Teams vy for bragging rights in first Can-Am Cup Published May 13, 2009 By 1st Lt. Kinder Blacke 552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- The puck will drop at 6 p.m. 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 30th year Canadians and Americans have been working and flying together in the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker, 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. "This is a game we have been planning with our Canadian brethren for over a year now," said James Behn, co-captain for the American side and a member of the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron. "It's an opportunity for Canadians to share their love of the game of hockey with their USAF counterparts," said Derrick Iwanenko, another co-captain for the American's and a member of the 552nd Operations Support Squadron. Iwanenko started playing hockey when he was three years old in Buffalo, NY, and has since played all over the United States and Canada. The American component team is comprised of players from every squadron in the wing, Iwanenko said. "This game pits us against our good friends and hockey patriots and it will be exciting to play in and watch it as well," said Behn. The captain of the Canadian component team, 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. "This game will show the Tinker community that we have talented and skilled players on both sides," Behn said. "One of the other goals is to promote adult hockey throughout the base." There has been some friendly jarring back and forth between both sides leading up to the contest. Each team has put in a lot of effort and practice into honing their skills gearing up to play their best hockey of the season. "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," Iwanenko said. Col. Pat Hoffman, 552nd ACW commander, will show her support by dropping the puck in the opening 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 Iwanenko. "Come out and show your support!" (Staff Writer John E. Banks also contributed to this article.)