wjc fan zone feature
© Keith White

The World Juniors goes off ice

The McDonald’s atoMc Seriously Fun Fan Zone brings the IIHF World Junior Championship beyond the rink in Toronto

Wendy Graves
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December 24, 2016
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The IIHF World Junior Championship has returned to Toronto, and the action and excitement won’t be contained to the Air Canada Centre.

That’s because the World Juniors isn’t just 12 games played at a downtown rink. It’s an event that invites an entire city to join in.

“The McDonald’s atoMc Seriously Fun Fan Zone allows fans who aren’t able to see a game in person to still experience the World Juniors firsthand,” says Christopher Doyle, manager of business development and partnerships for Hockey Canada. “It was important to Hockey Canada to bring the World Juniors to life outside of the arena. It was also important to our partners – who are equally committed to supporting and growing the game at all levels across the country – to engage with fans and enhance the fan experience.”

The indoor Fan Zone is located directly opposite Gate 1 of the Air Canada Centre. The interactive experience allows visitors to try their hand at a wide range of fun and exciting hockey-themed activities. There are games and giveaways, chances to test slap shots and shootout skills, and an opportunity to meet a legend of the game and check out hockey’s newest trophy.

“It’s a destination for kids, families and hockey fans alike,” says Doyle, “and McDonald’s is the perfect partner to bring our fan zone to life given its investment in youth hockey across the country.”

“Over the past 50 years McDonald’s has built relationships with Canadians in communities across the country,” says Wai-Yee Tsia, national marketing supervisor for McDonald’s. “With our McDonald’s atoMc Hockey and Équipe McDo programs we attempt to keep hockey as fun as possible for thousands of players and families. By sponsoring the Fan Zone at the IIHF World Junior Championship, we hope to do the same with thousands of fans coming to watch from around the world.”

In a nod to the international theme of the World Juniors, the Passport Program encourages fans to engage with every activation in the Fan Zone. Collect a stamp at each stop and enter to win Team Canada prizes or tournament tickets.

“The World Juniors is an intense and serious environment for the players,” says Tsai. “We want to provide a completely different environment in the Fan Zone. We hope fans come early to experience all the ‘seriously’ fun games the Fan Zone has to offer, then head to their seats to watch the best young hockey talent in the world.”

So what can fans expect to find at the Fan Zone?

McDonald’s
Pick up a free coffee at the McCafé Truck in Maple Leaf Square, then head inside the Air Canada Centre to test your skills at the atoMc shootout.

Chevrolet
On-ice success is nice, but off-ice achievements are often more rewarding. Chevrolet definitely thinks so, and will be unveiling the Good Deeds Cup, a new trophy that recognizes Peewee teams for what they accomplish together outside of the rink. A good deed can be anything: planting trees at a local park, holding a bake sale for cancer research or cleaning up around the rink after a tournament. Have your photo taken with the trophy and share on social media using the hashtag #GoodDeedsCup for a chance to win a Team Canada jersey.

Esso
Feeling lucky? Step up the Esso Synergy Pump and pull the lever. If you fill up to “777” you’ll win a $10 Esso gift card. No dice? No worries, you’ll still go home with a five-cent Esso Price Privileges gas card. And while there, parents, coaches and managers can register their minor hockey teams for the Esso Medals of Achievement program to recognize the most dedicated, improved and sportsmanlike players on their rosters. Jérémy Lauzon, Nicolas Roy and Mitchell Stephens, forwards with Canada’s National Junior Team this year, have won medals in the past, as have alumni Tyler Ennis and Alex Pietrangelo.

RBC
A hockey-themed digital wall gives Avioners an opportunity to win Team Canada scarves, toques and jerseys. Every cardholder is encouraged to stop by. Why? Because every card wins!

TELUS
Think your shot is accurate? Find out just how true your aim really is at the TELUS Slap Shot Challenge. Prizes – in the form of World Juniors tickets – will be rewarded based on performance.

TELUS is also hosting a one-night-only autograph signing with Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman Paul Coffey. The legendary blue-liner, who played for Canada’s National Men’s Team on five occasions, will be meeting fans on Dec. 26, between 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Everyone who stops by will receive an exclusive offer for a free commemorative World Juniors toque.

The Fan Zone is open every day between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.

  • Monday, Dec. 26: 12:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • Tuesday, Dec. 27: 12:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • Wednesday, Dec. 28: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

  • Thursday, Dec. 29: 12:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • Friday, Dec. 30: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

  • Saturday, Dec. 31: 12:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Admission is absolutely free!

For more information:

Esther Madziya
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 284-6484 

[email protected] 

Spencer Sharkey
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 777-4567

[email protected]

Jeremy Knight
Manager, Corporate Communications
Hockey Canada

(647) 251-9738

[email protected]

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