2012-2013 atoMc(R) Hockey Season Kicks Off Across Canada

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 23, 2012) -

Editors' Note: A photo for this release will be available on the Canadian Press picture wire via Marketwire.

There is still hockey going on in Canada's arenas this fall as the 2012-2013 atoMc® Hockey season kicks off! This year, about 34,000 minor hockey players at the Atom level everywhere in Canada are participating in the program. For entering its second season, atoMc Hockey provides support to teams from coast to coast by offering young players a unique opportunity to improve both their on-ice game skills and off-ice life skills.

"I'm very proud to be part of the atoMc program and share my passion for hockey with young players in Canada," said Drew Doughty, defenceman for the 2012 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, Canadian Olympic gold medallist and atoMc Hockey ambassador. "Hockey has taught me a lot about the value of teamwork and it's great to see so many kids playing the game and learning what it means to be a part of a team."

atoMc Hockey builds on a 25-year relationship with Hockey Canada and provides participating teams with a full set of pro-style jerseys and socks. The jerseys feature the Hockey Canada logo - the very same logo worn by Canada's men's and women's National teams. In addition, all atoMc teams receive a comprehensive team kit which includes official Hockey Canada Atom coaching material and more.

"At McDonald's Canada, we are committed to being a good neighbour and a valued partner in every one of our communities. For us, giving back is more than simply a commitment - it's the foundation of our company," said Joel Yashinsky, Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald's Canada. "We received strong support and very positive feedback from coaches and parents across Canada about atoMc Hockey from the first season, and our involvement is important for us to continue to give back and support our communities."

"The kids on our teams all wear their jerseys proudly and we have had many complements from parents and players about the program and the support from McDonald's," said Rich Ternieden, President of the West Mall Minor Hockey Association in Etobicoke, Ontario. "atoMc Hockey helps us keep our registration fees lower and therefore gives the chance to some kids to play who might otherwise not be able to afford to."

In addition to Drew Doughty, atoMc Hockey ambassadors include Canadian Olympic gold medallists Tessa Bonhomme, and Marc-André Fleury, who is also the goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

About atoMc® Hockey

The atoMc® Hockey program provides pro-style jerseys, socks and team kits that support coaches and players through the season. For the 2012-2013 season, about 34,000 children take part in the program across Canada, in both the atoMc Hockey and Équipe McDo^MD (in Quebec) programs. This program is the only Hockey Canada endorsed initiative in the country allowing participating players the opportunity to proudly wear the same Hockey Canada logo on their jerseys that the Team Canada players wear during the World Juniors and Olympic Winter Games. To learn more or to register for the atoMc Hockey 2012-2013 season, visit www.hockeycanada.ca/atomc.

About McDonald's Canada

McDonald's is the leading foodservice company in the world. McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited and its Canadian franchisees own and operate more than 1,400 restaurants and employ more than 80,000 Canadians coast-to-coast. Approximately 80 per cent of McDonald's Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs. For more information about McDonald's Canada, visit the company's web site at www.mcdonalds.ca.

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