Richmond Hill, ON - The Ontario Minor Hockey Association [OMHA] is pleased to announce a partnership with Disney XD, a national digital specialty network targeted at kids aged 6-12. Working together to provide athletic opportunities to local league teams, the two brands have aligned for a 2013/2014 team sponsorship program, known as the Disney XD Rink Rats, and a full-day hockey festival set for February 2014.  
 
The Disney XD Rink Rats team sponsorship program provides 15 Atom aged house league and local league teams with financial funding and access to a unique hockey experience throughout the season. Equipped with branded Rink Rats jerseys, the teams are spread out across the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding communities in the following associations: Innisful (4); Richmond Hill (4); Schomberg (3); Unionville (2); Newmarket (1); and Pickering (1). 

“We are thrilled to be working with the OMHA this season and to be able to contribute to a one-of-a-kind hockey program in the Disney XD Rink Rats,” said Paul Cormack, Director, Marketing, Disney XD. “Supporting and investing in kids in their local communities is important to Disney XD and we are looking forward to being a part of the memories these players create and the passion they develop for the sport.”

“We are excited to partner with Disney XD to enhance the experience of minor hockey players in Ontario,” said Richard Ropchan, OMHA Executive Director. “Programs and events such as these continue to lower the cost to both player and association while providing a memorable experience outside of normal league play.”

In addition to the team sponsorship, Disney XD will also be the title sponsor of a hockey festival taking place at the Magna Centre in Newmarket, Ontario on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Sixteen Atom house league and local teams will compete in a minimum of three games, with the potential to play five if they advance to the semi-finals and championship game. As part of the day’s events, the players will have the opportunity to participate in a fun skills competition and a variety of off-ice activities and games. More details about this festival will be released at a later date.

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About the Ontario Minor Hockey Association
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association, founded in 1935, is the largest minor hockey association in the world and oversees a participant base of 300,000 consisting of players, coaches, trainers, officials, hockey volunteers and parents across the province. The OMHA has 250 active member minor hockey associations and annually coordinates 31 leagues and approximately 600 development clinics throughout Ontario.  For more information, visit www.omha.net.

About Disney XD
Disney XD is an advertising-supported digital specialty network and multiplatform brand offering a compelling mix of high definition live action and animated programming to homes across Canada. Disney XD features series, movies and short form content that focus on comedy, discovery, sports, accomplishment and adventure. Disney XD programming is also available through dedicated on demand and broadband services. Visit us at DisneyXD.ca.