CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – With less than two months to go before the puck drops at the 2012 Esso Cup, ticket packages are still available for Canada’s National Female Midget Championship, April 22-28 at the CARI Complex.

A full-tournament ticket package for general admission to all 19 games, including the semifinals and both medal games, is available for only $50 by clicking HERE, or at the CARI Complex customer service desk.

As excitement continues to build in anticipation of the tournament, the local corporate community has been quick to show support for the event and women’s hockey, through generous sponsorships and the purchase of ticket packages. Recently, Cox and Palmer Law was confirmed as the lone platinum sponsor of the event.

“In just its fourth year of existence, the profile of the Esso Cup continues to grow and the City of Charlottetown is excited to bring the event back to our community in its new format,” said Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee. “Hosting such an event is a tremendous opportunity that would not be possible without strong corporate partnerships and the support the community as a whole. Fans should get their tickets early to ensure they don’t miss a second of the action this spring.”

The 2012 Esso Cup will bring together five regional champions (Pacific, West, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic), along with the host Capital District Cyclones, to face off for the national championship and give players the opportunity to face the best players in their age group from across the country.

The gold medal game will be broadcast on TSN/RDS, official broadcasters of Hockey Canada, on Saturday, April 28 at 6 p.m. AT. Please check your local listings for broadcast times in your area. All other games, including the preliminary round, semifinals and bronze medal game, will be available via webcast at hockeycanada.fasthockey.com.

“Over the years, the Esso Cup has become a true showcase of the young female hockey talent in Canada,” said Kalli Quinn, Hockey Canada’s director of female national teams. “We look forward to seeing their skills on display in Charlottetown in April.”

In addition to being an opportunity for female players to step onto the national stage, the Esso Cup has been a stepping stone to Canada’s national women’s teams. Two players who competed at the 2011 Esso Cup in St. Albert, Alta., won gold with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team at the 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women’s World Championship in Prerov and Zlin, Czech Republic. Abbey Frazer claimed fourth place with the Kodiaks du Lac St-Louis, while Taylor Woods won the gold medal with the Notre Dame Hounds.

For 2012 Esso Cup host committee interview requests, media in the Charlottetown area can contact Amanda Hamel, marketing and communications coordinator for the City of Charlottetown, at (902) 314-2721.

For more information on the 2012 Esso Cup, please visit www.HockeyCanada.ca/EssoCup, or follow along through social media at www.Facebook.com/EssoCup and www.Twitter.com/HC_EssoCup.