WELLINGTON TO HOST 2nd ANNUAL CENTRAL CANADA CUP

Press Release

The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) is proud to announce that the Wellington Dukes will host the Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge, featuring a tournament competition with the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) and the Quebec Junior ‘AAA’ Hockey League (QJAAAHL).

Following last year’s successful inaugural event hosted by the CCHL’s Smiths Falls Bears, the 2nd annual tournament will take place from December 27-30, 2012 at the Essroc Arena within the Wellington and District Community Centre; better known as the “New Duke Dome.”

Last year’s champion, the QJAAAHL All-Stars will return with two All-Star teams, while the CCHL and OJHL will return with two and four teams respectively.

Due to the overwhelming success and popularity of last year’s tournament, the same format will be used this year. The eight teams will be split into two divisions of four teams each, who will then play a unique round-robin format that will see games consist of two 20 minute halves. Following the round-robin portion of the event, the top two teams will play cross-over semi-final match-ups with the two winners facing off in a full, three period championship game.

Another unique component to the event this year will be the addition of a Prospects Game between the OJHL and the CCHL. The full three period game will be played on the final day of competition (Dec. 30) prior to the Central Canada Cup championship game.

“The Wellington Dukes have been one of the OJHL’s most successful franchises since joining the league in 1998-99,” stated OJHL Commissioner Marty Savoy. “With the opening of the ‘New Duke Dome’ last year, it made complete sense that we would showcase Central Canada’s best Junior ‘A’ talent at one of our league’s best new arenas. We look very forward to continuing to build upon the foundation that was set by the CCHL and the Smiths Falls Bears last season by providing an excellent scouting showcase for the players, as well as an entertaining product for the fans.”

“We are honoured that the Wellington Dukes and the County of Prince Edward, are the first OJHL member club to host the Central Canada Cup,” said Dukes General Manager and Head Coach Marty Abrams. “The tournament organizing committee, led by our Community Events Manager Jennifer Cobb, will work non-stop to insure the event is something that the OJHL, the Dukes and our fans will be proud of. We believe the foundation is in place; a great facility, tremendous fan support and a strong sense of community spirit; that will propel the 2nd Annual Central Canada Cup to great success.”

Look for the 2012 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge webpage to up-and-running in the near future.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)