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Don’t miss it! The Can/Am Cup

  • Published
  • By 1Lt Kinder Blacke
  • 552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs
Tinker AFB, Okla. --  The puck will drop at 6:00 pm on Friday, May 15, kicking off the first annual hockey game between the 552nd Air Control Wing's Canadian Component and American Component teams.

This is the thirtieth year that Canadians and Americans have been working and flying together in the 552 ACW at Tinker AFB, Okla. and to commemorate the anniversary, teams composed of members from each nation will square off in a hockey game at the Blazer's Ice Center.

"It's an opportunity for Canadians to share their love of the game of hockey with their USAF counterparts," said Capt. Derrick Iwanenko, 552nd Operations Support Squadron.

Captain Iwanenko started playing hockey when he was three years old in Buffalo, NY and has since played all over the United States and Canada. He is the team captain for the American component team, which is comprised of players from every squadron in the wing, he said.

The captain of the Canadian component team, Sergeant James McCarron, 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron, started playing hockey as a five-year-old. Both teams have plenty of experienced players, but also include members who started playing as adults.

"The game will provide an opportunity for players to showcase their pride for their country, respective services, and home unit, as well as further the unique inter-relationship with their fellow co-workers," Captain Iwanenko said.

Col. Pat Hoffman, commander, 552 ACW will show her support by dropping the puck in the first face-off.

Admission is free and seating is open. "The game will give the spectators a chance to cheer on their home country team," said Captain Iwanenko. "Come out and show your support!"