Corel passes the torch while keeping the spirit strong in the community

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators Hockey Club announced today that its 10-year relationship with Corel Corporation will continue in other business and community initiatives, as the global software provider passes the naming-rights torch for the NHL team's building to Scotiabank. The Corel Centre will be re-named Scotiabank Place on Friday, Jan. 13.

"Our partners and teammates at Corel have seen the Senators and this world-class facility grow from ‘a field of NHL and entertainment dreams' in Ottawa's west end to one of the National Capital Region's premiere landmarks," said Roy Mlakar, Senators and Corel Centre chief executive officer. "We are proud of our relationship with Corel. We are grateful for its enduring support, but we are especially excited that Corel will remain a key partner and sponsor of Scotiabank Place and significant contributor to our community."

As a key sponsor and partner of Scotiabank Place, Corel's signage will remain in the arena and the Corel brand will be featured on the scoreboard for the next three years.

"It has been an honour for Corel to be associated with this outstanding venue, home of the Ottawa Senators. We at Corel recognize that this facility truly belongs to the Ottawa community, and as such, it seems fitting that Scotiabank - another leading Canadian brand with strong roots in Ottawa  - should carry on its impressive legacy," said David Dobson, Corel's chief executive officer.

As an established global software company, Corel is reaching out to a large and fast-growing international audience of customers and prospects. Today, Corel serves millions of customers in more than 75 countries around the world. The company's marketing initiatives in 2006 are primarily focused on reaching these customers and building its brand in new markets.

"Our goal is to make Corel a more powerful force throughout the world which, in turn, will enable us to showcase the success of the Ottawa technology community in key global regions such as Europe, Asia and South America," said Dobson. "At the same time, we remain an important sponsor of Scotiabank Place and a strong champion of the Ottawa community. We are proud of our standing as an Ottawa-based company and we fully understand the responsibility that comes with that position - supporting programs that make Ottawa a better place to live, work and play."

Since 1996, Corel, its staff and the Ottawa Senators have worked hand-in-hand to build a world-class venue for sports, arts and entertainment, hosting sought-after performers such as U2, The Eagles, Cher, Elton John, Avril Lavigne and other great concert and family events.

In the 10 years since the first NHL game was played at the Corel Centre on Jan. 17, 1996, 6,967,266 fans have seen the Senators play. They have seen the Senators' first playoff game in 1997, watched them capture their first playoff series win in 1998 and were with them when they came within  one goal from a berth in the 2003 Stanley Cup finals. In the regular season, the Corel Centre has been home to 224 wins, 212 losses and 60 ties.

On Thursday, Jan. 12, when the Senators host the San Jose Sharks, a special appreciation night will be held to honour the contributions Corel has made to the venue over the last ten years.

"We have developed a long and fruitful partnership with the venue and the Ottawa Senators," said Dobson. "Over the past 10 years, we have worked hard to put the Corel Centre on the map as a world-class venue. We are extremely proud of the role we played in supporting the Ottawa Senators as they celebrate their 15th anniversary of their admission to the National Hockey League."

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