The Atlantic Challenge Cup was first held in the fall of 1996 and serves to crown the Atlantic Branch Championship Teams at the Male Under 14, Male Under 15, Male Under 16, Female Under 15 and Female Under 17 age categories. The 2009 event which will mark the 14th anniversary of the Atlantic Challenge Cup.

The Atlantic High Performance Hockey Championship serves to prepare players, coaches, team staff members and officials for competition in International play, including the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge and the Canadian National Teams. Past alumni include Sidney Crosby (National Junior Team and Pittsburgh Penquins), Luc Bourdon (National Junior Team and Vancouver Canucks), Brad Marchand (National Under 18 Team and Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL), Joanne Eustace (National Women’s Under 22 and Vaughn Flames).

The Atlantic Challenge Cup regroups the best players from the Atlantic Hockey provinces in an annual best on best competition. Each province sends its best players at each age category which creates tremendous interest among scouts and various leagues around North America. The event also generates an influx of parents and supporters to the host community. 

The Atlantic Cup also features the best young officials in the region as each branch sends their male and female officials to officiate in the event. They are selected based on merit and participate in a weekend development program coordinated by the 4 Atlantic Referee-in Chiefs.

The Championship takes place over a four-day period during the Thanksgiving weekend in October.