NHL partners commence hockey season at 2013 Molson Canadian NHL Face-off in Montreal

NEW YORK – On Oct. 1, the NHL® and its corporate partners unite to help lead the Place des Festivals conversion into hockey central for the 2013 Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off™, offering fans family-friendly and free interactive games; numerous community and fundraising activities, presented by the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation; giveaways; live game broadcasts on giant video boards; prizes; and other unique experiences, including Q&A sessions with Canadiens' Alumni players.

"Launching the season is all about engaging with our fans and we're happy to share this experience in such a passionate hockey town like Montreal," said Brian Jennings, Chief Marketing Officer of the NHL. "With our partners developing a number of new ways for our fans to celebrate the start of the new season, a performance by Kings of Leon, and one of the best rivalries in sports between the Leafs and Canadiens, this event promises to be a memorable experience for everyone who attends in person and watches on TV."

From 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. ET, the 2013 Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off™ at Place des Festivals will offer the ultimate hockey experience for fans in Montreal, including street hockey clinics, bubble hockey tournaments and a Slapshot Challenge, as well as numerous community and fundraising activities, presented by the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation and Hockey Quebec. There also will be performances from Grammy® Award-winning band Kings of Leon, local Montreal hip hop group Loco Locass and Toronto-based indie rock band The Beaches.

The City of Montreal brings its support to the event with technical and logistical services.

NHL Partner activation plans include:

Bell: On display will be Bell products and services including the hottest super-smart phones in market with Mobile TV. Fans can also learn how to get exclusive advanced screenings of 24CH, a behind the scenes documentary series with the Canadiens.

Bridgestone: Fans are invited to test their accuracy and speed on a live goalie in the Bridgestone Slap Shot Challenge.

Canadian Tire: Canadian Tire will welcome minor hockey players to participate in street hockey clinics at the Canadian Tire Street Hockey Rink. Fans can also visit the Canadian Tire "We All Play for Canada" tent to share their best wishes and motivational messages for Canadian athletes at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Feel like painting your room in your favourite NHL® Team Colours? Canadian Tire has the paint for you.

Captain Morgan: When the street events wind down, those 18 years and older can head over to the official Captain Morgan NHL® After Party at Newtown, 1476 Crescent St.

Molson Canadian: Those 18 years or older can enjoy cold Molson Canadian or Coors Light beer on-site, while challenging their friends to bubble hockey and other interactive games to win prizes. Two lucky fans will compete in a Hockey Equipment Dressing Race for the chance to win a Molson Canadian NHL® beer fridge.

Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation: Fans of all ages are invited to learn more about the Foundation's mission and goals and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Show your support by purchasing the Foundation wristbands, caps or tuques. All profits will go to improve the quality of life of thousands of underprivileged children across the province of Quebec.

NHL Network: Sports broadcast enthusiasts can visit the NHL Network Fan Zone, where they will get the chance to have their photo taken at the NHL Network™ broadcast desk.

Oh Henry!: Hockey players of all skill levels who visit the Oh Henry! Hunger SHOT Challenge will have the opportunity to showcase their shooting skills by competing for the hardest shot. Speed and strength are the key to being the best. Those who participate earn a complimentary Oh Henry! bar just for playing.

Panini: Test your skills at the Panini booth for the opportunity to win packs of Panini trading cards, including the historic Double Rookie Class, by playing the popular Accuracy Challenge game

Reebok: The Reebok-CCM booth will feature the revolutionary Reebok RIBCOR stick; the first ever ribbed taper for mind blowing pop and the all new CCM RBZ Stage 2 stick powered by TaylorMade, which features freak channels in the blade for a freakishly fast shot.

Fans will be also be able to dress up as Montreal Canadiens or Toronto Maple Leafs with gear provided by Reebok-CCM.

Reese: Visitors of the "Reese Winning Duo" Photo Booth will have the opportunity to have their own personalized hockey card created onsite while wearing fantastic customized Reese chocolate and peanut butter hockey uniforms and props. They will also receive Reese giveaways and samples.

Scotiabank: Fans that stop by the Scotiabank tent can pick up a free "Fan Essential Toolkit" full of great giveaways and will have the opportunity to instantly print their own commemorative photos. They can also play Score with Scotiabank and Win! and learn about the ScotiaHockey NHL® VISA card. Every play wins, with participants receiving an NHL Face-Off commemorative backpack.

Scotiabank also will present former Canadiens Vincent Damphousse, Guy Carbonneau and Chris Nilan in a series of one-on-one interviews from the Scotiabank Stage.

Finally, Scotiabank will treat those who join the social conversation online through #scotiahockey to NHL Face-Off surprises.

SiriusXM: Join SiriusXM's NHL Network Radio™ and Hockey Night in Canada personalities as they broadcast live from NHL Face-Off. Fans will have the chance to sample SiriusXM channels and giveaways also will be handed out from the broadcast booth.

Tim Hortons: Attendees can stop by the Tim Hortons tent and enjoy complimentary coffee. Tim Hortons' Mini-Hockey Rink, designed for young hockey fans is the perfect location for children to jump in and play hockey with other young hockey fans.