It was a friendly hockey game between Canadian MP’s led by the Minister of Defence Peter MacKay and MP Gordon Brown and members of the diplomatic missions of the member states of the European Union in Ottawa led by the Slovak Ambassador Stanislav Opiela and Latvian Ambassador Margers Krams. Czech Ambassador Karel Žebrakovský droped the puck and opened the game.

The timing of the event coincided with the final days of the IIHF World Junior Championship held in Otttawa from December 26, 2008, to January 5, 2009, which showcased the talent of a new generation of players, including the Czech national team. The Samsung Fanfest at Aberdeen Pavillion accompanying the Championship was a destination for fans, with a display of history and memorabilia open every day during the Championship. The fans had opportunity to visit the Czech booth from December 26 to 31 to share some of our ice hockey heritage and information about the Czech Republic.