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News

2024 Provincial Championship hosts announced

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the host communities for the 2024 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB.

Host communities for 25 of the 33 provincial championships have been confirmed. Five events are still in need of hosts (deadline for submissions is today). The remaining three provincial champions are determined through league playoffs.

Championship tournaments are being hosted in locations across the province – from Peace River to Okotoks, and Cold Lake to Grande Cache.

2024 Provincial Hosts >

ATB is returning as the presenting sponsor of the 2024 Provincial Sponsorships.

Participating teams for the provincial championship tournaments are determined through league playoffs.

Most Minor tiered provincial championships feature eight teams – the host, the champions from each division’s respective leagues, and one or more wild cards. Most Minor Female events feature six teams. Hockey Alberta’s Tiered and Female leagues include: Hockey Calgary, Edmonton Federation Hockey League, Central Alberta Hockey League, All Peace Hockey League, North Eastern Alberta Hockey League, Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League, and East Central Female Hockey League.

Week one (March 21-24) is the busiest weekend, with the following tournaments on the schedule: U18 Female AAA, U18 Female Tier 1, U16 AA, U15 AAA, U15 AA, U15 Female AA, U15 Tier 1, U15 Tier 1 NBC, U15 Tier 2, U15 Tier 3, U13 Tier 1, U13 Tier 2, U13 Tier 3, U13 Tier 4, and U13 Female Tier 1, and U13 Female Tier 2.

Week two (March 28-31) features: Junior C, U18 Female AA, U18 AA, U18 Tier 1, U18 Tier 2, U18 Tier 3, U15 Female Tier 1, U13 Female AA and U13 AA.

The final weekend (April 3-7) showcases Junior B and U17 AAA.

Junior A, Junior Female, and U18 AAA provincial champions are decided through league playoffs.

The following events still require a host, and will be cancelled if no bid applications are received: U18 Female Tier 2, U15 Tier 1 NBC and U13 Female Tier 1 (March 21-24); U18 Tier 1 NBC and U15 Female Tier 2 (March 28-31).

For all the details on this year’s Provincial Championship, please visit the new-look Provincials website at www.haprovincials.ca.

Home Ice Feature

Hockey Gives Back this Holiday season

Throughout 2023, teams from across the province have committed good deeds in their communities. This Holiday season, Hockey Alberta is featuring some of those teams who have given back this past year.


U15 SOUTHWEST COUGARS

The Cougars collected donations for the Calgary Food Bank.


U11 SOUTHWEST COUGARS BLUE

The U11 Cougars worked together to sign and decorate nearly 200 Christmas cards for every resident at the AgeCare Midnapore. The team then visited the residents to deliver the cards, help with bingo and run the treat trolly.


U15 PEACE RIVER SABRES

The Sabres U15 squad filled a hockey bag with non-perishable food items for the food bank.


U15 CAMROSE VIKINGS

The Vikings noticed a need for winter clothing and food at the local Family and Community Support Services in Camrose so the team challenged all the other Camrose Minor Hockey teams to see who could gather the most items for donation. Together they gathered over 600 winter jackets, two large boxes of toques, mitts, scarves and snow pants and over 30 boxes of food.


U11 NORTHERN SERVICES NORTHSTARS

The U11 Northstars gave back to their community by visiting the residents in long-term care at the hospital and handing out treats and decorating cookies with the residents.


U15 ROYALS WHITE

The U15 Royals White adopted a family through the North East Calgary Adopt a Family Society and collected over 100 items of presents for a family to have on Christmas morning.


U7 FLAMES AND SAHA U18 PREP

The U7 Flames and SAHA U18 Prep Team joined forces and held a food drive for the Medicine Hat Root Cellar. The Two teams combined to donate over 300 pounds of food and other goods.


U11 DIDSBURY RAMBLERS

The Ramblers went shopping and purchased items for a large food hamper for their own Christmas hamper program called Heart2U.


U9 SOUTHWEST GOLD

The team collected new toys and books to support kids and families staying at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.


U11 RED DEER LEGACY BRANDING CHIEFS

All U11 Chiefs teams held food drives over the course of November. The teams then spent an evening at the Red Deer Food Bank preparing food hampers, sorting donations and stocking shelves.


U11 FORT SASKATCHEWAN RANGERS

The U11 Rangers collected toys and non perishable food items for other kids their age who are need over the Holidays.


U13 RMAA RENEGADES

The U13 RMAA Renegades held a food drive in the town of Carstairs and delivered it to the local food bank. The team collected nearly 1,000 pounds of food for people in need this Holiday season.


U7 SOUTHWEST LEAFS

The U7 Leafs donated Christmas gifts to the Made by Momma organization.


U11, U13 AND U15 CENTRAL ALBERTA SELECTS

Three Central Alberta Selects teams partnered up to start their own ’Cold Stoppers’ campaign in support of the Street Ties Youth Outreach program through Vantage Community Services.


U15 LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES

The U15 AA Lethbridge Hurricanes and Taber Golden Suns teamed up to host a food drive during their most recent meeting in order to support the Interfaith Food Bank. The following day Hurricane players and coaches delivered 353 pounds of food and helped make up over 600 care packages for the Holiday season.


RED DEER SUTTER FUND U18 CHIEFS

The Female U18 Sutter Fund Chiefs took a night and went to visit the residents of Crimson Villas. The team brought Christmas treats and had a draw for one of the team’s shirts.


U15 OKOTOKS OILERS AND U15 CHESTERMERE LAKERS

The U15 Okotoks Oilers and Chestermere Lakers came together to raise funds for the food bank.


SOUTHWEST U9 COUGARS BLUE

The U9 Southwest Cougars Blue gave back to their community by bringing donations to the Calgary Children’s Cottage Society.


SOUTHWEST U13 COUGARS BLUE

The Cougars collected non-perishable food items for the food bank. They also collected bottles for their bottle drive.


U9 TO U18 FORT SASKATCHEWAN FURY

The U9 to U18 Fort Saskatchewan Fury teams collectively came together to collect 470 pounds of food for the Fort Saskatchewan food bank.


U11 FORT SASKATCHEWAN HADP RANGERS

The U11 Rangers made Christmas cards for the residents at Turner Lodge in Fort Saskatchewan.


U11 KFC/TACO BELL CHIEFS

The Chiefs visited the Crimson Villas Seniors Complex to play Bingo with the residents.


SOUTHWEST U11 COUGARS

The Cougars collaborated with the Senior Secret Service Program to adopt a senior for their team. The goal of the service is to enhance the quality of life for individuals 60 or older who are alone in the community.


RED DEER U15 RAMADA HOTEL CHIEFS AND OKOTOKS U15 OILERS

The Chiefs and Oilers put their on-ice rivalry aside to come together for a good cause. The two U15 teams partnered up to gather food donations for the Red Deer Food Bank.


STURGEON U18 STING

The Sting, who are based out of Morinville made sure to go the extra mile this past month, decorating their cars with Christmas lights and decorations to give the seniors in their community their very own Christmas parade after the seniors were forced to miss the town’s festivities due to sickness.


LAC LA BICHE U11 CLIPPERS

The Clippers hosted a tournament this year where the teams participating were tasked to fill bins in their dressing rooms for their Santa’s anonymous challenge, collecting toys to donate to children.


BOW RIVER U11 BRUINS GOLD

The U11 Bruins hosted a Holiday donation drive in support of the Calgary Drop in Centre as well as Inn from the Cold. They collected toiletries, mittens, hats, socks and more, bringing over 1300 items to donate to those charities.


SOUTHWEST U7 SR CANUCKS

The Canucks will give back by having their players create art pieces as a way to bring positivity and cheer to those in need of a smile.


To share how your team or association is giving back this season, complete the following form:

SUBMIT HOCKEY GIVES BACK >

For any questions or to send pictures, please contact Troy Durrell, Coordinator, Content Generation.

News

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays from Hockey Alberta!

Staff at Hockey Alberta would like to wish you and your families Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. The Hockey Alberta office is closed on December 25, 26, 27, and January 1. Regular office hours resume Tuesday, January 2.

News

Zone teams announced for 2024 Alberta Winter Games

RED DEER – The teams competing at the 2024 Alberta Winter Games have been announced for the U15 AA Male and U13 AA Female competition.

For the Male competition, U15 AA teams declared their interest in representing their zone by October 12. The team in each zone with the highest win percentage in its respective league, as of December 19, was selected to compete at the Games. Male teams competing at the Alberta Winter Games are:

Alberta Winter Games - Male Competition

Zone 1 – Sunny South

Lethbridge Hurricanes

Zone 2 – Big Country

Okotoks Oilers

Zone 3 – Calgary

Calgary Royals White

Zone 4 – Parkland

Camrose Vikings

Zone 5 – Black Gold/Yellowhead

Strathcona Warriors

Zone 6 – Edmonton

South Side Athletic Club Innovation Physio

Zone 7 – North Eastern Alberta

Lakeland Panthers

Zone 8 – Peace Country

Peace River Sabres

For the Female competition, U13 AA teams in the Alberta Female Hockey League participated in playdown games from December 3-10 to identify the eight teams participating in the Alberta Winter Games. Female teams competing at the Alberta Winter Games are:

Alberta Winter Games - Female Competition

Zone 1 – Sunny South

Southern Express

Zone 2 – Big Country

Rocky Mountain Raiders

Zone 3 – Calgary

Calgary Fire White

Zone 4 – Parkland

Central Alberta Twins

Zone 5 – Black Gold/Yellowhead

St. Albert Raiders Bolts

Zone 6 – Edmonton

Edmonton Ice Blue

Zone 7 – North Eastern Alberta

Lloydminster Western Financial Steelers

Zone 8 – Peace Country

Norlan Ram PCFAC Storm

The Alberta Winter Games are scheduled to take place February 16-19 in Grande Prairie.

News

Seven Albertans chosen to represent Canada at 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships

RED DEER – Seven individuals are representing the province at the upcoming 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships December 26-January 5 in Gothenberg, Sweden.

Matthew Savoie of St. Albert, Nate Danielson of Red Deer, and Scott Ratzlaff of Irma have been named to the 22-player roster. Shaun Clouston of Viking (Assistant Coach), James Emery of Calgary (Video Coach), Jason Smart of Red Deer (Security Liaison) and Esther Madziya of Lethbridge (Media Relations) are part of the Hockey Canada staff headed to Sweden.

This is the first time any of the three players from the province have suited up for Canada at the World Juniors, but that doesn’t mean they don’t come with a ton of pedigree. Savoie and Danielson were both drafted in the first round of consecutive NHL Drafts. Savoie went ninth overall in 2022 to the Buffalo Sabres, while Danielson went ninth in 2023 to the Detroit Red Wings. Ratzlaff was selected in the fifth round of this most recent draft to Buffalo.

As for international experience, Savoie played for Canada at the World U17 Hockey Challenge in the 2019 season, posting six points in six games. Ratzlaff wore the maple leaf at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, going 4-0 with a 0.50 goals-against-average, .976 save percentage and two shutouts en route to a gold medal. This is the first time donning the red and white for Danielson at an IIHF sanctioned event.

Canada kicks off their tournament against Finland on December 26. Canada’s games throughout the tournament will be broadcasted on TSN. Full schedule can be found below:

December 26

Canada vs Finland

6:30 AM

December 27

Canada vs Latvia

11:30 A.M.

December 29

Canada vs Sweden

11:30 A.M.

December 31

Canada vs Germany

11:30 A.M.

January 2

Quarterfinals

TBD

January 4

Semifinals

TBD

January 5

Bronze Medal Game

7:00 A.M.

January 5

Gold Medal Game

11:30 A.M.

News

Three Albertans representing Canada at 2024 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship

RED DEER – Three Albertans have been asked to represent Canada at the 2024 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship January 6-14 in Zug, Switzerland.

Makayla Watson, from Brooks, was named to the 23-player roster on defence. Fellow Albertans Dylan Rothwell of Calgary (Senior Manager Hockey Operations) and Tyler Roth of Edmonton (Equipment Manager) are looking to play their part in helping Canada win its third consecutive gold medal at the event, after defeating Sweden in 2023, and the United States in 2022.

This is Watson’s first time representing Canada on the international stage. The 17-year-old is having a career season at RINK Hockey Academy in Kelowna, posting 34 points in 15 games. She was named Top Freshman of the Year in the CSSHL in 2022 with the Edge U18 Prep team, and was a member of Team Alberta at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island.

Rockwell has been part of Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence for seven years. He started as a Student, National Women’s Team Programs, worked his way up to Coordinator, National Teams and Manager, Hockey Operations before being promoted to Senior Manager of Hockey Operations last March.

Roth is in his fourth season with the University of Alberta Pandas, and in his second as the Head Equipment Manager for the team. This is Roth’s first experience with Hockey Canada as an equipment manager, but he worked as a camp equipment manager for Hockey Canada in August and was part of Team Services at the 2022 summer World Junior tournament in Edmonton.

Team Canada will begin its tournament against Germany on January 6. Canada’s games throughout the tournament will be broadcasted on TSN. Full schedule can be found below:

January 6

Canada vs Germany

12:00 P.M.

January 7

Canada vs Czechia

12:00 P.M.

January 9

Canada vs Finland

12:00 P.M.

January 11

Quarterfinals

TBD

January 13

Semifinals

TBD

January 14

Bronze Medal Game

7:00 A.M.

January 14

Gold Medal Game

11:00 A.M.

Hockey Alberta Foundation

Breaking Barriers: bringing hockey to First Nations communities

CALGARY - There are thousands of young people in hundreds of communities across Canada that are unable to access sport in their community due to the financial, social, and geographical barriers they face each day – and every single one of them deserves the opportunity to proudly say, “I am a hockey player”.

That’s why HEROS has joined together with the First Nations Health Consortium of Alberta and Hockey Alberta, with the support of Hockey Alberta Foundation, to deliver NHL Street programming to First Nations communities this season.

This pilot project is designed to get young people moving, working together, and building important life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and resilience through street hockey.

Combining NHL Street’s model of modular boards and limited equipment with inclusive, hockey-based mentorship programming ensures that young people in remote communities can play hockey with their friends and mentors regardless of the barriers they face in their day-to-day lives.

“The really cool thing about this project is that it’ll be kind of like LEGO. The instructions will be there, but each community gets to build their own program based off what works for them,” said Waylon Auger, Pilot Project Coordinator with First Nations Health Consortium.

HEROS has been committed to removing the barriers that make the game of hockey hard to access. By providing the equipment, facilities, transportation, proper nutrition, and mentorship, HEROS has ensured 18,000 young people have been able to play, learn, and grow through hockey since the first HEROS program launched in 2000.

It’s well documented that access to sport is crucial to the mental and physical development of young people. Unfortunately, many families and communities lack the resources needed for their young people to participate in sport, especially hockey, where players need specialized equipment and facilities.

“Every kid wants to be part of something, it doesn’t matter where they live. Now they get to be part of a team,” said Auger.

Historically, HEROS programs have been run in large city centres like Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Toronto. Cities like these have many communities that need programming like HEROS, and their density and proximity to arenas help ensure resources can be used as effectively as possible. While this makes the most out of the limited resources that are generously provided by partners, donors, and volunteers in each community, it also limits the number of communities that HEROS can reach.

The Pilot Project will address that challenge, providing remote Indigenous communities access to free hockey programming that focuses on the long-term investment of players, while allowing them to experience the joy of playing hockey. Programming will provide players a safe, welcoming space that promotes the importance of community building, self-confidence, and inclusion.

And just like each HEROS program across the country, teams of dedicated mentors from each community, including older students, teachers, and neighbours, will be on hand to ensure players are able to build positive relationships and learn valuable lessons from those with shared life experiences.

“Now these players are HEROS, so if they end up moving to Calgary, Edmonton, or any another HEROS community, they’ll always have a place to go, where a familiar jersey and a smiling face will be there waiting for them,” said Kevin Hodgson, HEROS Executive Director.

While there is still lots of work to be done in the coming months, longtime partner of HEROS, Hockey Alberta, through the Hockey Alberta Foundation, has generously committed additional support throughout the 2023-2024 season to support the first year of the project.

Darcy Smith, Manager of Hockey Alberta Foundation, is thrilled their team is playing such an integral role in this project.

“The Hockey Alberta Foundation’s vision is to inspire every kid and every community’s passion for hockey,” said Smith. “Partnering with HEROS Hockey, the First Nations Health Consortium and Hockey Alberta to deliver programs throughout Alberta’s Indigenous communities supports mental and physical health and encourages community participation for the love of the game.”

The support from Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation will provide HEROS and the First Nations Health Consortium with the crucial resources needed to bring hockey programming to 10 First Nations communities over the first year of programming.

You can support this new initiative by making a donation, or by visiting the First Nations Health Consortium website to learn more about this new initiative.

Centre Ice Podcast

Centre Ice Podcast - Episode 32 - James Poole and Chris Leeming

Host Troy Durrell in Episode 32 of ’Centre Ice: The Hockey Alberta Podcast’ as he sits down with special guests James Poole, head coach of the EDGE U18 prep team, and Chris Leeming, head coach of the McEwen University Griffins women’s hockey team. Dive into the world of elite hockey as they share insights from coaching Team Alberta’s U16 and U18 teams, discussing tournament challenges, practice strategies, and the overall pride in representing Alberta on the national stage. Don’t miss this exclusive roundtable episode with the coaches shaping the future of Alberta’s hockey landscape.

Newest episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music/Audible and TuneIn + Alexa.

News

Clouston representing Canada at the 2024 World Junior Hockey Championships

RED DEER – Shaun Clouston’s Christmas plans are going to look a little bit different than what he’s accustomed to.

The 55-year-old from Viking will be behind the bench as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the 2024 World Junior Hockey Championships December 26 to January 5 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Clouston has represented Canada on the international stage three times before - winning gold medals with Canada at the Ivan Hlinka tournament (now Hlinka/ Gretzky) in 2014 and 2015, and bronze at the 2016 U18 World Championships.

“It means a lot. It’s a huge honour for me,” Clouston said about his first trip to the World Juniors. “I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting back into the Hockey Canada program…. All of us on the staff have experience in these types of tournaments so it’s our job to help support the players and remove any obstacles they might have so they can play to the best of their abilities.”

Clouston is the General Manager and Head Coach of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers who were last year’s Memorial Cup hosts. He said organization and execution are the two most important keys to success.

“I think the plan heading into a short-term tournament is important. I think Hockey Canada does a really good job of mapping out a plan, making sure everything is taken care of – practices, warmups, cool downs, meals, travel,” Clouston said. “Those things are all incredibly important. The support group from the equipment guys, trainers, mental performance coaches are important as well… so when the tournament starts everyone is on the same page, they know what the vision is and we can all go after the end goal, which is winning a gold medal.”

Clouston grew up in Viking, population 929 (2022 statistics), where he joins an impressive list of players and coaches, including the Sutter family. He takes great pride in representing his hometown on such a big stage.

“It’s pretty cool. You’re proud of where you come from and I sincerely looked up to all the Sutter boys growing up,” Clouston said. “They’re a little bit older than I am, but when you go to a school that’s Kindergarten to Grade 12, you know everybody. They’re all great people, they’ve been extremely supportive and have followed my career as closely as I’ve followed their careers which is pretty amazing to hear. To have those guys set the course for what’s possible, for myself and others is really awesome…. I’m very grateful to be in hockey for this long and have it be a big part of my life and to grow up in Viking and have (the Sutters) lead the way.”

News

U9 Pilot Project – full-ice option starting February 1

Information Bulletin 23-04

Effective February 1, 2024, Hockey Alberta, along with some Member associations, is implementing a full-ice Pilot Project at the U9 level of the Intro to Hockey program.

The U9 Pilot Project focuses on the adoption of Hockey Canada’s End of Season Phase, allowing teams the option to play 5-on-5 full-ice hockey from February 1 to March 30 each season.

Teams may continue to play half-ice hockey for the full season. The Preparation/ Evaluation and Development phases of Hockey Canada’s U9 Pathway are not impacted by this Pilot.

Participation in the Pilot is optional and is being implemented only for one-time event sanctions.

The Pilot Project is based on the recognition that players are missing game play skills and tactics when they transition from U9 to U11. The Pilot allows players to have more success at U11, allowing more enjoyment of the game.

Feedback was provided by minor hockey associations across Alberta. As well, input was sought from Hockey Canada’s provincial branches across the country. Regardless of whether teams are playing 4-on-4 half-ice, or 5-on-5 full-ice, the focus continues to be on development of individual skills, individual and team tactics for U9 players across the province.

NOTE: League games take priority over one-time event sanctions within the Pilot Project. Failure of a team to fulfill its league obligations may result in discipline, fines and/ or removal of permit/ sanction privileges for the remainder of the season.

For details on the new U9 Full-Ice Transition Pilot Project, and the updated Intro to Hockey model, check the Hockey Alberta website:

INTRO TO HOCKEY MODEL (UPDATED NOVEMBER 2023) >

News

Nominate a coach for the BFL Canada Women in Coaching Award

RED DEER – Applications are now open for nominations for the BFL Canada Women in Coaching Award.

There are three different categories to nominate your coach:

Community Coach: Defined as a woman coaching athletes of any age who play and compete in divisions where there is not a national championship identified as a culminating event. (ex. U7-U15 house league coaches, up to A/AA)

Competitive Coach: Defined as a woman coaching athletes who play and compete in divisions where the participants are eligible to compete in national championships, accredited Sport Schools championships, or provincially designated programs of excellence. (ex. Sport Schools, U15-U18 AAA, U22 Elite)

High Performance Coach: Defined as a woman coaching athletes that are above the age of 16 and compete at the USports, Canadian collegiate hockey, or professional levels.

Nominees are required to meet the following criteria in all three categories:

  • Leads by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship,
  • Places the emotional and physical well-being ahead of a personal desire to win,
  • Places an emphasis on equitable participation of all players registered on the team,
  • Demonstrates a commitment to the development of every player and staff member,
  • Treats each player as an individual and understands the range of emotional and physical development,
  • Does her best to provide a safe playing situation for all players,
  • Uses the coaching techniques that are appropriate for the age and skill levels of all players on her team,
  • Must be actively coaching at the female hockey, minor hockey or high-performance levels within the province the nomination originates from,
  • Must be trained and/or certified in the Hockey Canada National Coach Certification Program,
  • Must have completed all elements required to be an active coach,
  • Must be a member in good standing within the Province the nomination originates from.

This is the fifth season for the award. National winners of the award in the community and competitive categories will receive $5,000 bursary and a customized Team Canada jersey. Provincial and territorial winners in the Community and Competitive categories will receive a $1,000 bursary. The national winner in the High Performance category will receive a $5,000 bursary and an invite to Canada’s National Women’s Team camp in September 2024.

NOMINATE A COACH >

Team Alberta

Team Alberta North Junior Female Roster named for 2024 Arctic Winter Games

RED DEER – Two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards have been named to the Team Alberta North Junior Female roster for the upcoming Arctic Winter Games March 10-16 in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska.

The Junior Female team is looking to defend its gold ulu after defeating Team Northwest Territories 2-1 in the 2023 championship final that was held in Alberta’s Wood Buffalo Region.

The 17 athletes were chosen after Junior Female Selection Camp December 1-3 in Manning. Females playing at any level born in the ranges of 2005-2010 are eligible. Athletes must reside north of the 55th parallel to be eligible for Team Alberta North.

ROSTER >

The Junior Female team will participate in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for medal-round pairings. One gold ulu is awarded in each division. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Arctic Winter Games are a celebration of athletic completion, culture, friendship and cooperation between northern contingents. Athletic competition features sports that enjoy worldwide popularity alongside traditional Arctic Sports and Dene games. The cultural component is a pillar of the Games, featuring visual arts, dance, ceremonies and galas with participants from across the circumpolar region.

News

Team Staffs announced for 2024 Spring Showcase

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta has selected the 78 volunteers who will lead teams at the 2024 Spring Showcase.

Each team will consist of a director of operations, coach mentor, head coach, two assistant coaches and a trainer. Staff for each Alberta Challenge team also includes an apprentice coach. Some staff members will be listed on a later date.

Staff for each team is listed below.

2024 Alberta Cup Team Staff

2024 Alberta Challenge Team Staff

2024 Prospects Cup Team Staff

The Spring Showcase features the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge and Prospects Cup in back-to-back-to-back weekend action, beginning with the Alberta Cup on April 24. Events take place at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic.

Registration for regional camps will open on January 8th for Alberta Cup, January 15th for Alberta Challenge and January 22nd for Prospects Cup.

Hockey Alberta Foundation

Stephen Buffalo joins Foundation Board

Hockey Alberta NewsRED DEER - The Hockey Alberta Foundation welcomed Stephen Buffalo as the newest member of the Board of Directors at its annual general meeting on December 1.

Buffalo, from Calgary, is the President and CEO of Indian Resource Council of Canada (IRC). The IRC was created in 1987 to support First Nations to attain greater control and management of their oil and natural gas resources and currently represents more than 150 First Nations members throughout Canada. IRC advocates and lobbies with all levels of governments, resource organizations and private sector companies on local, national and international levels on behalf of its members.

Buffalo is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge (Bachelor of Management), and Medicine Hat College (Business Administration), and brings a diverse range of experience to the Foundation, including:

  • Senior Fellow, Macdonald - Laurier Institute, Ottawa
  • Oil & Gas Speaker Series, Queen’s University, Ontario
  • First Indigenous Governor, Canadian Energy Executive Association
  • Board of Directors, University of Calgary Re-Development Initiative
  • Board of Directors, Samson Management Ltd.
  • Board of Directors, St. Mary’s University
  • Former National President, Notre Dame Alumni Association
  • Athol College of Notre Dame, Board of Regents

Buffalo is also a scout with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, has completed Level 1 and Level 2 hockey coach certification, is a Pow-Wow participant (Traditional Dancer), and a Knights of Columbus Volunteer (3rd Degree Knight).

At the same time, the Foundation bids farewell to long-time director Lorne Radbourne of Grande Prairie, who recently stepped down from his position.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Hockey Alberta Foundation, I want to thank Lorne for his years of volunteer service,” said Dennis Zukiwsky, Chair of the Foundation. “Lorne’s experience and expertise has been valued in helping the Foundation set its strategic direction, especially his work on the Communications committee.”

For more information on the Hockey Alberta Foundation, go to hockeyalbertafoundation.ca.

News

AFHL U13 Female teams taking part in 2024 Alberta Winter Games playdowns

RED DEER – Sixteen teams in the AFHL U13 AA division will be taking a break from in–season play to vie for the right to compete at the 2024 Alberta Winter Games in Grande Prairie.

Zones with more than one team will see those clubs face off in a playdown series, with the winning team representing the Zone at the Games, February 16-19. Some Zones (two teams) are playing a best-of-three series, while others (three teams) are playing a round-robin and final game.

Zone Breakdown for Eligible Female U3 AA Teams

Zone 1 – Sunny South Southern Express (Zone rep)
Zone 2 – Big Country Airdrie, Okotoks (best-of-three)
Zone 3 – Calgary Calgary Fire Red, Black, White (round-robin)
Zone 4 – Parkland Camrose, Central Alberta (best-of-three)
Zone 5 – Black Gold/Yellowhead North Central, Sherwood Park, St. Albert (round-robin)
Zone 6 – Edmonton Edmonton Ice Blue, White (best-of-three)
Zone 7 – North Eastern Alberta Lakeland, Lloydminster (best-of-three)
Zone 8 – Peace Country Grande Prairie (Zone rep)

In best-of-three series, Airdrie Lightning visit the Rocky Mountain Raiders on Dec. 3; Edmonton Ice Blue and Edmonton Ice White open on Dec. 4; Camrose Wildcats and the Central Alberta Twins open on Dec. 6; and the undefeated first-place Lloydminster Western Financial Steelers take open with Lakeland Panthers on Dec. 7.

The remaining two zones will see three teams playing a round-robin format, with the top two teams squaring off Dec. 10 in the zone final. North Central Impact and St. Albert Raiders Bolts open the Zone 5 playdown on Dec. 5. Calgary Fire Red and Calgary Fire White drop the puck on Dec. 7 to open the Zone 3 playdown.

The full schedule of games in all zones can be found on the Playoffs tab on the U13AA league website.

FULL SCHEDULE, VENUES AND TIMES >