AJHL Showcase Preview: New Format, Proven Development Path

RED DEER - The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) will unveil a new format for its 19th Annual AJHL Showcase, expanding the event to include six AJHL regular-season games and two Western Hockey League (WHL) matchups across three days.

The Showcase runs January 19 and 20 at the Marchant Crane Centrium in Red Deer before concluding January 21 at the Downtown Community Arena at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Each AJHL team will compete in one interdivisional game, creating a North versus South theme that delivers fresh matchups and increased competitive value.

From an Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL) perspective, the Showcase highlights the strength of Alberta’s development pathway. A total of 157 AEHL alumni are expected to compete in the event, reinforcing the league’s role in preparing athletes for junior hockey and beyond. In addition, 68 players participating in the Showcase have played games in both the AJHL and WHL during their development, reflecting the fluid progression available to Alberta athletes.

The updated format is designed to maximize exposure for players, bringing AJHL and WHL competition together in one premier event. The WHL portion of the Showcase features the Red Deer Rebels hosting the Regina Pats on January 20, followed by the Edmonton Oil Kings facing the Pats on January 21.

The AJHL Showcase remains a key exposure opportunity, attracting scouts from the WHL, the Canadian Hockey League, and Canadian and American colleges and universities. Fans unable to attend can follow the action through a multi-camera broadcast with replays, in-game interviews, and guest appearances.

AJHL Showcase Schedule

Monday, January 19 – Red Deer
4:00 PM – Lloydminster vs Olds
7:00 PM – Canmore vs Bonnyville

Tuesday, January 20 – Red Deer
11:00 AM – Drumheller vs Devon
2:00 PM – Calgary vs Fort McMurray
7:00 PM – Regina Pats at Red Deer Rebels

Wednesday, January 21 – Edmonton
12:00 PM – Grande Prairie vs Drayton Valley
3:00 PM – Camrose vs Whitecourt
7:00 PM – Regina Pats at Edmonton Oil Kings

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation are proud to introduce a new funding initiative dedicated to growing the female game across the province. This grant program is designed to empower female players, strengthen team development, and create meaningful opportunities for young athletes, coaches, officials, etc. both on and off the ice.

Twenty (20) team grants at $1000 and ten (10) individual grants at $500 will be awarded to support initiatives that inspire, empower, and develop the next generation of female players and leaders in hockey. These grants can be used to fund leadership workshops, mental health initiatives, community engagement projects, and other programs that create meaningful opportunities for girls and women within the sport across Oil Country. Through education, connection, and community impact, the She Leads Hockey Micro Grants will help build a stronger, more inclusive future for hockey.

APPLY NOW - TEAM >

APPLY NOW - INDIVIDUAL >

Who Can Apply

• Registered girls’ hockey teams, coach, official, athletic trainer, team staff etc in good standing.
• Eligible age groups: U11–U18 (or as determined).
• One application per team per season.
• Coach or team official support required.

Female hockey teams at any level including minor and elite are encouraged to apply. To be considered, teams must be registered with Hockey Alberta and demonstrate a clear vision for how the funding will benefit their players and contribute to the development of female hockey within their association or region. Individuals looking for professional development opportunities are also encouraged to apply. The application process will invite teams and individuals to outline their project, identify their goals, and explain how the grant will enhance the female player experience.

Examples of Eligible Projects

Teams may use the funding in a variety of impactful ways. Examples include:

• Host an educational guest speaker to lead a team workshop on mental health, confidence building, and techniques for managing high pressure situations in sport and/or everyday life.
• Purchasing new or upgraded equipment for practice to ensure female players have safe and appropriate training equipment.
• Hosting female focused skills camps, specialized training sessions, or development clinics.
• Supporting travel to tournaments, showcases, or competitive events that provide meaningful exposure and growth opportunities.
• Implementing player development programs that include leadership, mentorship, or performance focused training.
• Organizing team building activities or recognition initiatives that strengthen team culture, confidence, and connection.
• Provide life skills and wellness programming, including workshops on nutrition, body confidence, recovery, or balancing sport, school, and personal well-being.
• Dressing room mini upgrades.

These examples serve as starting points teams are encouraged to think creatively about what would best support their athletes.

Grant Structure

• Grant Amount: $25,000
• Number of Grants:
  • 20 team grants at $1,000.
  • 10 Individual grants at $500. *Individual is defined as female coach, official, athletic trainer, team staff, etc.
• Use of Funds: Must be used withing the current season.
• Time Frame: Applications will open from January 16 - February 2

APPLY NOW - TEAM >

APPLY NOW - INDIVIDUAL >

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THIS MESSAGE IN ITS ENTIRETY

RED DEER – Registration for the 2026 Prospects Cup Regional Camps opens on Tuesday, January 20^th at 4:00 pm (MT) on the Hockey Alberta website.

All 2013-born MALE permanent Alberta resident players, within a Hockey Alberta-sanctioned Minor Hockey Association are eligible to register for a Regional Camp and try out for the Prospects Cup.

Positions at the four 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 April 10-12 at the following locations:

• South Regional Camp (Olds) - Olds Sportsplex
• Calgary Regional Camp - Don Hartman NESS
• Capital Regional Camp (Spruce Grove) – Heavey Metal Place Arena
• North Regional Camp (Vegreville) - Wally Fedun Arena

REGISTER IN THE CORRECT REGION

Prior to Regional Camp registration, please review the Prospects Cup registration directory to determine in which region your child is eligible to register in. Please note that the regional directory has been updated from the 2025 Prospects Cup and it is important to ensure that you are registering in the right camp.

Note: Please avoid using a Hotmail or Outlook account/email to register for this camp due to technological issues surrounding those emails.

PROSPECTS CUP REGIONAL DIRECTORY >

Athletes are only permitted to register for the region in which they would have their primary AA tryout and the position (goaltender, defence or forward) for which they wish to be considered for the Prospects 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 correct Regional Camp tryout. Any player movement for incorrect registration is 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 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 (this may be delayed depending on how busy the system is – Also Hotmail accounts seem to filter these e-mails and delay receiving). Athletes who register will be sent webinar information in February. Rosters and schedules for the tryouts are sent to each player approximately one week prior to Regional Camp weekend.

REGIONAL CAMP WAIT LISTS

It is expected that registration will fill up quickly on January 20^th. 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 Blake Cosgrove ([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, Olds, Spruce Grove, Vegreville),
• Date of Birth
• Current team

PROSPECTS CUP

Two teams of 20 players are selected from each Regional Camp to compete at the Prospects Cup. The cost for those selected for the Prospects Cup is being finalized (usually approximately $1,200 per player) and includes:

• 5 days and 4 nights of accommodations and meals (including busing to an off-site meal) at the event
• Team Practice and Multi Team practice at the event
• 5 games from Thursday – Sunday
• Team jersey and socks
• Team Alberta apparel

RED DEER – 22 players from across the province have been named to the NHL Central Scouting’s Mid-Term Rankings List for the 2026 NHL Draft.

University of North Dakota defenceman Keaton Verhoeff (Fort Saskatchewan, 2), Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Daxon Rudolph (Lacombe, 6) and Calgary Hitmen defenceman Ben Macbeath (Calgary, 20) have all been projected as potential Round 1 picks, cracking the top 32 of North American skaters. Verhoeff recently won a bronze medal with Team Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championships.

The full list of Albertans named to the list can be found below:

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THIS MESSAGE IN ITS ENTIRETY

Registration for the 2026 Alberta Challenge Regional Camps is now available.

All 2011 & 2012-born female permanent Alberta resident players, within 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 Challenge.

Positions at the two 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 April 3-5 at the following locations:

• Cochrane (Spray Lake Sawmills)
• Beaumont (Beaumont Sport & Recreation Centre)

REGISTER IN THE CORRECT REGION

Prior to Regional Camp registration, please review the Alberta Challenge 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.

ALBERTA CHALLENGE REGIONAL BOUNDARIES >

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 Challenge. 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 to 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 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 (this may be delayed depending on how busy the system is – Also Hotmail accounts seem to filter these e-mails and delay receiving). Athletes who register will be sent webinar information in February. Rosters and schedules for the tryouts are sent to each player approximately one week prior to Regional Camp weekend.

REGISTER NOW >

REGIONAL CAMP WAIT LISTS

It is expected that registration will fill up quickly on January 13^th. 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 Danielle Wheeler ([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 (Cochrane or Beaumont)
• Date of Birth
• Current Team

ALBERTA CHALLENGE

Three teams of 20 players are selected from each Regional Camp to compete at the Alberta Challenge, April 29-May 3. The cost for those selected for the Alberta Challenge is being finalized (usually approximately $1,200 per player) and includes:

• 5 days and 4 nights of accommodations and meals (including busing to off-site meals) at the event
• One practice on Wednesday of the event
• 5 games from Thursday – Sunday
• Team jersey and socks
• Team Alberta apparel

For the Edmonton Wolves, a recent international hockey trip was about far more than wins, losses, or time on the ice. It was a journey that brought together sport, culture, and connection, creating memories that will last long after the final buzzer sounds on their minor hockey careers.

With a large 2004 born group set to age out of junior next season, the team knew they wanted to do something meaningful before closing this chapter together. Through months of planning led by head coach Bryan Toles, that vision became reality. Over ten unforgettable days, the Wolves travelled through Finland, Sweden, and Estonia, competing in international games while immersing themselves in the global hockey community.

“What made this trip so meaningful though, wasn’t just the hockey games,” said team captain Rory Bothwell, “it was the connections made along the way, and the lifelong memories that we can hold onto for years after our hockey careers come to an end. This trip allowed us to be more than just teammates. For those 10 days, we truly did work as a family; sharing meals, rooms, and of course making fun of each other in good spirits as sibling and families do”.

On the ice, the Wolves were challenged in ways few teams experience. Competing against fast, skilled European opponents on larger international ice surfaces pushed players to adapt quickly. Differences in rules, physicality, and pace forced the team out of their comfort zone and into new levels of growth.

“One of the biggest highlights was playing against Finnish and Swedish teams who play with so much pace and structure,” said assistant coach Jenna MacLean. “The players had to adjust quickly, and those learning moments were invaluable.”

Beyond the games themselves, the Wolves were welcomed warmly by host communities in Helsinki, Järna, and Gävle, proudly representing Edmonton and Alberta on an international stage. Post game meals with opposing teams became moments of cultural exchange, where players shared stories and learned about what female hockey looks like in other parts of the world.

Off the ice, the experience tested the team’s mental toughness just as much as their physical skills. Long days of travel, sightseeing, and cultural exploration required players to balance excitement with preparation, something far different from their familiar routines back home.

“It forced us to really focus on our mental toughness. After spending all day exploring and trying to fit in as much as we could in the short time we were in each country, it took a lot to stay game ready,” said Bothwell. “Our biggest takeaway was that it taught us the importance of mental and physical perseverance, which will come in handy during playoff season”.

Most importantly, the trip highlighted the broader impact of opportunities like this within female hockey. Exposure to international play opens doors, inspires future aspirations, and shows young athletes what is possible.

“It was incredible to see how developed female hockey is in Scandinavia,” Bothwell said. “It showed us how much the women’s game continues to grow globally”.

The team attended an SDHL professional women’s game following their matchup against Brynäs SK. Experiencing a packed arena, professional atmosphere, and visible investment in women’s hockey left a lasting impression on players and coaches alike.

“Some of our players dream of playing professionally in Europe one day,” said MacLean. “Being immersed in that environment helps them visualize those pathways”.

For the Wolves and younger players reading this story, this trip was proof that hockey can take you anywhere. While the game brought them together, it was the bonds formed, the lessons learned, and the shared experiences that truly defined the journey.

As Bothwell reflected, “These memories won’t just last the rest of the season, they’ll last a lifetime”.