Abbotsford, B.C- The Abbotsford Heat and Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre are proud to announce a major partnership with Canada’s leading premium brewer, Sleeman Breweries.

The agreement announced in Abbotsford, includes supply rights for the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre, and a brand new Sleeman themed area in the south end of the Arena. “We’re extremely proud to have the Sleeman brand associated with a premiere venue such as the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre. It’s a tremendous partnership that allows visitors of the AESC to enjoy a quality beer offered by Sleeman Breweries.” Said Glenn Jessup, Marketing Manager for Sleeman Breweries

Sleeman will also become the Official Beer of the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat, and will have access to team logos and branding, along with various signage and activation rights. “We’re excited to build towards our goal of giving this community a championship team and a brand that Abbotsford can be proud of. Partnering with a leader like Sleeman Breweries is another step in the right direction” said Ryan Walter, President of the Abbotsford Heat. “We look to combine the history and storied past of the Sleeman brand with new and emerging properties such as the Abbotsford Heat,” said Jessup.

“We’re excited about being able to offer our Hockey, Concert and Event fans one of the best portfolios of premium beers in all of Canada. Sleeman has come on board as a true partner to the venue and team and I’m excited about the new Sleeman area to be unveiled soon” said Jason Blumenfeld, GM of the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre.

The Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre will begin pouring Sleeman Original Draft, Honey Brown Lager and others from their portfolio on Monday when grammy-award winning Maroon 5 and Train play the venue, and will be available for all Abbotsford Heat home games with the home opener on October 14th!

ABOUT SLEEMAN BREWERIES LTD.
Sleeman Breweries Ltd. is the leading brewer and distributor of premium beer in Canada and the third largest brewing company nationwide. Please visit our website at www.sleeman.com.

ABOUT GLOBAL SPECTRUM
Global Spectrum (global-spectrum.com) manages the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre, as well as nearly 100 other public assembly facilities around the world, including two additional properties in British Columbia.

ABOUT ABBOTSFORD HEAT
The Abbotsford Heat will compete in their 3rd year as a member of the American Hockey League during the 2011-12 campaign. Since their inaugural season in 2009/10, the team has captivated hockey fans by offering an unequalled value for professional sports within the Fraser Valley. The Heat continue to build their presence in the community by giving Abbotsford a championship team and a brand that they can be proud of.