Young hockey players across Canada this fall will be vying for the opportunity to have NHL star Alex Ovechkin lead their hockey practice, courtesy of Energizer Canada.

The company on Thursday announced its “Power of 8″ campaign, which will let consumers across Canada enter a contest that will see Ovechkin, the two-time Hart Trophy winner who wears No. 8 with the Washington Capitals, come to their local area to lead a hockey practice for a kids’ team. Energizer will donate $8,000 to help pay for the team’s expenses, such as ice time, equipment, and jerseys.

“What kid doesn’t want to grow up to be a hockey great like Alex?” said Kent Hatton, Brand Group Director of Energizer Canada. “We’re thrilled to partner with Alex because much like Energizer’s Ultimate Lithium batteries, he is an exceptional source of high energy, high power and overall high performance; not to mention he’s a perfect fit with our beloved Energizer Bunny.”

Ovechkin said he’s excited about the contest and the prospect of hitting the ice with a group of Canadian kids with hockey dreams not dissimilar to his own when he was growing up in Russia.

“I can’t wait to get on the ice with these kids and show them some tricks,” Ovechkin said. “I remember how great it was to skate with some of my heroes when I was a kid, and I look forward to the opportunity to show them that their hockey dreams can come true.”

Laurel Walzak, NHL Director of Integrated Sales, says aligning Energizer with Ovechkin is a great fit.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting partnership and wish all those who enter the contest the best of luck,” she said.

Consumers can enter the “Power of 8” contest by visiting www.energizer.ca and will find Energizer Ultimate Lithium displays in participating retail outlets throughout Canada between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009.