VIP Parts, Tires & Service, in Conjunction with Pirates, Monarchs, Announce Creation of the VIP Cup

Published on June 6, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, Maine - VIP Parts, Tires & Service, in conjunction with the Portland Pirates and the Manchester Monarchs, announced today that, starting in the 2012-13 season, the two teams will compete for the VIP Cup, awarded to the team which wins the most head-to-head regular season games between Portland and Manchester each season.

"We're thrilled about how VIP Parts, Tires & Service has added even more excitement and energy to the Portland-Manchester rivalry," said Brian Petrovek, Pirates Managing Owner/CEO. "VIP has been a valued partner of the Portland Pirates organization in the past and we're excited about their return to the family during our 20th Anniversary season."

"All of us at VIP Parts, Tires & Service are excited about our sponsorship of the VIP Cup between the Pirates and Monarchs," said Tim Winkeler, Vice President of Marketing at VIP Parts, Tires & Service. "Portland and Manchester have some of the best fans around, and we believe the VIP Cup will be a great way to add something extra to what is already a special hockey rivalry. We wish the best of luck to both organizations, and may the best team win!"

"It is a pleasure to partner with VIP and add a competitive trophy to the great rivalry that we have developed with the Pirates over the years," said Darren Abbott, Monarchs President. "The Monarchs look forward to this partnership and the ensuing on-ice battles for the coveted trophy."

The Pirates/Monarchs rivalry began on October 18, 2001, when the Monarchs, an expansion franchise at the time, travelled to the Cumberland County Civic Center. Nick Naumenko scored the game-winning goal and Sebastien Charpentier made 35 saves as 3,305 fans watched Portland win the first ever meeting between the two teams.

The number of games the Monarchs and Pirates will face-off in during the 2012-13 is still to be determined. The team with the best record following those games will be the winner of the inaugural VIP Cup. Last season the Pirates were 5-6-0-1 in 12 contests against Manchester. Over the past 11 seasons, Portland and Manchester have met a total of 114 times in the regular season. Overall the Monarchs have won 58 times, the Pirates have won 50 games, and the two teams have tied on six occasions.

The rivalry between Manchester and Portland was kicked up a notch last season, when the Pirates became the top affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes, a Pacific Division rival of Manchester's affiliate, the Los Angeles Kings. The two parent clubs recently played each other in the 2012 NHL Western Conference Final, which the Kings won four games to one.

In addition to attending the games, fans can follow the series on the official VIP Cup website which will be unveiled in August. In early July, fans can participate in the VIP Cup logo design contest. An inspiration of the winning logo will be used for the series and the creator will receive a special prize from VIP and the team they support. Stay tuned to the Pirates and Monarchs Facebook and Twitter accounts for more details on the contest leading into the 2012-13 season.

Game dates for the VIP Cup will be released later this summer.

VIP Parts, Tires & Service, proud sponsor of the VIP Cup, operates 56 stores throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Headquartered in Lewiston, Maine, customers choose VIP for their low prices, lifetime warranties, and large selection of auto parts, tires and automotive services. Find out more about VIP Parts, Tires & Service at www.VIPauto.com where you can sign up to receive VIP's weekly special offers.

The Portland Pirates 20th Anniversary Season, presented by Bill Dodge Auto Group, is just a few months away! A season full of events to mark the anniversary is in store and you're invited to join the celebration! Portland Pirates 20th Anniversary Season Tickets are on sale! You can secure your seats for as low as $50! Season tickets include plenty of great benefits! To purchase, call the Pirates Tickets Office at 828-4665, EXT 350 today!

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American Hockey League Stories from June 6, 2012


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