WINNIPEG – Hockey Manitoba is pleased to announce that the application process is underway for the 2011 Hockey Manitoba Face-Off presented by Tim Hortons. This special event dedicated to Initiation level players will be held on Saturday, October 1st at the MTS Iceplex in Winnipeg. Two-hundred and forty (240) successful applicants born in 2005, 2006, or 2007 will take part in a day of fun and hockey with a festival type atmosphere. The event initiative is to provide an extraordinary experience for young players starting their hockey season or even their hockey careers.

Jason Kopytko, Tim Hortons Regional Marketing Manager, shares his thoughts; “We are happy to help kick of the Timbits hockey season by sponsoring the 2011 Hockey Manitoba Face-Off. Our Manitoba Tim Hortons restaurant owners are proud to support close to 2000 boys and girls that play Timbits Hockey. The Timbits Hockey program provides an opportunity for our restaurant owners to give back to the communities they live and work in. By supporting hockey at the Initiation level, we’re exposing young kids to this great sport while promoting “The First Goal is Having Fun” philosophy.”

Participants will pay a registration fee of only $30 and will receive three non-competitive games throughout the day, a special Tim Hortons gift, Hockey Manitoba event jersey & socks, a Winnipeg Jets item, and a draw ballot for a chance to win a pair of Winnipeg Jets tickets for Tuesday, December 20th versus the NY Islanders. The applicant pool is expected to reach in excess of 500 players by the application deadline which is Friday, September 23rd.

For more event details and online application form please visit www.hockeymanitoba.ca/face-off.php. Hockey Manitoba is also seeking volunteer bench coaches for the event, all interested individuals may visit our website to apply and all potential bench coaches must have Respect In Sport certification prior to the event.