Alberta falls 8-4 to Ontario, will play for bronze Friday

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the leadership group for Team Alberta’s U18 Female team for the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

Danielle Serdachny (Edmonton) will captain Team Alberta, with Kassy Betinol (Okotoks), Teghan Inglis (Okotoks) and Isabelle Lajoie (St. Albert) serving as Assistant Captains.

Team Alberta kicks off play round-robin play against Team BC on Sunday at 7:30pm, with games against Nova Scotia and Ontario set for Monday and Tuesday at 7:30pm, respectively. All games are at the Centrium at Westerner Park.

RED DEER - Team Alberta rebounded from an 8-4 semi-final loss with a 12-0 win over Saskatchewan Friday night to claim the bronze medal in Men’s Hockey at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

In the second matchup of the tournament between the two teams, Alberta avenged a 4-3 overtime loss to Saskatchewan on Saturday.

Matt Savoie opened the scoring for Alberta late in the first period, and added two more to open the second period for a natural hat-trick. Savoie also had two assists for a five-point game, and finished the Canada Winter games with 13 points.

Alberta saw six more tallies in the second as part of an eight-goal period, and three more in the third. Craig Armstrong (2), Dylan Guenther (2), Tyson Laventure, Zack Stringer, Olen Zellweger, Owen MacNeil and Marc Lajoie all scored goals for Alberta in the win. Guenther added three assists to also finish the tournament with 13 points, tied for the team lead with Savoie.

Alberta goaltender Drew Sim stopped all 37 shots he faced to earn the shutout win.

The Canada Winter Games take a one-day break on Saturday before re-starting for Week Two on Sunday, when Team Alberta U18 Female kicks off their quest for gold at 7:30pm at the Centrium.

Game Stats > | Game One Recap > | Game Two Recap > | Game Three Recap > | Quarter Final Recap >

Semi Final Recap > | Team Alberta Roster > | Team Alberta CWG Guide > | Full Schedule/Standings >

RED DEER - Team Alberta punched its ticket to the semi-finals at the 2019 Canada Winter Games with an 8-3 win over New Brunswick on Wednesday night.

Alberta wasted no time in getting on the board, with Tyson Laventure opening the scoring just over three minutes into the game, but New Brunswick countered just over a minute later. Dylan Guenther regained Alberta’s lead just two minutes after that, only to have New Brunswick tie it up again 16 seconds later.

Team Alberta took the lead for good following goals from Matt Savoie and Zack Ostapchuk. New Brunswick added another goal late in the first period, but Alberta shut the door from there, and would add to their lead with second period goals from Laventure, Brett Hyland, Craig Armstrong and Savoie.

Lochlan Gordon got the start for Alberta, but gave way to Drew Sim after allowing three goals on eight shots in the first period. Sim shut the door in the second and third period, stopping all 11 shots he faced, though Gordon still earned credit for the win. New Brunswick netminder Nicholas Sheehan allowed eight goals on 35 shots through the first two periods, while Pierre-Vincent Guignard stopped all 16 shots he faced in relief in the third.

Alberta draws up against Team Ontario in the semi-finals on Thursday night, with a spot in the gold medal game on the line. Game time is 7:30pm at the Centrium in Red Deer. The live stream of the game can be found here.

The other semi-final matchup sees Quebec and Saskatchewan go head-to-head. That game goes at 4:00pm at the Centrium, the live stream can be found here.

Game Stats > | Game One Recap > | Game Two Recap > | Game Three Recap >

Team Alberta Roster > | Team Alberta CWG Guide > | Full Schedule/Standings >

RED DEER - After trailing Team BC most of the game, Team Alberta’s late third period charge propelled them to a 5-4 win on Monday night, securing first place in Pool B in Men’s Hockey at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

Down 4-2 with less than 10 minutes to play in the third period, Alberta mounted a comeback and tied the game in the dying minutes on goals from Marc Lajoie and Zach Ostapchuk. Then, with overtime looming, Captain Sean Tschigerl stunned BC, scoring the game-winner with just 27 seconds left to play, burying a rebound off an excellent individual effort by Matt Savoie.

Team BC stormed out to a 3-0 lead with a pair of goals in the first period and one in the second, before Craig Armstrong got Alberta on the board halfway through the second frame, with Colton Dach bringing his team within one heading into the third.

But, BC regained a two goal lead just 46 seconds into the final period, setting up Alberta’s comeback.

Goaltender Drew Sim earned his first win of the tournament, stopping 27 shots for Alberta, while BC Goalie Thomas Milic made 36 saves.

With the first place finish in Pool B, Alberta will play in the Quarterfinals on Wednesday night at the Centrium at 7:30 against the winner of Tuesday night’s game between Newfoundland and New Brunswick.

Game Stats > | Game One Recap > | Game Two Recap >

Team Alberta Roster > | Team Alberta CWG Guide > | Full Schedule/Standings >

RED DEER - Despite a furious comeback attempt by Manitoba, Team Alberta earned its first win at the Canada Winter Games on Sunday afternoon.

Alberta got off to a fast and furious start, scoring five straight goals in the first period, before Manitoba answered back late in the frame.

Team Alberta scored another early in the second to take a 6-1 lead, but ran into some penalty trouble, which allowed Manitoba back into the game, and drew within one with just three minutes left to play.

Alberta saw goals from six different players: Corson Ceulemans, Colton Dach, Tyson Laventure, Brett Hyland, Kai Uchacz and Craig Armstrong.

In his first start of the tournament, Lochlan Gordon made 22 saves to earn the win, while Manitoba netminder Jayden Catellier stopped 27 shots in a losing cause.

Team Alberta wraps up round-robin play Monday against BC, and can clinch first place in Pool B with a win. Game time is 7:30pm at the Enmax Centrium. The live broadcast of the came can be found here.

Game Stats > | Game One Recap > | Team Alberta Roster > | Team Alberta CWG Guide > | Full Schedule/Standings >

RED DEER - Team Alberta U16 Male opened up round-robin play at the 2019 Canada Winter Games with a 4-3 overtime loss to Saskatchewan Saturday night.

Alberta never trailed at any point, and held a lead for much of the game, but Saskatchewan wouldn’t go away.

Kai Uchacz opened the scoring for Alberta early in the first, but Saskatchewan countered just two minutes later on the powerplay. Dylan Guenther’s powerplay marker gave Alberta the lead heading into the second period, where Saskatchewan tied the game again.

Zack Stringer’s late second period goal gave Alberta the lead once more, but Saskatchewan tied the game yet again halfway through the third, before Nolan Allan sealed the victory for his team.

Goaltender Drew Sim made 18 saves for Alberta, while his counterpart Brent Mirwald stood tall to earn the win for Saskatchewan, stopping 40 of the 43 shots he faces.

Team Alberta is right back at it again Sunday afternoon against Manitoba at 4:00pm at the Centrium. The game will be shown on TSN at 5:00pm.

Game Stats > | Team Alberta Roster > | Team Alberta CWG Guide > | Full Schedule >

RED DEER - Sixteen outstanding young Albertans will hit the ice in Calgary on Saturday for the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Global Girls Hockey Game.

In addition to the game itself, athletes will participate in skills clinics, visit the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, and take in presentations from guest speakers.

The Global Girls Game goes at 3pm at the Flames Community Rink.

The sixteen Bantam-aged Albertans participating in the Global Game are:

NAME	POSITION	HOMETOWN	MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
Sophy Aldred	Forward	Calgary	Girls Hockey Calgary
Eilis Clipperton	Forward	Calgary	Girls Hockey Calgary
Isabella Fauth	Forward	Cochrane	Cochrane
Madison Gingrich	Forward	Calgary	Girls Hockey Calgary
Cassie Guigon	Defence	Calgary	Girls Hockey Calgary
Ava Haddad	Goaltender	Rocky View County	Girls Hockey Calgary
Codi James	Defence	Castor	3Cs
Kennedy Keer	Forward	Strathmore	Strathmore
Eva Kingston	Goaltender	Lake Newell Resort	Brooks
Deanna Kwong	Forward	Calgary	Girls Hockey Calgary
Kathleen Malcolm	Forward	Edmonton	Edmonton Girls Hockey Association
Roxy Mason	Forward	Edmonton	Edmonton Girls Hockey Association
Jorianna McAlister	Forward	Okotoks	Okotoks
Ruby Polansky	Defence	Sturgeon County	St. Albert
Shayelle Robertson	Forward	Sibbald	3Cs
Mystery Shaw	Defence	Spruce Grove	St. Albert

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About the Global Game

The Global Game embodies the spirit of enjoyment, teamwork, and collaborating with those from diverse backgrounds. This unique game starts on Saturday and will be played in 28 different countries before being handed off to Canada to play the final segment of the game. A cumulative score is kept across all 28 countries between Team White and Team Blue with a winner being declared after the Canadian portion of the game. The goal this game is to unite all females currently playing hockey as one global family.

RED DEER - Hockey has been included as an event in the Canada Winter Games since its inaugural year in 1967. Throughout each passing year, the sport has seen its share of different winners and famous alumni. Since its inception, Alberta has been the only province to compete in each iteration of the Canada Winter Games, achieving great results in both the male and female competitions.

The 2019 Games set to begin on Friday - the first to be held in Alberta since 1995. Here is a look at the history of Team Alberta at the Canada Winter Games:

Team Alberta Male

Male hockey was introduced at the 1967 Canada Winter Games with just three teams participating: Alberta, BC, and Ontario. Team Alberta won the gold medal, followed that up with a silver in 1971, and then gold again in 1975. Each tournament contained three teams.

The 1979 Games marked the first year where all provinces and territories entered a team into the tournament. Over the next three Canada Winter Games, Team Alberta finished out of the medals, with 1987 the last Games where Team Alberta Male did not win a medal. Since 1991, Team Alberta has finished with two bronze, three silver, and two gold medals. Alberta is the only province to win a medal in each of the last seven Canada Winter Games events.

The 1999 gold medal winning team was a 2018 inductee into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame. They were led by notable alumni Jay Bouwmeester and Scott Hartnell.

Team Alberta U16 Roster/Schedule >

Team Alberta Female

Female hockey was introduced to the Canada Winter Games in 1991. Team Alberta wasted no time finding success, taking home the gold medal with a team that included 13-year-old Hayley Wickenheiser. Since 1991, Team Alberta earned bronze in 1999 and 2015 while taking home the gold for a second time in 2011.

The 1991 gold medal winning squad was also inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.

Team Alberta U18 Roster/Schedule >

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the leadership group for Team Alberta’s U16 Male team for the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

Sean Tschigerl (Edmonton) will captain Team Alberta, with defenceman Marc Lajoie (St. Albert) and forwards Dylan Guenther (Edmonton) and Kai Uchacz (De Winton) serving as Assistant Captains.

"I’m honoured to be named Captain of Team Alberta, it’s super exciting, and a big opportunity, playing on home soil," said Tschigerl.

Team Alberta kicks off play round-robin play against Team Saskatchewan on Saturday at 7:30pm, with games against Manitoba and BC set for Sunday at 4:00pm and 7:30pm, respectively. All games are at the Centrium at Westerner Park.

RED DEER - A unique skill development opportunity is available to 2005-born male hockey players in Alberta, as Hockey Alberta and the Western Hockey League are co-hosting the fifth annual WHL Skills Camp.

The camp, for U15 players, is set to run June 7-9, 2019 in Calgary at East Calgary Twin Arenas. The cost of the camp is $300.

Register >

The WHL Skills Camp provides athletes with the opportunity to learn from an impressive array of instructors, including instructors from the WHL. Participants will be divided into eight teams for the weekend, and participate in a variety of activities, including:

• Friday: On and Off-Ice Combine testing
• Saturday: Team Alberta/WHL presentation, Yoga, and two skill sessions.
• Sunday: one skill session, a dry land session and the event will wrap up with a game officiated by the WHL Officials Development Camp.
• Goaltenders will also participate in an on and off-ice goaltender session.

NOTE: Only Hockey Canada/Hockey Alberta Registered Athletes are eligible to register.

The camp will focus on skill development and proper training techniques, and provides athletes with information about the Team Alberta process, information on the WHL, while challenging players to excel on and off the ice. The maximum capacity for the camp is 168 athletes. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, please contact Dustin Moore, Coordinator, Team Alberta

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About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 350 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

BE ALBERTA BUILT! UNLOCK YOUR PLAYER’S POTENTIAL - REGISTER FOR A SKILLS CAMP TODAY

Registration is ongoing for Alberta Built Skills Camps offered by Hockey Alberta. Your young players can have their potential unlocked at one of the following camps: Small Area Games, Power Edge Pro (PEP), Super Skills, Dynamic Shooting, Developing Defencemen and Goaltender Skills. Camps for March and April are scheduled in numerous locations across the province. ALBERTA BUILT SKILLS CAMPS REGISTRATION >

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SPRINGBANK ROCKIES - ONLY THREE MORE DAYS TO VOTE IN CHEVROLET GOOD DEEDS CUP

The Springbank Rockies are the only Alberta team to qualify as a semi-finalist in the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup. Help win $100,000 for an Alberta charity. CLICK HERE to watch the incredible 60 second video. Each view equals one vote. Once you click and watch the FULL video, it registers your vote. The entire hockey community is encouraged to get involved... every age group, every team, every association to help win $100,000 for the Nathan O’Brien Children’s Foundation and The Calgary Food Bank. CHEVROLET GOOD DEEDS CUP >

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CANADA WINTER GAMES - EIGHT DAYS AWAY!

Red Deer will be hosting the 2019 Canada Winter Games from February 15 - March 3. The Male Hockey Tournament will run from Feb. 16-22, followed by the Female Tournament from Feb. 24-Mar. 2.

Team Alberta U16 Male round robin games: Saturday, Feb. 16 - 7:30pm - Centrium; Sunday, Feb. 17 - 4:00pm - Centrium; Monday, Feb. 18 - 7:30pm - Centrium --- FULL MALE HOCKEY SCHEDULE >

Team Alberta U18 Female round robin games: Sunday, Feb 24 - 7:30pm - Centrium; Monday, Feb. 25 - 7:30pm - Centrium; Tuesday, Feb. 26 - 7:30pm - Centrium --- FULL FEMALE HOCKEY SCHEDULE >

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HOCKEY ALBERTA FOUNDATION PARTICIPATING IN THE 2019 BIRDIES FOR KIDS PROGRAM

The Hockey Alberta Foundation has been accepted as a participating charity in the 2019 Birdies for Kids program. This fundraising program is designed so that the Hockey Alberta Foundation will receive 100% of every donation accepted on its behalf and allows for additional funding of up to 50% of the original donations made. MORE INFORMATION >

Visit the Shaw Charity Classic website and select ‘Alberta Hockey Foundation’ to donate online. DONATE NOW >

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COACH OF THE MONTH - JANUARY

Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for January, sponsored by Players Bench Team Apparel, is Ron Laferriere of Wainwright. READ MORE >

The Coach of the Month award is presented every month during the Minor Hockey season, based on nominations submitted to Hockey Alberta. One minor hockey coach will be selected each month from October through March 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.

Nominations are open throughout the 2018-19 season. NOMINATION FORM >

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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES SUMMER HOCKEY SCHOOL

Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Lethbridge Minor Hockey are running an incredible development opportunity for young athletes to learn from Hurricanes staff and Hurricanes players. The camp will be open to Novice, Atom and Peewee players. Utilizing the support of Hockey Alberta to instill the values of the Long Term Player Development Model the Hurricanes staff look forward to supporting the next generation of Lethbridge Hurricanes players!

For more information, please contact Matt Weninger, Regional Manager, South - 403-380-0195. REGISTER >

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DISTINGUISHED LEADERS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS

Two outstanding post-secondary students have received Distinguished Leader status from the 2018 Future Leaders Development Program. Brett Ponich and Jake Wozney will each receive a $3,000 scholarship for their work during the Development weekend and Team Alberta Male U16 Summer Camp in Camrose. READ MORE >

Registration is now being accepted for the 2019 Future Leaders Development Weekend, taking place in Red Deer, May 3-5. REGISTER NOW >

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BAMFORD DONATION HIGHLIGHTS HOMETOWN HOCKEY WEEKEND

The Gord Bamford Foundation provided a $10,000 donation to The Hockey Alberta Foundation, live on Rogers Hometown Hockey in Leduc on Februrary 3. Bamford was one of the special guests in attendance as part of Rogers Hometown Hockey, and he showed his love for the sport, and the kids who play hockey, in two ways. When Bamford took to the stage for a song, he was proudly sporting a Team Alberta jersey. Then, he presented Tim Leer, the Executive Director of the Hockey Alberta Foundation, with a cheque for $10,000 in support of the Every Kid Every Community program. READ MORE >

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2019 HIGH PERFORMANCE 1 APPLICATIONS OPEN

Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 High Performance 1 coaching seminar, being held in Red Deer from July 16-21.

The NCCP High Performance 1 Seminar will include professional speakers in the delivery of sessions including special teams, planning to perform, offensive/defensive team play, goaltending, game and bench management, ethics in coaching, teambuilding and many more. All Head Coaches coaching Bantam AAA, Midget AAA and Junior A teams that compete in Inter-provincial or National Championships or the highest level as determined by the branch, must be High Performance 1 Certified. APPLY NOW >

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PARENTS & PLAYERS GUIDE FEATURE - NUTRITION WHILE TRAVELLING

With many teams heading on the road for tournaments and Provincial Championships, it is always important to plan ahead for your player’s diet. Eating healthy while travelling can be a challenge, but is easier when the team is on the same page with the same goals! When on the road, pack items that can last without refrigeration for a few days, ie. bananas, trail mix, whole-grain bagels, and/or nut butters. If you keep a cooler in your car, other snacks you could pack include unsweetened yogurt products, cut up veggies and dip, hard-boiled eggs and/or hummus! Out of town tournaments are often associated with eating at restaurants. For more information and resources, check out the Parents tab at the Hockey Alberta website. RESOURCES >

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LET’S RECOGNIZE OUR PEOPLE!

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2019 Hockey Alberta Awards. You can nominate a deserving individual for any of the following awards: Coach of the Year, Player of the Year, Official of the Year or the Award of Merit. You may also nominate an outstanding team for Team of the Year. This is a chance to recognize the outstanding people in your organization. The deadline for nominations in April 15. HOCKEY ALBERTA AWARDS NOMINATION FORM >

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TEAMMATES HELPING TEAMMATES RAFFLE

Throughout the hockey season many team focus fundraising efforts on a charity of choice to support. We hope you will consider your teammates at the Hockey Alberta Foundation as your hockey charity of choice. We have launched the Teammates helping Teammates raffle in support of the Every Kid Every Community Grant Program. There are only 100 tickets available, with two identical grand prizes available: 25 tickets to the Calgary Flames vs Anaheim Ducks game on Friday, March 29, and transportation via motorcoach to and from Scotiabank Saddledome. Tickets are available for $100 each and can be purchased by cash, cheque or credit card by contacting the Hockey Alberta Foundation office or completing the online form.

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THANK YOU TO ATB FINANCIAL

ATB Financial hosted a fundraising event at Bo’s Bar and Grill, in Red Deer, on January 19. The Hockey Alberta Foundation would like to extend their thanks to Curtis Stange, John Windwick, and ATB for including the Foundation as the beneficiaries for the evening and for their continued support. Check out their feature article on Team Alberta U18 Female coach Carla MacLeod --- Coach knows preparation is key for Canada Winter Games >

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ARE YOU READY TO VOLUNTEER AT THE ALLAN CUP?

The Lacombe Generals are hosting the 2019 Canadian Senior AAA hockey championship - the Viking Projects Allan Cup, April 8-13 in Lacombe. If you are interested in tickets, sponsorship or being a Volunteer at the event, email [email protected] or check out the Generals’ website. GO TO THE WEBSITE >

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STORIES IN THE HOCKEY WORLD

Innisfail Province - Innisfailian behind bench at Canada Winter Games

Rocky View Weekly - Springbank Rockies make top 10 of Good Deeds Cup

Regina Leader-Post - Lacombe Generals wrap season, clinch first in ACHW

Lethbridge News Now - Funding approved for World U-17 Hockey Challenge

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RED DEER - Two outstanding post-secondary students have received Distinguished Leader status from the 2018 Future Leaders Development Program.

Brett Ponich and Jake Wozney will each receive a $3,000 scholarship for their work during the Development weekend and Team Alberta Male U16 Summer Camp in Camrose.

The Future Leaders Development Program is designed to develop and train post-secondary students in the area of coaching. Areas of focus include proper instruction, administration, leadership, technical and tactical skills in hockey, so that the future leaders can carry those skills into our communities. Scholarship opportunities are made possible by the Hockey Alberta Foundation. Since the Future Leaders Scholarship program was established in 1998, the Hockey Alberta Foundation has invested annually in the development of great leaders for the future of the game and our communities in Alberta.

Ponich started his playing career in the Beaumont Minor Hockey Association. He moved on to play Bantam and Midget AAA in Leduc before spending time with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, NHL’s St. Louis Blues and Columbus Blue Jackets organizations. Currently, Ponich is a student-athlete for the University of Alberta - Augustana Vikings where he is working on a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education degree, with hopes of entering medical school after his graduation.

"The Future Leaders Program allowed me to receive structured coaching instruction that complemented my experience of playing the game," said Ponich. "I was able to not only learn more about the game of hockey, but also how to communicate and work with people better."

Wozney grew up in Richmond, BC and began playing with the Seafair Minor Hockey Association. He has been well-travelled, spending time with the Greater Vancouver Canadians, Junior B Richmond Sockeyes, BCHL’s Nanaimo Clippers, AJHL’s Fort McMurray Oil Barons, and SJHL’s Weyburn Red Wings. He is currently playing with the Red Deer College Kings, where he is in his second year of the Kinesiology and Sports Science Program.

"It means a lot to me that experienced coaches with Hockey Alberta can see potential in my coaching ability, even with the limited experience that I have," said Wozney. "It gives me motivation to pursue a career in coaching, as well as to continue to grow and add more tools."

Registration is now being accepted for the 2019 Future Leaders Development Weekend, taking place in Red Deer, May 3-5.