Ball Hockey Challenge

Tennis and Hockey Stars Unite

July 15, 2008

Popular Rogers Cup ATP vs. NHLPA Ball Hockey Challenge returns

Tennis Canada, ATP and NHLPA announced Tuesday the return of Rogers Cup ATP vs. NHLPA Ball Hockey Challenge. A fan-favourite event when it was last played in 2002, the challenge will pit tennis stars of the ATP against some of the best that the NHL has to offer. The event takes place Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 2 p.m., part of State Farm Family Day at Rogers Cup, located at Rexall Centre on the campus of York University. Admission to all tennis and activities, including the ball hockey event, is free of charge only on State Farm Family Day.

Athletes from both sports will test their skills in the Toronto Sun Breakaway Challenge, test the speed of their shots and of course compete in the big hockey game on site.

“The Rogers Cup ATP vs. NHLPA Ball Hockey Challenge was a big hit years ago,” said tournament director Karl Hale. “We’re excited to welcome back our friends from the ice to excite our fans and help raise funds for a good cause.”

Past participants include world No. 1 Roger Federer, Ivan Ljubicic, Canada’s Frank Dancevic, hockey heroes Martin Brodeur, Darcy Tucker and Tie Domi. To date, confirmed players for the 2008 event include Stanley Cup champion Kris Draper, Senators forward Jason Spezza, former NHLer and Rogers Sportsnet personality Nick Kypreos. Additional stars will be announced at a later time.

Proceeds from the charity event will go towards Tennis Matters, the fund development campaign from Tennis Canada that looks to raise $10 million for direct investment in tennis development projects across the country. Areas of focus include community, coaching and technology, high performance and competitive tennis.