2026 U11AA Showcase Preview

SHERWOOD PARK/STRATHCONA COUNTY - The excitement is building as the U11 AA Showcase gets underway January 9–11, with action set to take place across Sherwood Park and Strathcona County. Over the course of the weekend, 40 teams and more than 600 young athletes from communities across Alberta will come together to celebrate the game, showcase their skills, and compete in one of the most anticipated U11 AA event of the season.

“Last year marked the inaugural Alberta U11 AA Hockey League Showcase and it was incredible to see all the teams come together in one area to showcase their talent and passion for the game,” said Morgen Kidney, Hockey Alberta’s Minor Leagues Coordinator. “The energy and excitement on display made it a truly special experience. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum and welcoming teams back for another great weekend of hockey.”

The U11 AA Showcase is designed to provide young players with a positive, competitive, and development focused experience. While the on-ice action will be fast paced and exciting, the weekend is about more than just the scoreboard. It’s an opportunity for athletes to build confidence, demonstrate teamwork, and represent their communities with pride all while continuing to develop a love for the game.

Fans can expect a full weekend of high energy hockey as teams battle it out across multiple pools. With athletes coming from every corner of the province, the showcase highlights the depth of talent in Alberta and the strong minor hockey programs that support player development at the grassroots level. The U11 AA League was created with the goal of bridging the gap between tiered and elite hockey.

“The U11 AA Hockey League Showcase is a key step in the development pathway for young players across Alberta,” said Dana Henfrey, Chair of the U11 AA Committee. “This weekend is about learning, competing, and gaining experience in an environment that supports long-term growth. We’re proud to provide an opportunity where players, coaches, and officials can all continue to develop together.”

Off the ice, the event offers a chance for families, coaches, officials, and volunteers to come together and create lasting memories. The U11 age group is a pivotal stage in a player’s hockey journey, where fun, learning, and sportsmanship take center stage. The Showcase environment encourages players to challenge themselves, support their teammates, and enjoy every moment of the experience.

With multiple venues in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County hosting games throughout the weekend, the region is set to be buzzing with hockey excitement.

To view the full schedule: CLICK HERE

To view the U11 AA Showcase pools: CLICK HERE

Hockey Alberta would like to wish all teams the best of luck as they hit the ice this weekend. Enjoy the competition, embrace the experience, and most importantly have fun.

This season, the U15 Tier 1 Renegades exemplified the true spirit of Hockey Gives Back through their continued involvement in Pack the Pete Purple, a powerful initiative raising awareness and support for victims of domestic violence and Kirsten’s Place, a new shelter being built in Olds, AB. Throughout the month, players took the initiative to engage with local organizations, businesses, and community members, educating them on the impacts of domestic violence and the importance of community involvement in creating change.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the communities of Carstairs, Crossfield, and Didsbury, and Olds, both during the month long outreach and at the charity game itself, hosted at the Pete Knight Memorial Arena, the Renegades successfully raised $20,000 in support of Kirsten’s Place and its mission to provide safety and support for families in need.

For players like Reuben Spady, the decision to give back was deeply personal. Now in his second year participating in Pack the Pete Purple, Spady shared that the initiative was inspired by a former teammate who lost his aunt to domestic violence. The shelter, being built in her honour became a cause the team felt compelled to support.

“Our team was challenged by our coach to give back to the community that supports us,” Spady explained. “Being able to help keep people in our community safe from bad situations is so important and I’m glad my teammates wanted to take part in this again”.

That commitment was shared across the locker room. Hawkin Mader reflected on how the team embraced the initiative without hesitation, continuing a tradition they first began in 2024.

“It’s important for young men at this age to give back to a community that gives so much to us,” Mader said. “It’s also important to be leaders for other young men so that domestic violence will someday end. As a team, we realized what kind of impact we can make through effort and compassion”.

The Pack the Pete Purple event became more than a fundraiser, it became a moment of growth. Players spoke publicly about domestic violence, engaged with the community, and learned firsthand how collective action can drive meaningful change. Mader noted that the experience highlighted the importance of being selfless and supporting causes that may not directly affect them, but matter deeply to the well-being of others.

Head Coach Audrey Campbell emphasized that community involvement is a vital part of player development and is just as important as practices and games.

“As a coach, I feel it’s very important for my players to give back,” Campbell shared. “They wouldn’t be able to play the sport they love without the support of the community through facilities, volunteers, and sponsorships”.

Through leadership, empathy, and action, the U15 Tier 1 Renegades showed exactly what Hockey Gives Back represents, young athletes using the game they love to create safer, stronger communities.

Registration for the 2026 Alberta Cup Regional Camps has reached capacity.

To be placed on a waitlist, please email Mike Kraichy ([email protected]) with the following information for the player you are looking to add to the waitlist:

• Full name,
• Position (F,D,G),
• Region (Calgary, Red Deer, Spruce Grove),
• Date of Birth
• Current team

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THIS MESSAGE IN ITS ENTIRETY

RED DEER - Registration for the 2026 Alberta Cup Regional Camps opens on Wednesday, January 7 at 4PM MT on the Hockey Alberta website.

All 2011-born male players, registered with a Hockey Alberta-sanctioned Minor Hockey Association or Hockey Canada-sanctioned Accredited School, are eligible to register for a Regional Camp and try out for the Alberta Cup.

Positions at the three Regional Camp tryouts are limited and awarded based on the order that registration is completed and confirmed in the online registration system. Regional Camps are scheduled for the weekend of March 27-29 at the following locations:

• Calgary Regional Camp - NESS Don Hartman North East Sportsplex
• Red Deer Regional Camp - Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre
• Spruce Grove Regional Camp - Spruce Grove Agrena (Stu Barnes Arena)

REGISTER IN THE CORRECT REGION

Prior to Regional Camp registration, please review the Alberta Cup registration directory to determine in which region your child resides.

Note: Please do not use a Hotmail or Outlook account/email to register for this camp due to technological issues surrounding those emails.

Athletes are only permitted to register for the region in which they reside and the position (goaltender, defence or forward) for which they wish to be considered for the Alberta Cup. Any athlete who registers for an incorrect region or position may have their registration refunded (less an admin fee) and is not guaranteed a spot at the Regional Camp tryout, subject to position availability in the correct region.

Please ensure you have your athlete’s Alberta Health Number when registering. This is a required field. Player Hockey ID numbers are not required.

The cost to participate in a Regional Camp is $250 (plus tax and admin fee) and includes:

• Four ice sessions
• One practice jersey
• Three zoom webinars in March to help athletes prepare for the Regional Camp, and learn more about Short Term Competition, and the Team Alberta program.

Once registered, a confirmation email will be sent to the billing email. Athletes who register will be sent webinar information in February. Approximately one week prior to Regional Camp weekend, rosters and schedules for the tryouts are sent to each player.

REGIONAL CAMP WAIT LISTS

It is expected that registration will fill up quickly on January 7. In the event the region and position your child falls within, or the registration in its entirety is sold out at the time you try and register, do not attempt to register for another position or camp. Instead, please do the following:

• Email Mike Kraichy ([email protected]) to be added to a waitlist
• In your email, provide the following information for the player you are looking to add to the waitlist:
  • Full name,
  • Position (F,D,G),
  • Region (Calgary, Red Deer, Spruce Grove),
  • Date of Birth
  • Current team

ALBERTA CUP

Two teams of 20 players are selected from each Regional Camp to compete at the Alberta Cup, April 22-26. The cost for those selected for the Alberta Cup is being finalized (usually approximately $1000 per player) and includes:

• Team training day on April 11 (3 hours of practice ice and a full day of team building)
• 5 days and 4 nights of accommodations and meals (including busing to offsite meals) at the event
• One practice on Wednesday of the event
• 5 games from Thursday - Sunday
• Team jersey and socks
• Team Alberta apparel

Week 5 of Hockey Gives Back highlights the final group of teams whose compassion, teamwork, and leadership helped make this giving season truly special. As the holiday season comes to a close, the hockey community across Alberta continues to show that the impact of our game reaches far beyond the rink. Today, we’re proud to feature the final eight teams who went above and beyond to spread holiday cheer and support their communities.

U11 Female Lethbridge Cyclones

The U11 Female Lethbridge Cyclones teamed up with the U11 Medicine Hat Wildcats Black during an exhibition game to support the Lethbridge Food Bank. Together, the teams collected a large donation of food, turning a day at the rink into a shared act of generosity and community impact.

U17AAA CBHA Calgary Bulls

The CBHA Calgary Bulls U17AAA team spent time sorting and packing gifts for Magic of Christmas, a non-profit organization that delivers presents to more than 880 families in the Calgary area on Christmas Eve. Their behind the scenes work helped ensure families across the city experienced the joy of the season. CLICK HERE

U13AA Lakeland Panthers

The Lakeland Panthers brought the holiday spirit directly to the community by visiting Heritage Manor in Glendon. The team sang Christmas carols for residents, creating meaningful connections and spreading joy through music and presence.

U15T2 Airdrie Lightning

The U15T2 Airdrie Lightning proudly volunteered with Stephen’s Backpacks, celebrating an incredible milestone of 100,000 backpacks donated. Players helped load 2,000 backpacks destined for charities and families in need. What began as a small idea from a five year old has grown into an inspiring movement and the Lightning were honoured to be part of it.

U11 KC404 Kraken

The U11 KC404 Kraken raised more than 300 pounds of food through a food bank drive to support families during the holidays. Players also took initiative individually, shovelling sidewalks, delivering for Santa’s Anonymous, and making holiday cards showing that giving back can happen both as a team and as individuals.

U11 Spruce Grove Warriors

The Spruce Grove Warriors embraced a season long approach to giving back. The team participated in the Orange Jersey Project to support truth and reconciliation, collected winter clothing for families in need, supported the Food Bank and Kinette Christmas Hampers, and gathered personal care items for low income residents at a local care facility. Their efforts reflected not only a love for hockey, but a deep appreciation for their community and the people within it.

U17AAA / U18AAA Airdrie Avalanche & Airdrie Bisons

The Airdrie Avalanche and Airdrie Bisons continued their long standing commitment to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Gift in Kind program. Players collected essential supplies, toys, clothing, and gift cards to support patients and families. Through tours of the hospital and hands on involvement, players gained a deeper understanding of the impact their generosity has on others demonstrating leadership, empathy, and teamwork in action.

As we wrap up this season of Hockey Gives Back, we are reminded that the values learned through hockey kindness, leadership, and community extend far beyond the ice. Thank you to every team, player, coach, family, and volunteer who took part.

RED DEER - Six Albertans have received the call to join the roster for Team Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, taking place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Forwards Brayden Point (Calgary) and Brandon Hagel (Morinville); defensemen Cale Makar (Calgary), Josh Morrissey (Calgary) and Colton Parayko (St. Albert); and goaltender Logan Thompson (Calgary) will wear the maple leaf on their chest at the men’s hockey event in the Milano Cortina Games, taking place from February 11-22.

Brayden Point

Point, a native of Calgary, is in his 10th season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, having recorded 659 points in 690 games and winning back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021. He participated in the Alberta Cup with Calgary South in 2011, as well as representing Team Alberta at the Western Canada Challenge Cup in 2012. This is his seventh time representing Team Canada, notably having captained the 2016 World Juniors squad in Helsinki and winning the 4 Nations Face Off with Canada in 2025.

Brandon Hagel

Hagel, from Morinville, is in his sixth season in the NHL, having started his career with the Chicago Blackhawks, joining Point on the Tampa Bay Lightning starting in the 2021-22 season. Hagel has recorded 332 points in 410 games at the NHL level. During his time playing for the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers in the AMMHL, he participated in the 2013 Alberta Cup, playing for Team Northeast. Hagel has won two championships in his three stints with Team Canada, winning the IIHF World Championships in Latvia in 2021 and the 4 Nations Face Off in 2025.

Cale Makar

Makar, also a Calgary native, is in his seventh full season with the Colorado Avalanche. The two-time Norris trophy winner, Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe recipient in 2022 sits at 473 points in 434 games, and is wearing the Canadian sweater for the third time in his career. He most recently was a member of the winning 4 Nations Face Off squad in 2025.

Josh Morrissey

Morrissey, from Calgary, is in his 10th season with Winnipeg Jets and has been an assistant captain since the 2019-20 season, registering 404 points in 701 games. He participated in the 2010 Alberta Cup as a member of Calgary South, going on to represent Team Alberta at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax, winning the bronze medal. This is his eighth time representing Team Canada, including winning the gold medal at the 2015 World Juniors in Toronto and Montreal.

Colton Parayko

Parayko, a St. Albert native, is in his 11th season with the St. Louis Blues, having been an assistant captain since the 2020-21 season. Parayko has 306 points in 764 games and was a member of the 2019 Stanley Cup championship winning Blues squad. This is Parayko’s fifth time representing Team Canada, having played for them in the World Championships three times, and also winning the 4 Nations Face Off in 2025.

Logan Thompson

Thompson, also from Calgary, is in his fifth season in the NHL. He began his full career with the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2021-22 season, winning the Stanley Cup with the team in 2023, then being traded to the Washington Capitals before the 2024-25 season. He has posted a career record of 102-49-20, with a .912 save percentage and 2.58 goals against average. This is Thompson’s second stint with Team Canada, only having played for them prior in the 2022 IIHF World Championship and winning a silver medal.

Defenseman Jake Sanderson (Calgary) is also set to represent Team United States at the Olympics. Sanderson, in his fourth season with the Ottawa Senators, played for Team South at the 2017 Alberta Cup, as well as Team Alberta at the 2017 WHL Cup.