NEW YORK / TORONTO -- The National Hockey League®, in conjunction with the Calgary Flames® and Tourism Calgary, will hold the 2015 Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off™, the official NHL season-opening celebration, on Oct. 7 at the historic Fort Calgary in Alberta. The free hockey and music festival will occupy more than 300,000 square feet of Fort Calgary and culminate with a live viewing party featuring the Flames' home opener against the Vancouver Canucks® (8 p.m. MT/10 p.m. ET on Sportsnet, TVA2).

"Celebrating the start of a new season with the greatest hockey fans is what the Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off is all about," said Brian Jennings, NHL EVP and Chief Marketing Officer. "The atmosphere at this event leading up to puck drop is incredible – you can feel the energy in the air. Fans are excited for a new season to launch and so are we."

Award-winning host Dave Kelly and Breakfast Television Calgary correspondent Jill Belland will emcee the family-friendly celebration, which begins at 3 p.m. local time at Fort Calgary, rain or shine, with live musical performances; prizes and giveaways; NHL Alumni™ and special guest appearances; merchandise available for purchase; and sponsored hockey activities. The day's festivities will continue into the evening when fans are invited to watch the Flames face the Canucks at Scotiabank Saddledome in a re-match of their 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round series on giant outdoor video screens at Fort Calgary.

Molson Canadian, the official and exclusive beer partner of the NHL, returns as title sponsor for the season launch event for the fourth straight season. Molson Canadian and fellow NHL partners Scotiabank, Rogers, Bridgestone, Honda, Mondelez, Oh Henry!, Reebok, Samsung and Tim Hortons will treat hockey fans of all ages to a wide array of interactive games, experiences and product previews at the 2015 Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off.

"Hockey lies at the heart of the Molson Canadian brand," said Stewart Glendinning, President & CEO of Molson Coors Canada. "The city of Calgary provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate the start of the season, and we're excited to continue to show fans that Molson Canadian is willing to do Anything For Hockey."

The League's opening night, four-game slate includes two Original Six™ match-ups and another Pacific Division rivalry. The Chicago Blackhawks® will raise their 2015 Stanley Cup Championship banner at the United Center before facing the New York Rangers® (8pm ET, NBCSN). In Toronto, the Maple Leafs® will host the Montreal Canadiens® (7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA), and the first night of the season will conclude with the San Jose Sharks® visiting the Los Angeles Kings® (10:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN).

The musical line-up and full schedule of events and attractions for the 2015 Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off will be announced in the coming weeks. For the latest news, fans should follow the NHL on Twitter (@NHL), Instagram (Instagram.com/NHL), Snapchat (‘nhl') and Vine (vine.co/NHL) for exclusive coverage via the official hashtag #NHLFaceOff.