Team NS and Host Team Battling for 21st Annual Irving Oil Challenge Cup

Team NB and Team NL Vie for Bronze Medal

HALIFAX, March 31, 2012 /CNW/ - After three days of round robin games, the 21^st Annual Irving Oil Challenge Cup hockey action at the Halifax Forum is down to the final teams. For the gold medal game, it's the battle of Nova Scotia: Team Nova Scotia, the Bubba Rays Irving Oil Gulls and the Host Team, the Halifax ACCEL Irving Oil Hawks, will be playing for Atlantic Canadian Bantam AAA Hockey supremacy on Sunday, April 1^st at 1pm.

"This is the game we've been waiting for - we've been working toward the Challenge Cup all season and we're going to do everything we can to win the Cup at home," said Campbell Pickard, Captain of the Halifax ACCEL Irving Oil Hawks. "Irving Oil does an amazing job of organizing this tournament - it's unforgettable and our team really appreciates their support all year-round."

"We are so psyched to be going for gold at the Irving Oil Challenge Cup!" said Drew Packman, Center for the Bubba Rays Irving Oil Gulls. "For me and my team, this is the game of a lifetime. Thanks to Irving Oil for putting this tournament on - it's a huge deal to us."

The Bronze Medal game between Team New Brunswick, the Dieppe Irving Oil Flyers and Team Newfoundland, the Mark's Irving Oil Dakota Wild, is set for Sunday at 10am at the Halifax Forum. Former NHL coach, Doug MacLean will be addressing all of the Challenge Cup teams tonight at an Awards Banquet at the Delta Halifax at 7pm.

"Congratulations to the teams for reaching the Challenge Cup Finals and on behalf of everyone at Irving Oil, we want to wish them all the best in the two championship games ahead," said Carolyn Van der Veen, Irving Oil.

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 Adam and Colin White.

For Irving Oil Challenge Cup game tickets, banquet tickets and information, visit www.irvingoilcup.com.

Lesley Dickson, Irving Oil
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