Mark Messier To Serve As Brand Ambassador For Harvard-Yale "Rivalry on Ice" Hockey Game at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hockey legend Mark Messier, captain of the 1994 New York Rangers Stanley Cup championship team, has been named Brand Ambassador for the Harvard vs. Yale "Rivalry on Ice" hockey game.  The game will be played on January 11, 2014 at Madison Square Garden, and will be broadcast live at 8pm on NBC Sports Network.

Messier's brand ambassador role is part of a relationship between Kingsbridge National Ice Center, where Messier serves as Chief Executive Officer, and Leverage Agency, the owners and operators of the "Rivalry on Ice" game.  Messier will participate in pre-event activities, make promotional appearances and help support the game.

"To me, hockey represents more than just a sport; it is a vehicle through which we can instill in our children values like teamwork, discipline and commitment; character building traits that ultimately produce better citizens," said Mark Messier.  "Events like 'Rivalry on Ice' offer a platform to invite families to experience the passion of our sport, while showcasing athletes whose athletic pursuits provide access to an unparalleled education.  This is a vision that is shared by 'Rivalry on Ice' and the Kingsbridge National Ice Center, and I am proud to be part of a partnership that will inspire amateur hockey worldwide."

As part of the partnership, Kingsbridge National Ice Center will be a sponsor of the event and will have a special intermission showcase.  In future years, the partnership will expand to include activation and activities at the Kingsbridge National Ice Center in the Bronx.

"For many years it's been my dream to bring Harvard and Yale to MSG to showcase their storied rivalry to passionate New York City fans," said Ben Sturner, Chief Executive Officer of Leverage Agency.  "Our partnership with Mark Messier brings "Rivalry on Ice" to an even higher level as he is such an inspiration to New Yorkers and fans worldwide."

"Rivalry on Ice" feature's America's most famous college rivals – Harvard and Yale – competing in an important regular-season contest.  Yale is coming off its first national championship season, and Harvard is celebrating the 25th anniversary of their historic NCAA hockey title when current head coach Ted Donato was voted "Most Outstanding Player" in the title game.

Tickets for "Rivalry on Ice," which is on pace for a sell-out, can be purchased at www.RivalryonIce.com or www.thegarden.com.

ABOUT LEVERAGE AGENCY
Leverage Agency is a full-service sports, entertainment and media marketing company.  Our accomplished staff brings deep expertise in creating 360 degree marketing partnerships through branded packaging, sponsorship sales, content creation and distribution, public relations, social media, experiential marketing and asset valuation/ROI analytics.  Headquartered in New York City, Leverage provides insight-driven strategies and develops customized programs for a portfolio of diverse corporate clients to engage their target consumers through needle-moving sports and entertainment marketing.

SOURCE Leverage Agency