Edinburgh ice hockey favourites Capitals have formed a new partnership which could open them up a whole new fan base.
The Great Capital Skate took place at Murrayfield Ice Rink on December 27 2011. The skate incorporated a family fun day on ice before the Elite League match between Capital and Cardiff Devils. The official launch was a great success and this will hopefully be the start of a winning tie-up between AICR and Capitals.
The Edinburgh squad already has a strong international element. Los Angeles-born forward Sean Menton (22) is loving every minute of his debut season with Capitals. This year the Elite Leaguers’ pool also includes Slovakians, Czechs and Latvians as well as Scots aces and Welsh net minder Nathan Craze.
AICR's Faith Nicholson pictured with Capitals Goalie, Nathan Craze, joint 'Man of the Match' after the game on December 4, 2011
In Scotland, the 15 active projects AICR supports include research by Dr Lesley Stark, of Edinburgh University, into how painkillers like aspirin can help prevent bowel cancer; research by Dr Owen Sansom of the Beatson Institute, into how to stop skin cancers from spreading and Dundee University's Professor John Hayes' research into how healthy cells survive exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.
Said AICR Chief Executive Norman Barrett: “Cancer is a global problem and requires a worldwide effort if we are to make real progress in beating it. Each year, AICR awards close on £9 million to the very best scientific research, wherever in the world it is being carried out.
“We could not continue to do so without the efforts of our loyal fundraisers and we look forward to raising AICR’s profile through this very welcome partnership with Capital and their supporters. I am delighted to endorse the initiative of our Trusts and Foundations officer Faith Nicholson, who made the initial approaches to Capital and I am sure the many fans of our ambassadors, David Tennant, Peter Capaldi, The Proclaimers and Lorraine Kelly will enjoy finding out more about the Capitals and Ice Hockey through AICR’s website.”
Scott Neil, Capitals Commercial Manager, agreed: “This partnership is something which we hope will form long-term links between the team and AICR. Every one of us has been touched by cancer in some way and the fact that the charity funds the very best scientific research, wherever in the world that is taking place, including here in Edinburgh, is something which appeals to us very strongly. I look forward to working with Norman and his team, and to building stronger ties between us over the coming years.”
