Former NHL Coach Doug MacLean Joins Irving Oil Challenge Cup

HALIFAX, March 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Doug MacLean, former NHL coach and TV/Radio personality, is coming to Halifax to celebrate this year's 21^st Annual Irving Oil Challenge Cup.

MacLean arrives on Friday, March 30^th and will be on hand to support the top Bantam AAA hockey players from across Atlantic Canada. Fans of all ages are invited to come out to meet MacLean at a free public skate event at the Halifax Forum (Civic Arena), Friday from 12-1pm. The following day, MacLean will be the keynote speaker at the Irving Oil Challenge Cup Awards Banquet, at the Delta Halifax.

A native of Summerside, PEI, MacLean has played and coached minor league and university league hockey throughout Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario before being called up as a coach in the NHL. With 20 years' experience in the NHL, he coached the Florida Panthers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1995-96, and was recognized as Hockey News' Coach of the Year and as a Jack Adams Award Finalist that same season. From 1998-2007, MacLean was both President and General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets. MacLean is currently a notable TV and radio host for Rogers Sportsnet and the Fan 590.

"I know how much reaching a championship like the Irving Oil Challenge Cup means to these young players and their families," said MacLean. "Young people need important milestones like the Challenge Cup to strive for - it takes an incredible commitment to be the best.  I'm looking forward to coming to Halifax to cheer on these young athletes and celebrate their achievements."

This year's Irving Oil Challenge Cup will be hosted at the Halifax Forum from March 29^th to April 1^st. Irving Oil has supported every team in the Atlantic Bantam AAA hockey league on an annual basis for over 20 years, supporting over 20,000 young athletes in communities across the region.

"We're extremely excited to have Mr. MacLean join the Challenge Cup celebrations," said Carolyn Van der Veen, Irving Oil. "With his wealth of player and coach experience, as well as his Maritime connection, he'll be a great source of inspiration to a whole new generation of young players."

Image with caption: "Former NHL coach and TV/Radio personality, Doug MacLean. (CNW Group/Irving Oil Operations Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120326_C7722_PHOTO_EN_11547.jpg

Lesley Dickson, Irving Oil
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