W5 Celebrates the Great Game of Hockey and Canada / Russia Rivalry in Glenn Anderson’s TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE, Sept. 29 on CTV

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Toronto, ON (September 24, 2012) – In time for the 40^th anniversary of the 1972 Summit Series this week, and the 25^th anniversary of the 1987 Canada Cup this month, six-time Stanley Cup winner Glenn Anderson takes W5 on a journey to understand the enduring half-century hockey rivalry between Canada and Russia. Premiering this Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. ET on CTV, W5’s TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE documents the former Edmonton Oiler and Hockey Hall of Fame member’s voyage to Russia, in search of what this rivalry has meant to these nations, and to the game of hockey itself.

This second episode of the season for W5 follows last week’s powerful premiere on Sept. 22 to 836,000 viewers, up an impressive 82% over last year’s season debut.*

Produced by Nomad Films for W5, TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE can also be seen Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 11 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery,and on demand at CTVNews.ca/W5, the CTV Mobile channel on Bell Mobile TV, and through video on demand partners (visit CTV.ca for local listings).

For millions of people, the 1972 Summit Series and Paul Henderson`s winning goal is the quintessential Canadian experience of the 20^th Century. Also burned into the collective Canadian memory is the vision of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux rushing towards the Soviet net to score the immortal goal that would win the 1987 Canada Cup. Many of the stories from the autumns of ‘72 and ‘87 have been told, but there are many more tales still waiting to be shared.

“Russian hockey teams and players brought out the best in their Canadian counterparts, and as a young boy, I thought they were the best in the world,”said Glenn Anderson. “I wanted to make a film about the history of the game so that younger generations would know how the road was paved for them, and as a learning tool for the future. The shaping of this great game of ice hockey over decades has been amazing.”

“As Canada’s premier documentary series, W5 is thrilled to have commissionedTO RUSSIA WITH LOVE,” said Anton Koschany, Executive Producer of W5. “We believe the story of the rivalry between Canada and Russia on ice has changed our game and should be told.”

In the one-hour documentary, Anderson, who was a member of the 1987 Canadian team, visits Slava Fetisov who was the captain of the Soviet team in the 1980s in Moscow, to hear about his tales of struggle against the Communist State to join the NHL`s New Jersey Devils. Anderson also reminisces with amateur players who fought valiantly (but most always lost) against the Soviets during the 1960s and 70s.

Finally, he explores the future of professional hockey in modern Russia. In cities like St. Petersburg, teams are springing up in a league that may be an eventual rival to the NHL, known as the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League). During the current NHL labour dispute many NHLers are now playing in the KHL. Anderson visits the St. Petersburg CKA club, and talks to the President of the new league, Alexander Medvedev, who shares hopes for the day the NHL and KHL teams actually play each other for points that count in their respective leagues.

Anderson`s journey is a sweeping personal view of someone who has been inside the game his whole life. His relationship with Russian hockey continues and his insights help us understand the complicated brotherhood of hockey between these countries.

TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE is co-executive produced for W5 by Glenn Anderson, Michael Boland, and Mark Johnston. Amanda Handy is Producer.

*Source: BBM Canada, Overnight vs. Overnight

About Nomad Films

Nomad Films develops and produces dramatic and factual programming for film and television that focuses on a wide range of compelling stories about social and political change, science, the environment, and the arts. Known for its international treaty co-production work, Nomad has successfully produced films such as the award-winning IN THE SHADOW OF THE SAINT (CBC, BBC, IKON, SBS Australia). Director/Writer/Executive Producer Mark Johnston is the founder of Nomad Films. Twenty-five years in the documentary business, Mark has worked in a producer or director capacity on over 50 films.

About W5

With an ongoing commitment to covering tough, relevant stories with fair and responsible reporting, W5 is in its 47^th season of investigative journalism. Hosted by Lloyd Robertson, the award-winning series is the most-watched documentary program in Canada. Anton Koschany is Executive Producer of W5. Brett Mitchell is Senior Producer. Wendy Freeman is President of CTV News and Current Affairs.

About CTV

CTV is Canada’s largest private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV is Canada’s most-watched television network. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada’s premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network’s website at ctv.ca.

-CTV-

For more information, contact:

Renee Dupuis, CTV Inc., 416.384.3154 or renee.dupuis@bellmedia.ca

Patricia Garcia, CTV Inc., 416.384.2645 or patricia.garcia@bellmedia.ca