Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendars

Did you know Canada..  hockey is just getting into full swing this past week around here, my boys have had their first practice and their first game was Saturday morning.  We are in a new level this year and everyone gets to try out being a goalie for a game which the boys are very excited about, and I was one proud Mama Saturday!  One of my guys got a huge break away, the other did some amazing passes, I think we are going to have a great year.

When is comes to hockey, scheduling is HUGE, especially for those on travel teams.  An awesome way to keep track of hockey and all the other events going on in your life, using a Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendar!

Created by Elizabeth Urlacher and her husband, they've created a gorgeous hockey calendar which is used by clubs across Canada to raise funds for hockey, non-profit, and various charitable organizations.  You truly will be in the Hockey Spirit every time you glance at this calendar in the kitchen or the office, check out some of the fabulous photos in this year's calendar:

This 15 month calendar that runs October-December of the following year, perfect for the hockey season!  Measuring 1 foot wide by 2 feet tall hanging on the wall there is plenty of room to keep track of everyone's schedules.  On each monthly page of the calendar kids will find a weekly and monthly counter box for goals, assists, shots and shutouts. And at the end of the season use the Stats Machine Page where kids can report the year's totals along with personal achievements, season highlights, and tournament victories.  There's also the perfect place to paste the team photo and this will make a keepsake for life!

When you get a calendar be sure to check out the last page where you will meet Joe Drexler who we've chatted about before and learn about the Be The Game initiative 21 day program supporting acts of kindness to help end bullying.

Learn more about Fundraising opportunities here and be sure to share with your local league!  If you just want a single calendar for home or a gift, one can be purchased easily right here.  We have a fantastic treat for our many hockey mom and dad readers as well - enter below for your chance to win one of these gorgeous calendars - 5 winners in all, they will keep you in the hockey mood all year and show your appreciation for Canada's sport!

Giveaway

Skechers GOwalk shoes

Did you know Canada..  I have been trying to go walking every day with the baby so I have enough energy and GO to keep up with my little man!

But you know what, all this walking hurts my feet!  Especially since I wear sandals allll the time, I kinda hate socks (unless they are really cute), so I have been having really sore feet for months.  But then, THEN, I discovered Skechers Go Walk shoes, they are amazing!

With an integrated orthoLite sockliner - it's an anti-microbial sockliner helps inhibit odor from barefoot wear and prevents slippage.  JUST what I need, I get to wear bare feet!!

The resalyte midsole is lightweight and effective impact absorption elevates walking experience and reduces pressure on ankle and knee joints.  It is like walking on air!  These are the coziest shoes ever!

Very stylish too, I've already received compliments on them out and about, folks commenting on how cozy the soles must be too.  If you play sports or work out hard at the gym, these shoes would be perfect for wearing afterwards to help your feet recover.  The GOimpulse technology and innovative materials is designed to flex and twist so your foot can move more naturally.  You can really feel the difference.

What activities have you been doing this summer?  Do your feet hurt like mine did?

#Leafs vs #Habs tonight!!!

Did you know Canada.. Setting up for an epic game tonight, Leafs vs Habs - give them a #ScotiaHighFive when your team scores and you're entered for a chance to win a VIP Stanley Cup experience!!!

Every time your team scores, you have 10 minutes to go to the Facebook app to “High Five”. After your team finishes a game, you also have 12 hours to log on for a bonus “High Five”.

Each “High Five” counts as a contest entry. Each week, one random winner will be selected to win 2 tickets to any NHL game of their choice!  On June 10th, one grand prize winner will be chosen who will receive a VIP experience for two to a Stanley Cup Final Game!!!

Who are you cheering for tonight??

Scotiabank High Five #ScotiaHighFive

Did you know Canada..  I know I have more than a few hockey fans here, and have I got a contest for you - the Scotiabank High Five!

Here's how it works - fans across Canada can log on to the app from the Scotia Hockey Club Facebook Page.  Once in the app it's easy to sign up, you just choose the NHL team you are supporting this season (you can make a trade until April 29), every time your team scores, you have 10 minutes to go to the app to “High Five”.  Luckily, even if you are away from the game, you can choose to be notified through real-time goal notifications via email or text (LOVE this feature, I get the texts - the texts even include a link to the app for easy access, and you can turn the notifications off any time).  After your team finishes a game, you also have 12 hours to log on for a bonus “High Five”.

Each “High Five” counts as a contest entry. Each week, one random winner will be selected to win 2 tickets to any NHL game of their choice!  On June 10th, one grand prize winner will be chosen who will receive a VIP experience for two to a Stanley Cup Final Game (can you even imagine?!).

Contest is open until June 9th, 2013 and is open to all Canadian residents.

We are Leaf fans around here, down to our littlest member!  My older boys play minor league hockey, their Grampa coaches their team, and Grampa plays twice a week in his own league.  So to say we are a hockey family is an understatement, we love the game and I know many of you do too!

Let's get the High Fives going for our favourite teams and I can't wait to find out who the Grand Prize winner is, sign up today!!

Scotiabank #HockeyDay in Canada

Did you know Canada..  February 9th is Scotiabank  #HockeyDay in Canada!!!

Scotiabank Hockey Day will be coming to you from Peterborough ON and Coast to Coast.  Not only can you watch all of Canada's NHL Teams play (check out the broadcast schedule here), there are so many ways to be involved this weekend..

Virtual High Fives
Until Saturday Feb 9th, you can post a picture of your best High Five moment on the Scotia Hockey Club Facebook page.
On Friday and Saturday, they are going to randomly select 5 photos, and those fans will get a personalized video message from a NHL legend such as Lanny and others, live from Peterborough!!!

Tweet with Lanny McDonald
On Saturday, February 9th, between 2-3 pm EST, Scotiabank will be hosting a live tweet chat on @ScotiaHockey, whereby fans can ask questions to Lanny McDonald! Make sure you use hashtag  #askLanny to be involved.

High Five Program
Last but not least is the “Scotiabank High Five to the Stanley Cup Final” contest. Fans can enter through Facebook.

I think this is really fun, here's how the High Five Program works:
1)      Canadian hockey fans choose their team they want to support.
Note: This is the team you are going to follow for the season. Should you wish, you have one opportunity to change their team before April 3rd.

2)      Every time your team scores, fans have 10 minutes to go to the app to “High Five”. (fans can also opt. in to receive real-time goal notifications via email or text)

3)      After their team finishes a game, fans also have 12 hours to log on for a bonus “High Five”.

4)      Each “High Five” counts as a contest entry. Each week, one random winner will be selected to win 2 tickets to any NHL game of their choice.

5)      On June 10th, one grand prize winner will be chosen who will receive a VIP experience for two to a Stanley Cup Final Game.

6)      Contest is open until June 9th, 2013 and is open to all Canadian residents

At my house we will be starting Hockey Day with my boys minor hockey league game at 7:30am, and then we will be in front of the TV with snacks and family to enjoy Scotiabank Hockey Day!  To celebrate Hockey Day with our readers, we have an awesome Soctiabank Hockey Day Prize Pack to giveaway, enter below for your chance to win Canada!

Giveaway

Google Doodle

Did you know Canada..  if you visit Google's main page today you'll see today's Google Doodle is celebrating what would have been Frank Zamboni's 112th birthday.

Frank Zamboni is of course the inventor of the Zamboni, every kids favourite part of a hockey game, the reason we always leave late from hockey practices and what I'm sure is the coolest job around. :-)

The Google Doodle isn't just a picture today either, it's a fun game, check it out!

Golfing in Canada

Did you know Canada..  do you have any golfers in the family?  Anyone get a new club for Christmas?

We have a few golfers in our family, and I remember when I was very little, 7 or 8, we had one of those very warm Decembers, like we just experienced again this year in Southwestern Ontario.  Well, my Grampa's Birthday was December 26th, and it was so warm that year, the local golf course decided to open and my Dad took my Grampa for a round of golf for his Birthday!  It was a funny day, and talked about for years and years afterwards, I'm guessing it was one of the most memorable Birthday's my Grampa had.  :-)

Courses like Ottawa golf at Loch March offer quality, service and facilities of the exclusively private clubs wrapped in a resort atmosphere, but are exclusively public!  What a great place to hit this spring when the courses are open again (I checked the weather is Ottawa, it is NOT open right now, they have quiet a bit of snow..haha..).

Even with our winter and unpredictable weather, golfing is a huge sport and past time in Canada. In fact, the game of golf is played by an estimated 6 million Canadians each year, with 2.5 million Canadians participating as core golfers, playing an average of 28 rounds per year.  And get this:  Based on participation, golf is the number one recreational activity in Canada, played by more Canadians than hockey!!

Are you a golf fan?  Would a round of golf on your Birthday be a perfect day, just like it was all those years ago for my Grampa?


Source:  Golf Participation in Canada, 2006 Edition – Ipsos Reid, Statistics Canada, Based on a study of Participation in Sports, The Daily, issued Thursday, February 7, 2008.

SmartBuyGlasses

Did you know Canada..  I recently found out about a fantastic .ca website where you can not only purchase perscription eyeglasses online in designer frames, but also name brand sunglasses!

I am a HUGE sunglass wearer, they are always on my face when I leave the house, no matter what the season is, and usually sitting on top of my head if I'm inside.  Hubby also wears sunglasses everyday while driving too and from work and we were so excited about the opportunity to receive a new pair through SmartBuyGlasses.

They have everything from Ray Ban's to goggles for sports, Nike's and more and at amazing prices!  What a great place to shop for Christmas presents too, as you can sort through so many brands, styles, and see exact details like sizing, gender, year and style, and they come with a free $25 lens kit as well!

We got hubby a pair of Nike Veer's, they were the perfect size for his face, came with an extra set of lenses made for cloudy days, a cloth case and the very useful cleaning spray.  Hubby is SO HAPPY with this pair and I loved the great experience of being able to pick out a pair with exactly the details he wanted in a pair of sunglasses without just scanning through a rack in store and not really knowing what I'm looking at.

We are SO EXCITED to share a pair of glasses with our reader as well.  Enter below for your chance to win a pair of sunglasses from SmartBuyGlasses!!  You can choose from a pair of Nike Veer's or these very stylish Ray Ban's!

Giveaway

NHL - what's going on now?

Did you know Canada..  well, we all know the talks continue to fall through, things continue to be cancelled and we are all down in the dumps about it.

A bit of good news though, The NHL and union hadn't met since October 18 but had an all day session on Saturday and as promised, are back at the table today in New York.

So it is *possible* the season, though a short one, can still be saved, don't throw out your jerseys, horns and big wavy hands yet!  I know some people are chomping at the bit to get back into betting on NHL games too, making for more excitement as you watch the game.  Click here to visit canada.betfair.com, who can give you a great summary of the best bets around at the moment while you wait for the NHL to return.

If you can't wait for an NHL deal to come to fruition, check out local games!  We are heading to a local Junior B game this weekend, comfortable seats, cheaper hot dogs and popcorn, still a good game, can even bring the kids!  Or go up a level and look into the OHL/Junior A hockey, these are serious competitors and some of these guys will be called up to the big league, support them now to help them grow.

Do you think the NHL season can be saved?

MARS Canada Helps Save Community Hockey Rinks In Canada #workrestplay

Did you know Canada..  we are a hockey family, my boys just have their second game of the season tomorrow at 7:30AM (!!!).  So we were so happy to learn about MARS Canada and the work they are doing in partnership with Hockey Canada.

I wasn't surprised to learn that a recent survey conducted by Leger Marketing and commissioned by the Mars brand revealed that while more than 90% of Canadians live near an ice rink, and value the positive impact a rink has on a community, most are surprisingly unaware of the current physical state of their facilities.  We are lucky to have a fairly new rink in our small town, but I have been in many rinks across the country that have been in various states of disrepair.  Now as a "hockey Mom" I really know how much it means to the community to have these facilities be a welcoming place for our kids.  Learn more about some of these rinks that need a facelift on the Mars Bar website, including one very close to me, the Western Fair Sports Centre in London Ontario.

Thankfully Mars Canada is ready to help out!  After the successful renovation of a rink in Grand Manan, N.B., Mars has further identified five local rinks within Canada that could use a bit of a facelift. Now, by purchasing a specially marked Mars and entering the PIN code contained inside the wrapper at www.marsbar.ca,  Canadians will activate a $5 contribution, up to a maximum of $100,000 in 2012, to be shared amongst the participating community rinks in need of renovations.  Isn't this awesome???  Love that a single bar equals a 5 dollar contribution, we will get to the $100,000 goal in no time!

We got an amazing package from Mars in the spirit of the campaign that was perfect for my family.  An awesome Hockey Canada jersey that went right into the hockey bag and out the door to weekly hockey games so I haven't seen it since..haha..

Along with this awesome Mars skate bag that hubby was thrilled with as he often takes the boys skating on Sunday afternoons and didn't have one, also enough Mars bars to share with friends and family - they have been making hubby a hero at work!

So know when you grab a Mars Bar and enter the PIN code you are doing something to help improve the home away from home for so many little skaters in our country.

We are so excited to share a fantastic giveaway with our readers to celebrate, enter below for your chance to win a $50 Mars prize pack with product and merchandise included!!!  Good luck Canada, and join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #workrestplay.

Giveaway

National Fishing Week

Did you know Canada..  National Fishing Week starting tomorrow!  Running July 7 - 15, this week is to encourage more Canadians to experience recreational fishing.

In Ontario you don't even need a licence to fish this week, check the National Fishing Week website for info on licence free days in other provinces.

We love fishing here, have gone many times during camping and cottage trips.  I fabulous way to spend time together as a family, learning some new skills, and enjoy some of Canada's natural beauty!

According to the National Fishing Week website: Outdoor organizations, government resource agencies, tackle retailers and volunteers are preparing to host hundreds of events in almost every province and territory. Clinics, seminars, tournaments, interpretive classes, retail sales and derbies are being held in over 100 communities across the country.


Who's getting out to fish this week??

Hockey Spirit Calendar

Did you know Canada.. I've mentioned before that I'm a hockey Mom. My boys just finished their first season in March, their Grampa is one of their coaches, and we go skating in the off season at least once a week.

I was so excited to find out about Hockey Spirit Fundraising. Created by Elizabeth Urlacher and her husband, they've created a beautiful hockey calendar which is used by clubs across Canada to raise funds for hockey, non-profit, and various charitable organizations.

I love that they know their audience! Creating a 15 month calendar that runs October-December of the following year, perfect for the hockey season!! Each month's page allows plenty of space to record family activities, games, practices and tournaments. Measuring 1 foot wide by 2 feet tall hanging on the wall, this looks beautiful anywhere - we have ours in the kitchen. I was really impressed with the quality, the heart warming pictures each month and their obvious care and attention to details to make this calendar something to really enjoy and cherish.

Visit Hockey Spirit Fundraising today if you are responsible for fundraising at your rink or be sure to suggest them to your coordinators - these would make beautiful gifts for any member in your family while they support your teams!  (buy the way, they have some really awesome fundraising rewards too, check them out!)

We are so excited to share some 2012 calendars with our readers, enter below for your chance to win one and enjoy the hockey spirit all year long!

Giveaway

See Stanley with Lanny

Did you know Canada.. See Stanley with Lanny is back! You could win a trip for the winner and 3 friends to attend a Stanley Cup Final Game with Lanny!! Each entry also gets your name in for the weekly draw of Reebok Hockey Stanley Cup prize packs.

If you sign up for the ScotiaHockey NHL VISA card after you enter you get 10 extra entries into the contest, and if you type out a 100 word essay about "Why you would like to go to the Stanley Cup Final with Lanny McDonald" and mail in it, you can receive additional enteries.

Hockey is a part of Canadians history, our family and our blood. I can't even imagine how amazing it would be to attend the Stanley Cup Final Game, it would be the trip of a life time!! Just remembering the excitement at my boys last game this season, and they are 4 years old! I'm just so excited to share this with you.

The Contest runs from April 2, 2012 at 3:00 pm (ET) to June 10, 2012 at 11:59 pm (ET). Visit the Scotia Hockey Club Facebook page to enter.

So, the Grand Prize is..

* Four (4) tickets to a 2012 Stanley Cup Final game as selected by Sponsor
* Lanny McDonald will join the Contest winner and guests for the duration of the Stanley Cup® Final game (three (3) twenty (20) minute periods) for which the winner is awarded tickets.
* Where applicable, round trip economy airfare for four (4) departing from the Canadian International Airport nearest the winner's residence (as determined by the Sponsor) to the city hosting the game.
* Transportation to the game will be provided if the winner resides over 100 km outside of the city hosting the game. The method of transportation will be determined by the Sponsor. No transportation will be provided to any winner living within 100 km of the game location.
* Two (2) nights standard hotel accommodation (double occupancy)
* $500 spending money

Wow!! Enter today and good luck!! We also have a special giveaway for our readers in celebration, enter below for your chance to win one of two Scotia Hockey prize packs!!!

Giveaway

#hockeyday

Did you know Canada.. I have CBC on right now for #hockeyday - do you??

Tonight is the face off between the Habs and the Leafs, starting bar fights and breaking up family across the nation tonight ;-)

Thanks to PEI for hosting Hockey Day in Canada!!!

Hockey Day in Canada is an annual special broadcast to celebrate the game in Canada that includes features all afternoon, leading up to a tripleheader of NHL action featuring the seven Canadian teams (Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets).

Who are you cheering for tonight??

Update - really enjoyed the ceremony with Mats Sundin as they retired #13 - 13 great seasons with #13, Mats Sundin is a true hero of the sport with grace, confidence and someone to be proud of.

Superbowl

Did you know Canada.. as the Superbowl is going to start in TEN minutes, I know some of you are mourning the fact that we don't get those special commercials. Well, there is one commercial that Budweiser has made that is only airing in Canada, even though it's gone viral across North America. Check it out here (and you may need to grab a Kleenex if you're a little emotional today)..



I am proud to be Canadian, proud of our rec hockey leagues and we could flash fan games across the nation!

Baseball Glove

Did you know Canada.. we'll be heading to T-Ball sign-up with my boys this week and that has got me thinking about baseball.

Many feel baseball is a true American sport, so it might surprise you to know that the Baseball glove was said to be invented in Canada in 1883!!

Art "Foxy" Irwin is said to invent the baseball glove, though some contend he just made it popular and we may never know the whole truth. We do know that in 1883 Art broke 2 of his fingers on his left hand from a hard hit ball which caused him to purchase a large buckskin glove and fill it with foam so he could continue to play.

This was supposedly known as the Irwin Glove and picked up by many other players.

Others say players had been experimenting with similar glove designs in years prior to 1883 so we will never know for sure, but we can be proud of Toronto born Irwin none the less!

Scotiabank Bigger Save Winners

Did you know Canada.. we told you about the Scotiabank Bigger Save contest back in November, well we would like to let you know who won..

The Abbotsford Ice Atom girl's hockey team will be traveling to P.E.I. for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada on February 11, 2012. They'll be facing off against a local hockey team, meeting some NHL heroes and will be featured on CBC's broadcast throughout the day. Congratulations girls!!!

Click here to see the pictures of the girls finding out they won!

Snowmobile in Ontario

Did you know Canada.. Armand Bombardier, of Valcourt, Quebec, developed this unique snow machine in 1926. His vehicles were used wherever heavy loads were carried over difficult terrain. In the 1950s, he pioneered the development of small, light snow vehicles for winter sports.

In this day and age snowmobiles are often used for sport and weekend activities.

Check out sites like Ontario Trails to find available trails. Over 43,000 km available in Ontario alone!

In Ontario you must have a valid driver's licence to use a snowmobile. For those without or 12+ there is a driver training course you can take to gain a valid snowmobile licence, for more information visit the OFSC site.

Now all we need is some snow eh?!

Scotiabank Bigger Save

Did you know Canada.. Does your child play on a hockey team and are between the ages of 7-14?? Have we got the contest for you..

Scotia Hockey Club is running their Bigger Save promotion. They are encouraging community hockey teams to pledge to save for their hockey expenses. The winning team (yes, the ENTIRE team) will win a trip to Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada in Charlottetown, P.E.I. this February 2012 - how awesome is that?? While there they will be participating in Hockey Day festivities and featured on CBC’s broadcast throughout the day!!

Scotiabank wants to help hockey teams think about saving. I have TWO boys in hockey, it's our first year, and let me tell you, saving is IMPORTANT. If you are not already saving monthly for next year you are going to be shocked come payment time. Hockey is an expensive sport but trust me, it's our first year we and already would not give it up for the world. Not only our National Sport, hockey is a sport of commendatory, a sport of friendship and if your child is playing hockey, the ENTIRE family is involved, and we love it. Not only are my boys playing, but their "Pop" (Grandfather) is also an assistant coach on the team. We head to hockey twice a week as a family, enjoy the time together and cheer on our boys, I wouldn't want it any other way.

Hockey Moms, Dads, Grampas, Grammas, Aunts, Uncles, Coaches and more, have your children's team head over to Scotia Hockey Club on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and get entered in their contest - ends November 30th 2011.

To celebrate this awesome contest we're giving away THREE Scotia Hockey Club Prize Packs! Each Scotia Hockey Club bag comes stuffed with a Scotia Hockey Club Reebok practice jersey ($90 value), toque, water bottle and indoor soft puck.



Giveaway

Giveaway! Be The Game

Update:  This giveaway is closed, thank you everyone for commenting!!

Did you know Canada.. Be The Game is a national, community driven organization whose missions is to encourage children and individuals to give back to their community.

As a Mom to 2 boys that started soccer this summer and then just started hockey a few weeks ago I know the cost to join the game can be more than families can afford. The amount of required equipment at such young ages is, while I understand necessary for their safety, overwhelming. Let alone the cost just for signing up.

In fact, 1 in 3 families cannot afford to put their children in minor leagues sports, this is something Be The Game Sportswear is working to change. Be The Game donates 10% of all merchandise proceeds to Be The Game Sports Fund to support children in minor league sports. Check out their clothing line and custom sportswear sections to see what they have available.  I love the ball caps too, something perfect anyone can wear to show they are supporting kids in local sports.

You can also support Be The Game by talking with your local leagues about their fundraising efforts. I love that with Be The Game your team will become an active part in helping another young athlete join a minor league team - something to be proud of!

This is a fantastic organization that Canadians should support and stand behind to help make sports available to all of our kids.

Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a BE THE GAME Prize Pack consisting of a T-Shirt, hat and bumper decal!!

Mandatory Entry - one mandatory entry per person
Visit the Be The Game website and let us know in the comments section here something you learned.

Optional Entries - 1 comment per each optional entry
- Follow Did you know Canada on GFC
- Follow @diduknowcanada on Twitter
- Like Did you know Canada on Facebook
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Tweet this giveaway (link to your tweet in comment, can be done 2x a day during giveaway)
Example Tweet..

#Canada Learn about how Be The Game Sportwear is getting kids into sports & win a prize pack!Ends 10/26 @diduknowcanada http://bit.ly/nhcfmW

Giveaway open to our Canadian readers, closing October 26th at 9:00pm EST. You must leave an email address so I have a way to contact you in the event that you win. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be chosen in their place.

Disclosure: My opinions are my own.