Samsung Canada is helping Ottawa-area hockey fans get into the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships through its “Hockey Country Experience,” a program of exhibits and events.

From Dec. 26 to Jan. 4, hockey fans can participate in interactive games, a Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit, giveaways and live TSN feeds at Samsung’s FanFest at the Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park.

“We are thrilled to participate in the IIHF World Junior Championship,” said Benjamin Lee, president of Samsung Electronics Canada, in a release. “Our sponsorship of the Samsung Hockey Country Experience is a natural fit with Samsung’s Get Together for the Game campaign, designed to connect hockey fans and communities across the country and further ignite their passion for the game.”

Also at the Aberdeen Pavilion, visitors can test their hockey videogame skills in the Samsung Hockey Challenge, which runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 3. Contestants who earn the daily top scores will receive a free copy of EA Sports’ NHL 09 video game for the Xbox 360. The overall top scorer will receive two tickets to the gold medal game, while the runner-up will receive two tickets to the bronze medal game.

Samsung will also host a used hockey equipment drive at the Aberdeen Pavilion on Jan. 2, with the equipment being donated to the Ottawa District Hockey Association and its existing equipment donation programs, which raise funds for children throughout the Ottawa Valley.

The Samsung Hockey Country Experience also includes the Hockey Canada House, a food and entertainment tent at Scotiabank Place, the home arena for the NHL’s Ottawa Senators; Samsung New Year’s Eve Celebration on the Rideau Canal with a screening of the Canada versus U.S.A. game, fireworks display and a live performance by Finger Eleven; as well events on the Rideau Canal Skateway.