Host Team Crowned Atlantic Canadian Champions at Irving Oil Challenge Cup

Team NS Wins Silver and Team NB Wins Bronze  

HALIFAX, April 1, 2012 /CNW/ - For the first time since 2000, the Host Team of the Irving Oil Challenge Cup, the Halifax Irving Oil ACCEL Hawks, is victorious after winning the gold medal final against Team NS, the Bubba Rays Irving Oil Gulls, with a score of 3-1.

"I can't believe we did it!" said Campbell Pickard, Captain with the Halifax Irving Oil ACCEL Hawks. "To have our names on the Cup, beside the likes of Sidney Crosby, Luke Adams, and Nathan MacKinnon is a dream come true. The Irving Oil Challenge Cup has been the best tournament of my life."

"We are so proud of our players - this season has had its share of peaks and valleys, but all of their hard work and determination paid off today. Hats off to the Gulls for a game well fought," said Kevin Mitchell, Coach of the Halifax Irving Oil ACCEL Hawks. "On behalf of all of the players, coaches and management, thanks to Irving Oil for giving our team an experience of a lifetime."

The Halifax Irving Oil ACCEL Hawks won all five of their tournament games this weekend. The Bubba Rays Irving Oil Gulls won silver after a 3-1 record in the round robin play, and Team New Brunswick, the Dieppe Irving Oil Flyers, won bronze after defeating Team Newfoundland, the Mark's Irving Oil Dakota Wild with a score of 3-1.

"All these players are winners simply by making it to this Tournament. We hope this weekend has inspired them to keep pushing harder to realize their dreams," Carolyn Van der Veen, Irving Oil. "We're proud to continue the Challenge Cup legacy and provide a platform for these young athletes to showcase their hard work."

For over 20 years, Irving Oil has sponsored every team in the Atlantic Bantam AAA hockey league on an annual basis, supporting over 20,000 young athletes in communities across the region.   Over the years many famous hockey players have participated in this tournament on their path to the pros, including Sidney Crosby, Jon Sim, Luke Adams and Colin White.

The Irving Oil Challenge Cup Facebook Contest continues until April 16^th, in support of Kidsport organizations throughout Atlantic Canada. When fans vote for their favourite Irving Oil Challenge Cup team, their vote helps that province's KidSport organization get one step closer to a $5000 donation from Irving Oil. Every vote is also the fan's chance to win a draw for a $1000 Irving Oil gift card. For details, visit www.facebook.com/irvingoil.

Image with caption: "The Host Team of the Irving Oil Challenge Cup, the Halifax Irving Oil ACCEL Hawks, won the championship title - the first host team to win since 2000. (CNW Group/Irving Oil Operations Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120401_C2170_PHOTO_EN_11819.jpg

Image with caption: "The 2012 Irving Oil Challenge Cup Champions, the Halifax Irving Oil ACCEL Hawks, celebrate their win. (CNW Group/Irving Oil Operations Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120401_C2170_PHOTO_EN_11818.jpg

Lesley Dickson, Irving Oil
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