Thorold, Ontario – The Niagara IceDogs have celebrated it's history throughout the past season as they prepare to move to the new Meridian Centre. The

St. Catharines Rankin Construction Falcons are looking for some home ice advantage in it as they battle the Caledonia Pro-Fit Corvairs in the race for the 2014 Sutherland Cup.

But did you know that the St. Catharines CYO Hockey Organization was one of the first leagues to use the ice in the Garden City Arena now known as the Jack Gatecliff Arena or "The Jack" from when it first opened in 1938 and continue to do so?

You just might learn a lot more about the youth organization in 2014 at Merrittville Speedway as they are set to bring back the popular 50-50 Weekly Draws beginning with tonight's Seaway Mall Spring Sizzler.

"For 80 years, CYO has been providing a fun and safe environment for kids to enjoy the sport of hockey," shared (Merrittville Speedway GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, "we are excited for our fans that this part of our Saturday Night experience is back and happy to help future players in the organization."

St. Catharines CYO offers affordable ice hockey programs to children of all ages and capabilities from Mite to Alumni at both the house league and competitive levels. That includes the Heat Division which provides on ice activities for children with special needs and a Just Try It Program which offers first time participants, newcomers to Canada and less fortunate the opportunity to try hockey for the very first time at no cost

Approximately 1000 players register each season.

"We're really excited to have this opportunity at Merrittville and can't wait to meet the fans," anticipated CYO's Dwayne Christie, "all of the proceeds from the 50-50 will entirely support our programs ... and a lucky winner each week of course!"

In the 2013-2014 Season, organizational and other major sponsors of CYO included Aapex Driving Academy, Hainer's Tire and Auto Repairs, Canadian Tire, Humberstone Speedway, Mike Chelick Photography, Martindale Dental, Pete Cosco Haulage and Grantham Pharmasave.

For information on spring and summer power skating courses and the 2014-2015 Hockey Season – visit http://stcatharineshockey.com or one of the volunteers at the races. St. Catharines CYO does not require any religious affiliation – CYO is open to anyone that wishes to have a great hockey experience.

Merrittville Speedway is located at 2371 Merrittville Highway in Thorold. For directions click on http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/directions.html or call 905-892-8266 or via e mail – ebicknell@cogeco,net.

For all the news on Merrittville Speedway's 63rd Consecutive Season in 2014 – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars. Make your plans ... call your friends and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!

Your Local Dirt Track is where it's at and the countdown to Saturday April 26th's Seaway Mall Spring Sizzler has begun at Merrittville Speedway - the Best Family Entertainment in Niagara!

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2014 63rd Anniversary Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway's 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Bobcat of Hamilton, Rick's Delivery, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to many marketing partners Visit them at . http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/sponsors.htm and visit them when you require their products and/or services.

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Look for Lucas Oil Products at your favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including B&C Truck Centre, Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage