News Releases

VANCOUVER, BC, November 5, 2009 – BMO Bank of Montreal is ”lacing up” a sponsorship with the Vancouver Giants Hockey Club to support junior hockey in Metro Vancouver and promote a great Canadian family entertainment tradition.

“The Vancouver Giants thrilled fans last year, when they finished in first place in the Western Hockey League's BC Division, and they are off to a great start again this year,” said Rob Serraglio, Senior Vice-President, BC & Yukon Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “This is a golden opportunity to associate the BMO brand with a sport that people in Vancouver love and with a strong-performing team that is involved in the community.”

Over each of the past four seasons, the Vancouver Giants have amassed 100 points or greater and have captured four straight BC Division titles within the Western Hockey League.

BMO is also introducing its national sponsorship marketing program – BMO Power of Blue - to Vancouver Giants home games. This customer experience program features:

• The chance to sit in better seats at each home game when you wave your BMO debit or credit card.
• Access to BMO MasterCard giveaways.

“I am extremely pleased that a major corporation like BMO Bank of Montreal, which has been in business in Vancouver since 1887, is supporting our hockey and community involvement goals,” said Vancouver Giants President and majority owner, Ron Toigo. “Together, we can help develop junior hockey in Metro Vancouver and ensure that these young men have the opportunity to pursue higher achievements, in hockey, school and life.”

BMO's association with the Vancouver Giants is in keeping with its more than ten years of involvement with the Canadian Hockey League through the BMO MasterCard affinity program.

In 2008, BMO contributed more than $55 million in donations and sponsorships in support of hundreds of organizations across the country. BMO Bank of Montreal has 116 branches in British Columbia.

- 30 -