The host organizing committee for the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship, in partnership with the National Capital Commission (NCC), announced today the events surrounding the Samsung New Year’s Eve Celebration on the Rideau Canal Skateway at Rideau Street, featuring free concerts by Finger Eleven and the Amanda Rheaume Band, and the Canada-USA game on big-screen televisions.

The Samsung New Year’s Eve Celebration, is presented in association with the NCC and is one of the Samsung Hockey Experience events presented by Best Buy, Nike and General Motors. Admission to the event is free.

Starting at 7:30 p.m. on the Samsung Stage on the Rideau Canal Skateway at Rideau Street, the preliminary-round match-up between Canada and the United States will be shown on four big-screen televisions.

Following the game, from 10 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., the Amanda Rheaume Band will entertain fans as they deliver a wide range of music from pop, rock, funk, acoustic and dance. After a 30-minute break, Canada’s own award-winning Finger Eleven will play from 11:15 p.m. to two minutes before midnight.

Samsung New Year’s Eve Celebration will bring in 2009 with pyrotechnics effects at midnight, followed by another performance from Finger Eleven at 12:15 a.m. No fireworks are scheduled for this New Years Celebration.

“What makes the Samsung New Year’s Eve Celebration special is the opportunity of partnering with the NCC in bringing the party outdoors on our very own Rideau Canal Skateway,” said Cyril Leeder, vice-chair of the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship host organizing committee.

“As host of Winterlude, Canada’s winter celebration, the National Capital Commission invites all Canadians to get out and embrace all the great things winter has to offer, including the world junior hockey championship,” said Marie Lemay, NCC chief executive officer. “We are pleased to partner with the world juniors in ringing in the New Year with hockey and free live entertainment outdoors on the world famous Rideau Canal Skateway.”

“This is another signature event that Ottawa has been able to provide as a unique experience to the world juniors,” added Leeder. “We are grateful to Samsung for supporting us with this event, as well as the other Samsung Hockey Experience sponsors: Best Buy, Nike and General Motors.”