Boston Pizza's "Flame for a Day"

CALGARY, Feb. 26, 2017

CALGARY, Feb. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - On Saturday, February 25^th, 26 lucky youngsters signed one-day contracts with the Calgary Flames. Selected by Boston Pizza, the Proud Sponsor of the Calgary Flames, these future NHLers were the inaugural "Flame for a Day" group to get a taste of what it's like to play in the big leagues; including a realistic signing experience, access to the team dressing room and ice time with Flames' Alumni. Following the signings, the arena was open to contest runner-ups for a family skate.

"Giving back to our communities has always been a focus for Boston Pizza," says James Kawalecki, Director of Marketing, Boston Pizza. "We're excited to have partnered with the Calgary Flames to bring this opportunity to our Calgary community for the first time and inspire 26 up-and-coming Calgary all-stars to join the Flames organization."

"It was a unique experience for the lucky youngsters, they all had great big smiles on their faces and I think they enjoyed it very much," says Joel Otto, Calgary Flames Alumni and Calgary Hitmen, Assistant Coach. "It was certainly awesome of Boston Pizza to put this on, everybody had a great time."

The event took place at Scotiabank Saddledome.  The NHLer for a Day event was also held in Vancouver with the Vancouver Canucks on January 22 and in Edmonton with the Edmonton Oilers on February 5.

About Boston Pizza
Boston Pizza International Inc. is Canada's No. 1 casual dining brand with more than 370 restaurants in Canada and more than $1 billion in sales. Annually, Boston Pizza serves more than 40 million guests. The company has been recognized as a Platinum Member of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. Boston Pizza believes that strong role models inspire kids to be great, and in 2014, the Boston Pizza Foundation created Future Prospects to help support organizations that mentor kids to reach their full potential. Boston Pizza International Inc. is located in Richmond, B.C., and has regional offices in Mississauga, Ontario and Laval, Quebec. For more information, visit www.bostonpizza.com.

Raw footage from Saturday's event, shot by the NHL, is available to view and download on request.