Put Alzheimer's on Ice with NHL Alumni

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 15, 2015) - This November 13-15, NHL Alumni will take to the ice at Planet Ice Delta once again as part of Scotiabank Hockey for Alzheimer's in support of those affected by Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. They will be joined by participants, who are fundraising to help put Alzheimer's on ice. The three-day event is the ultimate hockey experience with the goal of raising as much money as possible to support the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

There are currently 14 confirmed Alumni for 2015 including Mark Napier, Cliff Ronning and Kirk McLean. Napier says, "Scotiabank Hockey for Alzheimer's is not only an exciting event for participants, but also for the NHL Alumni. It's an action-packed and memorable event for an important cause, and we're all thrilled to play a role in the fight against Alzheimer's disease."

Each team commits to raising a minimum of $25,000 to play in the tournament, and the more the team raises, the higher they rank in the draft selection and the better their chances are of playing alongside their chosen Alumni.

The tournament sees many entrants from corporate teams. Alzheimer Society of B.C. Director of Resource Development Patrick Estey says, "Scotiabank Hockey for Alzheimer's is a fantastic way to create a memorable employment engagement opportunity, while raising valuable funds for the Society. By 2038, it's expected the number of those diagnosed with dementia in B.C. will grow from 70,000 to 177,000. The tournament is taking some great steps to meet the critical need for funding support services, education programs and research for a cure."

Last year, over $775,000 was raised, and this year it is hoped this can be surpassed to have an even greater impact in the lives of people with dementia. Funds raised through the tournament enable the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to further support those living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, giving them access to education programs and support services in their local community.

To support Scotiabank Hockey for Alzheimer's and help ensure no-one is on the dementia journey alone contact Melanie Munroe on 604-748-4915 or visit hockeyforalzheimers.ca.

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About dementia

Dementia is a term that describes a general group of brain disorders. Symptoms include the loss of memory, impaired judgment, and changes in behaviour and personality. Dementia is progressive, degenerative and eventually terminal. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia accounting for almost two-thirds of dementias in Canada today.

About the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. provides a provincial network of support and education for families impacted by dementia and people concerned about memory loss. Communities across the province count on the Society for support services, information and education programs, advocacy to improve dementia care in B.C. and to fund research to find the causes and cures. As part of a national federation, the Society is a leading authority on the disease in Canada.