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Team Alberta

2022 Alberta Cup Regional Camp Registration Now Open

*All Regional Selection Camps are currently full. Please contact Mike Kraichy at [email protected] to be placed on a waitlist*

All regional camps will take place April 1-3 at the following locations (dates and locations subject to change):

Calgary Regional Camp - Don Hartman NE Sportsplex
Red Deer Regional Camp -
Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre
Spruce Grove Regional Camp -
Spruce Grove Agrena

NOTES:

  1. Registration is limited at each position at each camp.
  2. Eligible athletes must be permanent residents of Alberta.
  3. Only Hockey Canada/Hockey Alberta Registered Athletes are eligible to register.

Alberta Cup Regional Directory >

If you are unsure in which Region you reside, or have any other questions, please contact Mike Kraichy at [email protected] prior to registration.

The Alberta Cup aids in the identification and selection of potential players for Hockey Alberta’s Team Alberta program, with hundreds of players annually trying out for 120 spots (20 positions on each of the six regional teams).

In addition to player development, the Alberta Cup also features opportunities for administrators, referees, coaches, therapists and equipment managers to be identified for potential positions at higher level events, such as the World U17 Hockey Challenge and Canada Winter Games.

Ice Times Newsletter

ICE TIMES - Edition 22:02

Hockey Alberta News

SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ALBERTA CHALLENGE AND PROSPECTS CUP REGIONAL CAMPS

Spots are still available for the Alberta Challenge (2007-2008 Females) and Prospects Cup (2009 Males) regional camps. These events are part of Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase coming up in Red Deer.

ALBERTA CHALLENGE > | PROSPECTS CUP >


Hockey Alberta News

CENTRE ICE PODCAST - EPISODE 19: ROB LITWINSKI AND LACEY SENUK

The first episode of 2022 features Hockey Alberta’s CEO, Rob Litwinski, looking back on the year that was, and what lies ahead in 2022, along with Albertan and 2022 Winter Olympics official Lacey Senuk.

LEARN MORE >


Hockey Alberta Ice Times Newsletter

THE COACHES SITE

Hockey Alberta and The Coaches Site are proud to team up to bring quality resources to coaches around the province. This month’s video features former Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Travis Green speaking on the evolution of a coach.

RESOURCES >


Hockey Alberta Ice Times Newsletter

AFHL AND AEHL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The AFHL and AEHL are now accepting applications for their scholarship programs. The programs were created to help graduating players who exemplify the values of each league continue their education.

AFHL APPLICATIONS > | AEHL APPLICATIONS >


Hockey Alberta Ice Times Newsletter

BECOMING PLAYER X

Earn high school credits within this 26 lesson course where you’ll gain access to legendary mentors as they share wisdom, insights, and valuable lessons that they learned on their journeys to the game’s highest levels.

FULL DETAILS > | REGISTER >


Hockey Alberta News

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Hockey Alberta is now accepting applications for the position of Mentor, Female Hockey. This is a new role that focuses on providing quality service to coaches, membership, and stakeholders of Hockey Alberta.

DETAILS >


Hockey Alberta Newsletter


Hockey Alberta News

Home Ice Feature

First Annual Peace Country Female Jamboree a Success

BEAVERLODGE – The inaugural Peace Country Jamboree was a huge success in providing a unique opportunity for young female hockey players in northern Alberta.

The Jamboree was co-hosted by the Peace Country Female Hockey Club, and Beaverlodge and Sexsmith Minor Hockey Associations, October 29-30. The event was open to registered U7-U13 female hockey players, who spent the weekend honing their skills on the ice and showcasing their skills among their female peers.

The Jamboree featured players learning from female coaches like Tanya Chomyc, who led various drills and exercises to help the young players develop their skills.

Christy Martin, the Jamboree’s organizer, believes these types of events are very important for young female players, especially those in the north where the opportunity to play on an all-female team can be limited due to numbers.

“I’ve noticed, seeing my sons play and then my daughter who was in her first year of U13, we could see their drive was a little bit different. Once we moved her into girl’s hockey, her drive has immensely increased. She’s not just the girl sitting on the blue line,” said Martin. “So, I think the girls really realized that when they had a scrimmage for their last session [at the Jamboree]. They all got to participate. So, I think it really opened their eyes, especially the younger girls, just to see that there’s a team out there for them.”

In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, attendance was capped at 60 (30 for U7/U9 players, and 30 for U11/ U13 players), with the focus on on-ice activities. Parents and family members also had the opportunity to watch the players as they learned and interacted.

Martin hopes that the Jamboree inspires other small hockey associations to establish all female hockey programs to help encourage young women to play.

And there are plans to expand the Jamboree in the future. Martin said the Jamboree hopes to increase the number of players who can participate, especially at the U7 and U9 levels, and to include off-ice activities, such as seminars led by women who played hockey beyond the minor level to inspire younger players who might feel like they do not have a place in hockey. Other plans include a luncheon for the players, and other interactive activities to allow the players time to get to know each other.

For more information on Female Hockey programs existing all-female Minor Hockey leagues and grassroots Female Hockey programs can be found on the Hockey Alberta website.


Have you been inspired by someone in Alberta’s hockey community? Hockey Alberta is interested in highlighting individuals and groups who make a difference or have a unique story to tell. Submit your story idea by email to: [email protected].

News

AFHL Scholarship Program now accepting applications

RED DEER - The Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 season.

The AFHL scholarship program is awarded to the student athletes who best exemplify the values of the AFHL; academics, athletics, and personal growth. These $1500 scholarships will be awarded to four people annually; two players (U18AAA & U18AA), a coach, and an official. Student-Athletes applying for these scholarships do not necessarily need to be seeking to play hockey at that post-secondary institution.

This year, applications will be accepted by filling out the form below. Applications will be accepted until March 1.

APPLICATION FORM >

ELIGIBILITY

  • Fall into the aforementioned age range (specified above)
  • In good academic standing with current academic institution
  • Positive influence / leader on current hockey team or highly motivated official
  • Must be attending post-secondary for the 2022-2023 season (does not need playing on a team)

Only successful recipients will be contacted by the AFHL U18 AAA Scholarship Committee.

For a complete list of requirements and more information visit AFHL.ca.

Team Alberta

2022 Prospects Cup Regional Camp Registration Now Open

RED DEER - Registration is now open for 2009-born male athletes to take part in regional selection camps for the 2022 Prospects Cup.

All regional camps will take place April 15-17 at the following locations (dates and locations subject to change):

Calgary Regional Camp - Don Hartman NE Sportsplex
South Regional Camp - Olds Sportsplex
Capital Regional Camp - The Meadows Community Recreation Centre (Edmonton)
North Regional Camp - Wally Fedun Arena (Vegreville)

Regional Directory > | Zone Map >

PLEASE CONFIRM WHICH REGION YOUR CHILD FALLS WITHIN USING THE REGISTRATION DIRECTORY ABOVE. INCORRECT REGISTRATIONS WILL ONLY BE FIXED WHILE SPACE REMAINS. ONCE SPACE IS FULL INCORRECT REGISTRATIONS WILL BE REFUNDED LESS THE $10.00 ADMIN FEE.

NOTES:

  1. Registration is limited at each position at each camp.
  2. Eligible athletes must be permanent residents of Alberta.
  3. Only Hockey Canada/Hockey Alberta Registered Athletes are eligible to register.

If you are unsure in which Region you reside, or have any other questions, please contact Hudson Kelly at [email protected] prior to registration.

Register Now >

News

AEHL Scholarship Program Accepting Applications

The Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL) Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 season.

The AEHL scholarship program, open to eligible current or graduated players from the U18 AAA was launched in 2006.

This year, applications will only be accepted through the online form below. Applications will be accepted until end of day on Thursday, March 31.

Application Form >

Review criteria include:

  • Citizenship and leadership qualities
  • Hockey ability and sportsmanship displayed
  • Scholastic standing
  • Financial needs

There are 18 x $3000 scholarships awarded annually. Only successful recipients will be contacted by the AEHL U18 AAA Scholarship Committee.

For a complete list of requirements and more information visit AEHL.ca.

Team Alberta

Emerson Jarvis Recognized as Member of the 2022 U18 Women’s World Championship

Hockey Alberta would like to congratulate Emerson Jarvis and Howie Draper who would have represented Canada at the 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

Jarvis has been recognized as one of the 23 players - three goaltenders, seven defence and 13 forwards - that would have represented Canada National Women’s Under-18 Team this month. Draper was set to step behind the bench as head coach.

Canada was looking to earn its first gold medal since 2019 in Linköping and Mjölby, Sweden, but the ongoing uncertainty and changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to cancel the championship for the second consecutive year, just two weeks before the puck dropped.

“Our disappointment of not competing in the championship this month does not overshadow the dedication and hard work our athletes and staff put in to be ready to compete,” said Gina Kingsbury, director of hockey operations. “I am extremely proud of this group. It is crucial for the development of these athletes, as well as the growth of the women’s game, to be able to hold this tournament, and we remain hopeful there is an opportunity for them to showcase their talents and represent Canada on the world stage in the near future.”

Draper, who led Canada to gold and silver at the 2019 and 2020 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championships, returned for his fourth year behind the bench. He is joined by assistant coaches Vicky Sunohara (Scarborough, Ont./University of Toronto, OUA) and Tara Watchorn (Newcastle, Ont./Stonehill College, NEWHA), and goaltending coach Gord Woodhall (Winnipeg, Man./Winnipeg, MFHL).

Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team has won five gold medals (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019), seven silver medals (2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020) and one bronze (2018) at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or following along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Centre Ice Podcast

Centre Ice Podcast - Episode Nineteen: Rob Litwinski & Lacey Senuk

RED DEER - The first episode of 2022 features Hockey Alberta’s CEO, Rob Litwinski, looking back on the year that was, what lies ahead in 2022, and sharing the organization’s long-term vision with HA2025. Plus, hear a bonus interview with Albertan official Lacey Senuk, who recently received the call to officiate at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Hockey Alberta NewsHockey Alberta NewsHockey Alberta NewsHockey Alberta News


Episode Links: Hockey Alberta Annual Report > | HA 2025 > | Female Hockey Day > | Job: Mentor, Female Hockey > | Coach of the Month > | Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, Hockey Alberta Contribute $600,000 to Grassroots Programs > | A Dream Come True >

More Episodes >


Centre Ice is the brand-new Hockey Alberta podcast, featuring the latest news and views on amateur hockey across the province. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast app!

Team Alberta

2022 Alberta Challenge Regional Camp Registration Now Open

RED DEER - Registration is now open for 2007 and 2008-born female athletes to take part in regional selection camps for the 2022 Alberta Challenge.

Both regional camps will take place April 8-10 at the following locations (dates and locations subject to change):

South Regional Camp - Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (Cochrane)
North Regional Camp -
Beaumont Sport and Recreation Centre


NOTES:

  1. Registration is limited at each position at each camp.
  2. Eligible athletes must be permanent residents of Alberta.
  3. Only Hockey Canada/Hockey Alberta Registered Athletes are eligible to register.

Alberta Challenge Regional Directory >

Register Now >

If you are unsure in which Region you reside, or have any other questions, please contact Taryn Baumgardt at [email protected] prior to registration.

The Alberta Challenge aids in the identification and selection of potential players for Hockey Alberta’s Team Alberta program, with hundreds of players annually trying out for 120 spots (20 positions on each of the six regional teams).

In addition to player development, the Alberta Challenge also features opportunities for administrators, referees, coaches, therapists and equipment managers to be identified for potential positions at higher level events, such as the National Women’s U18 Championships and Canada Winter Games. The 2022 Alberta Challenge will take place in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre May 4-8.

Ice Times Newsletter

ICE TIMES - Edition 22:01

Hockey Alberta News

REGISTER NOW FOR FEMALE HOCKEY DAY

Registration is now open for Hockey Alberta’s fourth annual Female Hockey Day, presented by ATB Financial - January 29 at the Servus Sports Centre in Lloydminster.

REGISTER NOW >


Hockey Alberta News

SPRUNG ARENAS

Three Alberta based companies - Sprung Structures, Stantec and CANA have aligned to design and deliver three affordable, complete arena solutions for rural communities.

LEARN MORE >


Hockey Alberta Ice Times Newsletter

COACH OF THE MONTH - RANDAL THIESSEN

Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for December, sponsored by Players Bench Team Apparel, is Randal Thiessen of Edmonton.

MORE INFORMATION >


Hockey Alberta Ice Times Newsletter

REGISTER NOW FOR AN ALBERTA BUILT SKILLS CAMP

Alberta Built Skills camps focus on teaching the right skills at the right time for your child. Hockey Alberta will be hosting multiple skills camps for all boys and girls from the U7 - U15 age levels.

REGISTER NOW >


Hockey Alberta Ice Times Newsletter

$600,000 DISTRIBUTED TO GRASSROOTS PROGRAMS ACROSS NORTHERN ALBERTA

44 Member Program Grant applications were fulfilled, totaling more than $600,000 with more funding to come in 2022, as the next application deadline is February 28.

FULL DETAILS > | APPLY FOR A GRANT >


Hockey Alberta News

HOCKEY FOR LIFE

Alberta’s hockey community is filled with incredible people and incredible stories. Hockey for Life is our way of telling the stories from around the province that deserve to told!

DOUG EDEY >


Hockey Alberta Newsletter


Hockey Alberta News

Home Ice Feature

A Dream Come True

Lacey Senuk’s goal of working as an on-ice official at the Winter Olympics seemed like a pipe dream - until she got the call.

The Level 5 official from St. Albert will be skating the XXIV Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China as a referee in the Women’s Hockey competition.

“It’s the pinnacle of officiating for myself. It’s an unbelievable honour to be selected as part of the group that’s going. It’s been a unique couple years and to finally reach that goal is pretty surreal,” said Senuk.

Senuk is no stranger to the international stage. Her experience working IIHF tournaments, including the 2021 Women’s World Championships, placed her on a preliminary list of officials being considered for the Olympics. After traveling to Denmark for fitness testing and classroom work in November, Senuk was designated to Czechia to work an Olympic qualifier tournament before the IIHF officially named her as a referee on January 7.

“It’s always been a pipe dream just because it’s every four years, it’s a very small group of officials going. But now that dream has come true,” said Senuk. “You don’t have the words, it’s pretty indescribable. The pipe dream has come alive and it’s come to fruition.”

With less than a month until the tournament begins, Senuk’s preparation is unusual compared to her normal routine. Under normal circumstances, Senuk would work games right up to when she leaves. Due to the COVID-19 environment, she is instead turning her focus to her off-ice fitness, studying the rulebook, limiting her interactions to just her “bubble”, and hitting the ice when it is convenient for her.

“I owe a lot of gratitude to Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada for where I am and the association that I started with in St. Albert,” said Senuk. “If it wasn’t for the individuals involved there that saw potential and helped me, it’s hard to say, would I be where I am today? You don’t know but I am very thankful for the part that every single person has played in my development as an official.”

In total, 21 females will skate the women’s tournament, making it the second Olympics that will be entirely officiated by female officials. Women’s hockey action begins on February 3, and continues through until the gold medal game on February 17.

Home Ice Feature

Sixteen Albertans listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings

RED DEER - NHL Central Scouting has released its midterm rankings for the 2022 NHL draft with 16 Albertans making an appearance.

Two Albertan skaters landed in the top 32 of the North American skater rankings: Matt Savoie and Rieger Lorenz.

Ty Young is the lone goaltender to crack the top North American goaltenders.

The full list of Albertans appearing in the NHL Central Scouting midterm rankings can be found below:

Midterm Rank Player Position Team League
3 Matt Savoie Forward Winnipeg Ice WHL
24 Rieger Lorenz Forward Okotoks Oilers AJHL
33 Jagger Firkus Forward Moose Jaw Warriors WHL
43 Jordan Gustafson Forward Seattle Thunderbirds WHL
67 Dylan James Forward Sioux City USHL
70 Kent Anderson Defence Green Bay Gamblers USHL
85 Reid Schaefer Forward Seattle Thunderbirds WHL
95 Kai Uchacz Forward Red Deer Rebels WHL
97 Jake Sloan Forward Tri-City Americans WHL
99 Rylen Roersma Forward Brandon Wheat Kings WHL
127 Josh Davies Forward Swift Current Broncos WHL
136 Keaton Dowhaniuk Defence Prince George Cougars WHL
140 Charlie Wright Defence Saskatoon Blades WHL
154 Ben Hemmerling Forward Everett Silvertips WHL
192 Bowden Singleton Forward Okotoks Oilers AJHL
21 Ty Young Goaltender Prince George Cougars WHL

Hockey Alberta Foundation

Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, Hockey Alberta Contribute $600,000 to Grassroots Programs

EDMONTON, AB - In a team effort to make a significant impact in growing the game of hockey in Northern Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) has committed $1.5 million in funding to the Hockey Alberta Foundation (HAF) this past October.

In the first funding grant as part of this partnership, 50 applications from across Northern Alberta were submitted and the EOCF along with the HAF have approved 44 fulfillments. These grants totalled more than $600,000 with more funding to come in 2022, as the next application deadline for the Member Program Grant is February 28.

Groups who received 2021 grants include:

  • Accessible programs for low income families/vulnerable youth
  • Introduction to hockey programming
  • Coaching training/certification
  • Equity, diversity and inclusion training/programming
  • Female programming
  • Sled hockey equipment
  • Travel costs for remote communities
  • Referee retainment
  • Try hockey for free programming

The funding will continue to generate support for three areas:

  1. Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community grant program
  2. Hockey Alberta’s member grant program, supported by the EOCF
  3. Hockey Alberta’s volunteer recognition/thank you program

"Helping minor hockey and the growth of the game in Alberta has always been an important mandate for the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation," said Kevin Lowe, EOCF Director and Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman. "This past year was difficult for minor hockey participants, their families, coaches and all minor hockey associations throughout the province. These grants will provide funding and stability, allowing organizations to continue to grow the game of hockey in our province."

The new Hockey Alberta member grant program allows access to funding for Hockey Alberta members in Northern and Central Alberta. Priority for funding will continue to be given to those in need for leadership development, introduction to hockey, female, para, Indigenous hockey programming and any inclusion and diversity initiatives. Members will be able to access the funding application at HockeyAlberta.ca.

"We would like to thank the EOCF for their generous donation, as these funds will help grow the Every Kid Every Community grant program in Northern Alberta through the member grant program. It is through partnerships such as this that the Hockey Alberta Foundation and Hockey Alberta can keep growing and providing kids access to the game in communities throughout Alberta," said Dennis Zukiwsky, Chairperson, Hockey Alberta Foundation.

Throughout the pandemic, volunteers have been the backbone of minor hockey. To thank the volunteers, the EOCF and HAF have formed the Hockey Alberta volunteer recognition/thank you program. Coaches, parents and players will have an opportunity to be inspired by the Edmonton Oilers or Edmonton Oil Kings by attending games and getting more connected to the teams.

The HAF works to inspire every kid in every community’s passion for hockey. In collaboration with the EOCF, the HAF can continue to grow the game in Northern Alberta.

News

Coach of the Month - Randal Thiessen

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for December, sponsored by Players Bench Team Apparel, is Randal Thiessen of Edmonton.

Randal has been coaching for eight years in the Millwoods organization, and is currently the head coach of the U13 Millwoods Bruins MW503 and an assistant coach with the U7 Millwoods Polar Bears.

With a passion for teaching and a love of sports, it was a natural fit for Randal to begin coaching and developing youth in his community. His work has not gone unnoticed by the parents and players that he has impacted over his years as a coach.

"Randal has dedicated many years towards coaching minor hockey. He demonstrates a genuine passion for coaching children and displays a true essence of leadership amongst his coach team. These qualities are easily seen and sensed through the children’s enjoyment on the ice and the strides they make in their hockey development each year," said the parent who nominated Randal. "Randal also has excellent communication skills, both in positive and difficult situations, with the children, families and management team."

Described as the most rewarding task he has ever taken on, Randal has many coaching memories over his eight years. The times that stick out most, are the messages he receives from players at seasons end. The encouraging words that let him know he is making a difference and leaving an impression inspire him to come back and help each year.

"My philosophy is ever evolving as I continue to learn and as my players continue to challenge me. It begins on a foundation of respect through all aspects of the team. I expect a high level of compete that drives a player’s training and their gameplay by identifying small victories as building blocks to something greater," said Randal. "Hockey is way too fun to bog it down with negativity, so it’s important to take responsibility, learn, and adapt to the challenges."


Hockey Alberta News

The Coach of the Month award is presented every month during the Minor Hockey season, based on nominations submitted to Hockey Alberta.

Minor hockey coaches will be selected throughout the hockey season and will receive a coaching package from Players Bench Team Apparel valued at over $500, which includes a helmet, gloves, track suit, coach bag, puck bag, rink board, and coaching resources.

Nomination Form >

News

Female Hockey Day Set for 2022

LLOYDMINSTER – Female Hockey Day celebrations are heading east to Lloydminster Saturday, January 29. The event encourages female players, parents, coaches and supporters of all ages to gather for the development, growth and celebration of the game.

After hosting the event virtually in 2021, Female Hockey Day - presented by ATB Financial - will include on and off-ice sessions for current and prospective players, development sessions for goaltenders and a coaching clinic for Hockey Moms. Try Hockey events for both youth and adults will be offered, as well as an Intro to Hockey event for U7 and U9 players. Players in U11, U13, and U15/U18 divisions will take part in on and off-ice development sessions.

The evening will feature the Alberta Female Hockey League’s U15 AA Lloydminster Richardson’s Jewellery Jr. Steelers facing off against the Sherwood Park Royals. To cap off the festivities, those who participated in the day’s activities will be invited to a free skate.

Registration is now open with more information to become available in the new year.

Registration >

Please check the Servus Sports Centre website for all COVID-19 vaccination requirements and updates.


Relive the fun of the 2020 Female Hockey Day:

2020 Female Hockey Day Photo Gallery