To celebrate the launch of its Abu Dhabi to Toronto route, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, hosted a special, international exhibition ice hockey match between the UAE national team and all-stars from the prestigious National Hockey League (NHL).
The event proved to be a tremendous success – with the closely fought match ending 9 – 8 in favour of the NHL All Stars, providing a fantastic challenge for the UAE team as it prepares to qualify for the world ice hockey championship in Russia in 2007.
Following the event a group of senior representatives and players from the UAE National Ice Hockey Association met recently with H.E. Dr Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Department, Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Etihad Airways, to thank him for his support and to present a commemorative gift.
“This first ever exhibition match marked the start of a growing relationship between the people of Toronto and Abu Dhabi and thanks to Etihad Airways, the UAE national ice hockey team were provided the opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world. We were able to fly our flag – not only for UAE ice hockey – but all sports across the Emirates,” said Abdullah Saeed Al Ghamsi, head of the delegation.
The new route to Toronto via Brussels is expected to significantly enhance the link between the UAE, Europe, and Canada, providing even more opportunities for business and tourism.
Toronto, home to the Hockey Hall of Fame is widely considered to be the epicenter of sport, with several Stanley Cups – the top prize in North American hockey – having been awarded in the Canadian city.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world’s fastest growing airline and will now fly to 26 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America and Asia.
Together with its divisions Etihad Holidays and Etihad Crystal Cargo, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihad.ae.
