ICE TIMES: Edition 20:10

May 28, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE - MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

A message from Hockey Alberta CEO Rob Litwinski regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and the development of a Return-To-Hockey plan. READ >

ONLINE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR COACHES

Hockey Alberta is running a series of online coach professional development sessions over the coming months. With a focus on coaches in the minor hockey system, these sessions will cover a number of topics ranging from Hockey I.Q. to coach interviews. INFO >

HOCKEY ALBERTA ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO TEAM ALBERTA SUMMER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, Hockey Alberta has been monitoring and evaluating our 2020 Team Alberta Summer High Performance Programs. The primary concern is ensuring the safety of our players, officials, coaches, volunteers and families involved in our development programs. INFO >

STORIES FROM THE RINK: ALIX MHA HIGHLIGHTS STAR VOLUNTEER

As parents arrive at the rink on frigid Saturday mornings throughout the winter, they joke to themselves about seeing Tyler Copland’s truck parked in "his spot", as he is always the first to arrive before a game. Whether it’s as a board member, coach, friend, mentor, parent, or sponsor, Tyler wears many hats in the town of Alix. READ >

HOCKEY CANADA, BFL CANADA ANNOUNCE FEMALE COACH OF THE YEAR WINNERS

Hockey Canada, in partnership with BFL CANADA, announced the first winners of the BFL Female Coach of the Year awards. Samantha Holmes-Domagala of Calgary has been named as the National Community Winner, and Shanya Shwetz of Edmonton has been named a Regional High Performance winner. MORE >

SPORT FOR LIFE OFFERS E-LEARNING DISCOUNTS THIS MAY

Are you looking for something to keep your mind active during the COVID-19 shutdown? This month Sport for Life is offering three select e-learning courses that will help you prepare for that uncertain future while bringing your organization to a new level. CULTURAL AWARENESS IN YOUTH SPORT > | EFFECTIVE BOARD GOVERNANCE > | RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF VOLUNTEERS >

HOCKEY AT HOME - CONDITIONING, SKILL DEVELOPMENT, AND GOALIE TRAINING

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep us all at home, it’s important to keep active, eat healthy, and even work on some hockey skills. Hockey Alberta is working with Crash Conditioning, Ali Stead (@never2late2learn.hky), and various goalie and Team Alberta resources to bring you weekly tips on how to stay ready for hockey’s return. HOCKEY AT HOME VIDEOS >

• U16 AA Pilot Project set for 2020-21 Season
• Hockey Alberta announces 2019-20 Officials Awards
• Lethbridge Minor Hockey named Alberta Minor Hockey Association of the Year
• Bonnyville Pontiacs coach receives provincial Order of Merit
• Two WHL Bantam Draft picks among Xtreme year-end award winners
• Smokies hope Fragle rocks his new position as Head Coach and GM
• PWM Steelers introduce 2020-21 coaching staff

May 14, 2020

HOCKEY CANADA’S OPEN LETTER TO CANADIANS

First, and most importantly, to the front-line and essential workers who have gone above and beyond around the clock to keep Canadians safe – a simple thank you is not nearly enough for what you have done over the last three months. Second, to our Members, partners, local hockey associations, volunteers and fans across Canada, thank you for keeping the spirit of hockey alive. Unprecedented times have called for unprecedented efforts at every level of the game. FULL LETTER >

HOCKEY ALBERTA AWARDS ANNOUNCED

Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the recipients of the annual Hockey Alberta Awards. These Awards allow Hockey Alberta and the Alberta hockey community to recognize outstanding individuals and teams for their hard work and accomplishments in making a positive difference for our participants in the game of hockey during the 2019-20 season. RECIPIENTS >

AHHF INDUCTION GALA POSTPONED UNTIL 2021

The induction gala for the 2020 Class of the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled for July 19 in Canmore, the celebration event for the Class of 2020 will be held in July 2021. INFO >

MINOR LEAGUES TO IMPLEMENT U15 NON-CHECKING/BODY CONTACT ONLY FOR TIERS 4-6

Hockey Alberta’s Minor Leagues Committee, represented by Alberta’s six (6) tiered Minor Hockey Leagues (CAHL, NAI, NEAHL, All Peace, Edmonton Federation & Hockey Calgary) have unanimously supported the implementation of non-checking/body contact only hockey at the Tiers 4 – 6 categories of the U15 division for the 2020-2021 season. INFO >

AFHL FAQs FOR THE 2020-21 SEASON

While there is some uncertainty regarding the 2020-21 season, the AFHL is remaining optimistic that the hockey season will begin as scheduled, and is working to stay as prepared as possible for when a decision is made by Hockey Canada’s Board of Directors, in conjunction with public health officials. FAQ >

HOCKEY AT HOME - CONDITIONING, SKILL DEVELOPMENT, AND GOALIE TRAINING

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep us all at home, it’s important to keep active, eat healthy, and even work on some hockey skills. Hockey Alberta is working with Crash Conditioning, Ali Stead (@never2late2learn.hky), and various goalie and Team Alberta resources to bring you weekly tips on how to stay ready for hockey’s return. HOCKEY AT HOME VIDEOS >

• Behind the Game: The ups and downs of professional refereeing
• Cougars select Shantz in WHL Bantam Draft
• Sherwood Park rep hockey careers celebrated in new book
• Sheldon Kennedy Recipient of WHL Governors Award
• Duncan Hughes ready to travel unique road chasing down hockey dream