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Del Zotto lined up for Sportsnet Ball Hockey Challenge at Rogers Cup

By Ontario Minor Hockey Association, 07/14/16, 9:15AM EDT

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NHL stars to take on ATP players in Toronto

Tennis Canada announced Wednesday that several NHL stars, including OMHA grad Michael del Zotto of the Philadelphia Flyers, Jason Spezza of the Dallas Stars, and Domnic Moore of the New York Rangers are set to participate in the Sportsnet Ball Hockey Challenge at Rogers Cup presented by National Bank in Toronto. The event will take place Sunday July 24 at 1 p.m. ET at Aviva Centre.

del Zotto will lead a roster of NHL stars as Centre Court in Toronto is transformed into a ball hockey arena for the afternoon. More athletes will be announced closer to the date. The hockey stars will compete alongside top ATP players in a joining of hockey and tennis, one of Canada’s national sports and one of its fastest-growing sports. Sportsnet’s Caroline Cameron is confirmed to host the event in Toronto.

“This is an amazing chance for our fans to get closer to two of their favourite sports, and a unique opportunity to see top tennis stars in a different setting,” said Karl Hale, Rogers Cup Toronto tournament director. “This is a marquee event of our opening weekend and has been a favourite of the players over the past few years. Both the tennis and hockey players really admire what the others do, and it’s a chance to let loose and have some fun. Fans will really get to see their personalities shine.”

The popular ball hockey event takes place on Pizzaville Free Community Weekend in Toronto with admission free for everyone to attend. The weekend is filled with family-friendly activities such as face painting, mini-tennis, and autograph sessions, in addition to qualifying action as ATP players attempt to make the tournament’s main draw.

Two years ago, Roger Federer was among the ATP stars to take part and his dominance on the court carried over to the arena as he scored a goal to the crowd’s delight.

The Sportsnet Ball Hockey Challenge in Toronto will face off on Sunday July 24 at 1 p.m. ET with admission free for all to attend, and seating on Centre Court on a first-come, first-serve basis. Qualifying tennis begins at 10 a.m. with gates opening at 9:30 a.m.

Rogers Cup presented by National Bank runs from July 23-31 at Aviva Centre in Toronto and from July 22-31 at Uniprix Stadium in Montreal and will offer fans a chance to get closer to the best players of the ATP World Tour and WTA as they fight for the third-oldest title in all of tennis. More information can be found here.

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