News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 2, 2012) -

Editors note: There are three photos associated with this press release.

Three lucky Canadian Hockey League (CHL) fans today were each awarded the BMO Ultimate CHL Fan grand prize of a trip for two to the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup in Shawinigan, Quebec.

The much anticipated grand prize draw for the BMO Ultimate CHL Fan contest resulted in Justin Hendrikx, Ultimate Guelph Storm fan from the Ontario Hockey League; Rob Drysdale, Ultimate Red Deer Rebels Fan from the Western Hockey League; and Ronald Pronovost, Ultimate Blainville-Boisbriand Armada Fan from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League each winning the grand prize.

"Fans and local residents from 41 communities across Canada rallied around their teams to showcase their pride and support," said Sandy Bourne, Vice-President, Corporate Advertising & Sponsorships, BMO Financial Group. "Supporting the CHL is an important part of BMO's commitment to investing in our communities. Our customers are passionate about their CHL hockey team and so are we."

By besting all others in team trivia, wearing unique costumes, and showing the greatest support, 41 winners were chosen from across Canada as part of the contest and community celebrations held to kick off BMO's new four-year partnership with the CHL. The names of all the winners were then entered into a draw and the three Ultimate Fans - one from each league - were named as winners of the grand prize.

"On behalf of the Canadian Hockey League I would like to congratulate the three lucky winners who were among the hundreds of fans who passionately showed support for their favourite CHL team at BMO community celebrations across the country," said CHL President David Branch. "We look forward to seeing the same passion from our BMO Ultimate CHL Fans in Shawinigan this May at the MasterCard Memorial Cup."

BMO and the Canadian Hockey League

BMO is the Official Bank of the Canadian Hockey League and the Official Bank of each of the CHL's member hockey leagues: the Ontario Hockey League, the Western Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The sponsorship builds on BMO's partnership with the CHL of more than 10 years and affirms BMO's exclusivity as a financial services sponsor of the league in the retail banking category. It also engrains a presence with the 46 teams who currently participate in the BMO CHL Affinity MasterCard program, which enables CHL fans to support their favourite teams through branded credit cards.

About BMO Financial Group

For more than 194 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. In 2011, BMO contributed more than $66 million in donations, sponsorships and events in Canada and the United States to groups, organizations and programs that help build and sustain resilient, vital and healthy communities.

Internet: facebook.com/BMOcommunity

To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120330-blainvillewinner500.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120330-guelphwinner800.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120330-reddeerwinner800.jpg