Calgary, AB (Wed., Sept. 10, 2008) – The players haven’t even hit the ice
yet, but the competition is intense for this year’s Face Off Against
Cancer hockey tournament. The tournament, presented by Memory’s Foundation
and the Alberta Cancer Foundation, kicks off this Friday, Sept. 12th at
the Chestermere Recreational Centre.

The team with the highest fundraising total heading into the weekend will
get the first pick of NHL alums and celebrity players taking part in the
tournament during the Smith International Celebrity Hockey Draft. That
means the 20 participating squads are jockeying for position and pulling
out all the stops to help the event reach its fundraising goal of
$250,000. Entering the stretch drive, Face Off Against Cancer has already
raised over $175,000 and we’re asking for the public’s help to reach our
ultimate goal this weekend.

Families are encouraged to come to the tournament at 7 pm Friday and check
out the Weatherford Opening Ceremonies, which will honour Crystal
Violante, who died of a rare form of malignant melanoma last year at the
age of 31. Crystal’s husband, Anthony, and baby daughter, Mattea, will
take part in the ceremonial puck drop.

On Saturday, from noon until 2 pm, players and supporters will take part
in the Pure Oil and Gas Headshave Event and throughout the weekend members
of the public can bid on great prizes in the Calgary Oldtimers Silent
Auction, including vacation getaways, rounds of golf, spa treatments,
sporting goods and Flames tickets.

On Sunday, we’ll open the rink for a family skate from 11:30 am until 2:15
pm and at 4 pm we’ll announce our final fundraising total. Join us for a
great weekend of family fun and help us raise money for malignant melanoma
research. For more information, go to www.faceoffagainstcancer.org.