Marriott International has announced a multi-year partnership with sports and real estate company Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors, the Toronto FC, and Toronto’s Air Canada Centre, among others. As part of the deal, Marriott International becomes the preferred hotel company for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In addition, members of Marriott’s three loyalty programmes - Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guests (SPG), including some 3.7 million members in Canada alone, will be able to redeem points on Marriott Rewards Moments and SPG Moments for once-in-a-lifetime hockey themed experiences with players and legends of the game.

"The cross country popularity of hockey makes the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment an ideal partner to provide members of Marriott Rewards and SPG with once-in-a-lifetime experiences." Said Don Cleary, president of Marriott International Canada. "We know that Canadians – more so than ever – travel for experiences and our partnership with the Toronto Maple Leafs unlocks the potential for memorable travel."

"The Toronto Maple Leafs are happy to partner with Marriott International, our country's leading lodging organization," said Jeff Deline, vice president of Global Partnerships at MLSE. "Our hockey club has always strived to deliver incredible experiences for our fans and we're looking forward to working alongside a brand that does the same for their guests. We know that our fan base love to travel to cheer on their team and this partnership will provide opportunities for incredible memories."

One lucky Marriott Rewards member learned he had already benefitted from the partnership when he checked into the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto, located two blocks from the Air Canada Centre.

Maple Leaf alumnus Darcy Tucker surprised the guest, who had booked a Marriott Rewards weekend stay in Toronto that included Leafs tickets, and gave him a "money can't buy" experience with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In addition to a morning skate with the team, a behind the scenes tour of Air Canada Centre, and an opportunity to bump gloves with the Maple Leafs team as they took to the ice, the guest met Leafs legend Johnny Bower and was invited to watch the hockey game from VIP platinum seats.

Although signage for Marriott Rewards and SPG appear on the boards at the Air Canada Centre, naming rights for the stadium are not included, with Scotiabank having locked in a 20-year deal to rename the stadium Scotiabank Arena in 2018.

Check out the video below.

To see other experiences that Marriott Rewards and SPG Rewards members can redeem for, visit the Marriott Rewards Moments and SPG Moments websites.

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