsung Hockey Challenge – an NHL® 09 gaming competition. Contestants will compete head-to-head and those who earn the daily top scores will receive a free copy of EA SPORTS™ NHL 09. 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 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on January 2.

- Family, Friends and Players from the Bell Capital Cup Hockey Tournament
FanFest will be closed from 6-10 p.m. to general public to allow family, friends and players from the Bell Capital Cup to enjoy the interactive experience.

- Visit from Team Canada World Junior Alumni
Past Canadian World Junior players will be on-hand from 12:30-2 p.m. to sign autographs and interact with fans.

Please note that parking will be free all-day at Lansdowne Park on .

- Samsung Gently-Used Hockey Equipment Drop-off
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.

“The busiest times are before and after games” say Jenna Mitchell and Shannon Youmelle, FanFest volunteers, “although there is lots of space for everyone to walk around the enjoy the experience.”
Regardless of when you choose to visit, it’s clear that the SamSung FanFest is an essential part of the 2009 World Junior Championship experience so make sure to add it to your holiday schedule.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Aberdeen Pavillion at Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank Street.

December 26 – 29 – Noon-10 p.m.
December 30 – Noon-6 p.m.
December 31 - January 4 – Noon-10 p.m.
January 5 -- CLOSED