RED DEER – The final day of the 2025 Alberta Challenge has concluded! North Blue was crowned the tournament champions after an exciting overtime finish in the finals. Here is everything that you need to know about Day 4!

Game #1

South Black 4 - North Red 2

Players of the Game:

South Black: #9 Addison Bruce

North Red: #9 Siri Bolding

Game #2

South Green 5 – South Grey 2

Players of the Game:

South Green: #8 Keelie Armstrong

South Grey: #11 Ziah Dennis

Game #3

North Blue 2 – North Yellow 1 (OT)

Players of the Game:

North Blue: #12 Kasey McLeod

North Yellow: #5 Taryn Leighton

Tourism Red Deer Daily Photo Gallery:

Moments from each day of competition are being captured and shared on the website in albums each day. Visit the link below to view the full gallery.

Daily Gallery Link

Panago Pizza Highlight of the Day:

The Panago Highlight of the Day belongs to the overtime winning goal scorer in the Alberta Challenge championship final, North Blue #12 Kasey McLeod.

Click to View Highlight

Hockey Alberta has released the 2024-25 Player Satisfaction Survey to those registered in a 2024-25 Hockey Alberta sanctioned organization.

If you or your child is registered with a Hockey Alberta sanctioned organization and didn’t get a survey, please email [email protected] and we will provide you with the necessary link to provide feedback.

Hockey Alberta is focused on continually working with their Member Organizations to improve the experience of players in their system. As part of this process, they are committed to measuring player satisfaction through feedback provided by customers (players/ parents or guardians). The feedback and data is used to inform their strategic plan and determine potential changes that further enhance a positive player experience.

Check out the April Edition of the Ice Times Newsletter.

Included this month:

• AEHL, AFHL, and U11AA award winners
• Membership Monday featuring Taber’s Green Shirt Game
• Your chance to purchase some Hockey Alberta apparel
  AND MORE!

ICE TIMES NEWSLETTER >

Hockey Alberta is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week with highlights of some of their volunteers.

Connie Anderson

Through 14 years of volunteering with Hockey Alberta, Connie Anderson has had so many memorable moments that he can’t pick a favourite. His passion for volunteering makes every day on the job special.

“There are many memorable moments that come to mind... They are all good,” Anderson remarked.

His volunteer career with Hockey Alberta began when he was a league governor for the Central Alberta Hockey League and met the person who held the position before him. It just so happened that he was retiring soon, so Connie decided to try. Thus began his 14 years of volunteer service with Hockey Alberta.

His initial role was Zone 6 Discipline, and now the is the Chair of the Minor Discipline Committee.

“Connie has been super fun to work with on the Minor Discipline Committee. His many years of experience have ensured he makes fair judgment, while also keeping things light (as much as possible). I thoroughly enjoy our weekly chats and the stories he recounts to me,” said Morgen Kidney, Hockey Alberta Minor Leagues Coordinator.

He knew from a young age that he wanted to help give back to the people that helped him out throughout his time playing Minor Hockey. His position allows him to give back to the community while meeting people from all walks of life, which adds to his love of the job.

“The best thing about the job is meeting different people all the time,” said Anderson.

Outside of his volunteer work with Hockey Alberta, he keeps busy by being a business owner, avid golfer, fastball umpire, and is a Town of Sundre Councillor.

Jill Wallace

Jill Wallace has spent the last 16 years of her life dedicated to volunteering in minor hockey in Alberta. Aside from her time volunteering, she is a dedicated hockey mom of 3, a wife, and a business owner.

Her volunteering career began in 2009. All her children played hockey, but when her daughter began playing, she had the opportunity to help start up a female program.

“Once we had that first year under our belt I was hooked.  Watching the girls flourish within their team and female league was amazing to see,” said Wallace.

Her extensive volunteer experience includes her first position as a manager and board member with Battle River Knights Minor Hockey Association. She then went on to serve in many positions with the East Central Alberta Female League including governor, president, and treasurer. This experience helped her to become much more involved with Hockey Alberta and led to her finding her current position as the Vice Chair of the Female Minor Leagues Committee.

With her position volunteering at Hockey Alberta, she helps with chair meetings with the female league presidents to create more ways to expand female development and female hockey programs across Alberta.

Her passion for volunteering lies in wanting every team to thrive.

“My absolute favorite part of volunteering within the female structure is watching the teams grow and succeed.  It is so fun to watch them love the game and improve every yea,” said Wallace.  “It’s also so fun to watch it grow, especially in rural Alberta where it is a challenge to be able to have enough players to form teams.”

She hopes that every kid she has helped is enjoying the game, growing their confidence, and having fun. Her favourite part of volunteering in the hockey community is handing the winning team the banner, no matter what level of tournament it is.  “Can’t beat those smiles!” she says.

“I do it for the kids, every day of the week.”

Ian Martinot

Ian Martinot has spent 45 years of his life volunteering in his community. He knew from 13 years old that he wanted to give back to his community, and volunteering through his love of sports seemed to be the best way.

“Ever since I was 13 years of age my birth date never worked out for me to play organized sports, so my father told me to get involved in the communities that you live in, so that’s where it all started. I love giving back to my community,” said Ian.

His vast volunteering career spreads from being the President of both the Fastball and Slo-pitch leagues in Whitecourt, Alberta to being the President of Whitecourt Minor Hockey, where he also served as Referee in Chief and the Referee Assigner. He was a referee for 53 years before his well-deserved retirement.

While working as a Hockey Alberta official, his goal was to recruit and mentor young officials.

“Volunteering is a way to give back to a community, as well as going out and meeting new people,” said Ian.

This passion for sports led him to work more closely with Hockey Alberta where he was the Zone 3 Manager for 2 years and currently sits as the Discipline Coordinator for the Northeast Zone.

His passion for volunteering did not go unrecognized by his community as he was awarded with four volunteer recognition awards including the Whitecourt Chamber of Commerce Sportsman of the Year Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sports in 1987.

Ian is currently enjoying his retirement in Stony Plain with his wife Laurie.

The 2025 Esso Cup wrapped up in Lloydminster this past Saturday, with two Alberta teams vying for medals on the final day of competition.

The Lloydminster Steelers finished just shy of the podium, falling 4–1 to the North York Storm in the bronze medal game. The host team closed out the national tournament with a record of one win, two overtime wins, and two losses.

The entire Esso Cup results for the Steelers can be found below.

Alberta’s other representative, the Edmonton Jr. Oilers White, capped off a dominant run by claiming the gold medal with a 7–3 victory over the Saskatoon Stars, completing an undefeated tournament and a nearly flawless season. Their final record stood at four regulation wins, one overtime win, and zero losses.

The entire Esso Cup results for the Jr. Oilers can be found below.

This year’s triumph was significant for eight returning Jr. Oilers players who competed at the 2024 Esso Cup. That team had finished first in the round robin but suffered a devastating semifinal loss, ultimately settling for bronze. The experience served as motivation, and those players came back in 2025 determined to finish the job—and they did just that.

The Jr. Oilers took control early in the championship game. Paige Smith opened the scoring with a power-play goal two minutes into the first period, setting the tone for a fast-paced offensive performance. Edmonton carried a 3–1 lead into the intermission.

Saskatoon responded quickly in the second, narrowing the gap to 3–2 just 38 seconds in. But Edmonton answered with another power-play marker, this time from Ciara Lang, then piled on three more goals before the end of the period. The Stars managed a lone goal in the third, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Jr. Oilers from sealing their national title.

For veteran forward Daniella Martorana, the win was especially emotional after three seasons with the program.

“I am super proud of this team. I’ve been here for three years now, and we couldn’t have had a better group,” said Martorana. “I am super happy and I love this team.”

Two Alberta players also earned individual honours for their standout performances. Edmonton’s Paige Smith was named Tournament MVP, while Lloydminster’s Harlee Houle was recognized as Top Goaltender.

RED DEER – The final day of the 2025 Alberta Cup has wrapped up, and Alberta Red were crowned tournament champions! Here is everything you need to know about the final day!

Game #13

Alberta Green 5 – Alberta Grey 2

Players of the Game:

Alberta Green: #20 Chace Turchak

Alberta Grey: #31 Bracken Larocque

Game #14

Alberta Black 5 – Alberta Blue 1

Players of the Game:

Alberta Black: #18 Brady Ondrus

Alberta Blue: #8 Joshua Frazer

Game #15

Alberta Gold 3 – Alberta Red 5

Players of the Game:

Alberta Gold: #14 Joel Ngandu

Alberta Red: #31 Chase Nielson

Tourism Red Deer Daily Photo Gallery:

Moments from each day of competition are being captured and shared on the website in albums each day. Visit the link below to view the full gallery.

Daily Gallery >

Panago Pizza Highlight of the Day:

The Panago Highlight of the Day would have been impossible to pick just one, so we chose three of Chase Nielson’s many saves in the championship game of the Alberta Cup. Nielson 34 stops in the championship performance.

Click to View Highlight

2025 Alberta Cup All-Star Team:

Forwards

#9 Easton Arndt - Team Black

#18 Ben Oliverio - Team Red

#20 Dylan Sherban - Team Red

Defense

#4 Remington Koch - Team Green

#5 Cruz Jim - Team Gold

Goaltender

#31 Evan Wandler - Team Green

What events make up Spring Showcase?

The Spring Showcase features the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge, and Prospects Cup. Each event has a different focus:

• The Alberta Cup is a U15 male development program that gives players, coaches, and officials the opportunity to grow and develop their skills. It also gives scouts a platform to identify potential Team Alberta players.
• The Alberta Challenge a similar format, but specifically for the development of female players, coaches, and officials’ skills.
• The Prospects Cup is U13 development and identification program used to help prepare these young athletes for the Alberta Cup and Challenge.

Is there an admission fee?

The Alberta Cup is the only paid event of the weekend. A Day Pass is available for $15 (plus taxes) per day, or a 4-Day Tournament Pass package is available for $40. The Alberta Challenge and the Prospects Cup are free tournaments!

AB CUP TICKETS >

Where can I park?

There is plenty of parking in front of the Gary W. Harris Centre! Make sure you pay for parking before the game so you don’t have to miss any of the excitement. We also encourage you to refrain from having tailgate parties in the parking lot! We all enjoy celebrating the teams, but it is asked that we keep the fun for inside the arena.

GARY W. HARRIS PARKING RATES >

PARKING LOT 26 >

Where do we sit?

The arena can hold up to 1,100 guests. The event is rushed seating. Seats are not assigned. Every seat will be available on a first come, first served basis, so if you are looking to sit together with a group, we encourage you to come early to ensure we keep a happy and satisfied crowd.

Where can I find the schedule?

The schedule for all three events can be found on the Hockey Alberta website.

SCHEDULE >

The more the merrier

Friends and family are encouraged to come out and cheer on their favourite hockey player. Having a support system for the team and individual players is crucial to making this tournament memorable for everyone involved. Make sure that all of the athletes, coaches, and officials feel supported throughout the tournament by forging a positive environment in the stands.

Are the games livestreamed?

All games will be livestreamed on FloHockey. There will be no play-by-play for the games on the stream. A subscription is required.

FLOHOCKEY >

Can I buy merch?

Yes! We will have a kiosk set up with volunteers selling Hockey Alberta branded hats, blankets, and more! If you are wanting to purchase Spring Showcase specific merch, you can check out TBS!

Rep your team colours

Hockey Alberta has merch that you can purchase to represent your team colours and keep up the team spirit. Whether you’re repping your team’s colours or just here to enjoy some great hockey, your energy in the stands helps fuel the players on the ice. Cheering loud and showing your support can boost confidence and create unforgettable memories — for you and the athletes!

Buy Raffle Tickets!

The AFHL Scholarship raffle ends on May 15! The Female Hockey Scholarship fund aims to provide scholarships to deserving AFHL players each year. Get in on the fun by purchasing tickets for a chance to win. Three cash prizes are up for grabs at $2500, $1000, and $500. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to win.

BUY TICKETS >

Commemorate the Event by Buying a Program

An event program is a great way to preserve the memories of the showcase! It contains stories, photos, rosters, and more, so there is no way you will forget the moment. Taking pictures on your phone is a great way to commemorate the event, but having a tangible keepsake from the event is so special.

Purchase Professional Photos

The Spring Showcase has a professional photographer taking pictures of the games for the event. Having photos, you took yourself on your phone is awesome, but having professional photos without the blur of the netting, or the lag of a cellphone camera can be such amazing souvenirs. Unfortunately, we do not allow long-lensed cameras during the tournament.

Make sure you purchase the photos of your child from the photographer to save the memories forever! Photos will be available for purchase via an email link that will be sent out at the end of the event

Where can we hang out?

We kindly ask all spectators to remain upstairs and away from the players’ dressing rooms. While you’re here, swing by the Hockey Alberta kiosk for giveaways and information! Keep in mind that other sporting events may also be happening — let’s be mindful and respectful of all athletes, no matter the sport. If you are looking to get some fresh air or need to stretch your legs, there are lots of fun places around the city just a few minutes away from the arena. Walking around the Red Deer Polytechnic is also an amazing way to get outside and away from the crowds. Visit the beautiful trail just behind the arena or wander to the main building for a bite to eat.

Where can we eat?

Onsite

• Tim Hortons (7:30am-3:00pm), Starbucks (7:30am-4:00pm) and Subway (8:30am-2:30pm) will be open Monday to Friday until April 25 in the main building at Red Deer Polytechnic. The Dimensions Café in Gary W. Harris will be open during the event as well.
• For the remainder of the Spring Showcase, Starbucks and Subway will be open for the same hours, as well as the Dimensions Café.
• If you’re looking for a restaurant on campus, you can visit the Farside Grill (Monday to Friday, 8 am-4 pm), the Farside Bar (Monday to Thursday, 1-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm) or the Lift (Monday to Friday, 7:30 am-1:30 pm).

Offsite

There are also so many delicious options around the city for you and your group to enjoy, and a good opportunity to see what the city has to offer.

Find some spots here!

• 48 Hours in Red Deer: Your Spring Guide
• Things to Do in Red Deer
• Red Deer event calendar

Encourage and respect everyone

Everyone is at the event to share and show off their love of hockey. Make sure you keep the environment safe and respectful so everyone can enjoy it. Ensure your child knows you are proud of them and encourage them through whatever the weekend may bring. Respect the officials, coaches, other parents, and all other teams attending the event, no matter the circumstances.

Encourage your player to take in the moment and the excitement of everything around them. Make memories over the weekend that you and your family can remember for years to come. Savor each moment, because these experiences won’t last forever!

Good luck to all players attending the Spring Showcase! We wish you all the best.

If you have any questions or can’t find the information you need, feel free to contact the Hockey Alberta office at [email protected].

Three of the thirteen officials selected to participate in the 2025 Esso Cup In Lloydminster from April 20-26 are from the Hockey Alberta Officials Committee. We would like to congratulate Emily Hill and Lindsey Ducharme who will be referees, and Megan French who was selected to be a linesperson.

Theresa Llorente from Edmonton was also selected as one of the officiating coaches who will be working at this event.

Being selected to take part in a national level tournament is a special opportunity, and these officials are extremely grateful to have been chosen.

“It’s a privilege any day you get to step on the ice, but stepping onto the ice at the national level is always a special opportunity. To me, being selected means others have seen value in the effort I’ve given. It’s a reflection of the time, dedication, and passion I’ve invested into this journey, and a chance to show what I’m capable of,” said French. “Being mentored and receiving feedback from national level officiating coaches is always a valuable learning experience.”

“It helps set clear expectations and provides insight into what it takes to reach the next level. I’m grateful for the opportunity and ready to give my best!” said French.

French has been an official since 2011 after finishing her AAA hockey career. She has participated in many national level events, including her first appearance at the 2015 Esso Cup during the bronze medal game.

“Reflecting on the years since that first Esso Cup experience, I’m proud of my personal growth as an official, as well as the progress we have seen in female hockey as a whole,” said French.

“We’ve made significant strides, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for the next generation of females in officiating and hockey. I strive to continue supporting, developing, and inspiring others to fill the gaps and push forward the progression of female officials in our region and province.”

Hill has had a similar path since the start of her officiating career at the age of 13. She has officiated in many tournaments across Alberta and in university level hockey. Her biggest goal is to officiate at a national level, which is soon to come true. She is excited for where this opportunity will lead.

“It has been my goal to participate in a national event as a referee. It is something that I was never able to accomplish as a player, so I am very excited to be able to participate in such an event this way,” said Hill. “Getting selected for national events as an official can be very difficult and it is highly competitive.”
“A great group of officials has been selected for this event, and I am honoured to be a part of it. In addition to refereeing, I am excited to be able to meet great people from all across the country and work alongside them later this month.”

The Esso Cup is a great opportunity to bring the hockey community together, no matter what an individuals’ role may be.

“No matter our path, we lace up for the same reason – the love of the game,” said French.

See all thirteen officials selected for the 2025 Esso Cup HERE.

RED DEER – Eighteen players from across the province have been named to the NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft.

Tri-City Americans defenseman Jackson Smith (Calgary) ranked at number 13 and Seattle Thunderbirds forward Braeden Cootes (Sherwood Park) ranked at 20 among North American Skaters on the list, a ranking within a list of players who are projected to be taken in the first round of the NHL draft.

Goaltender Jordan Switzer (Edmonton) made the North American goalie rankings at number 25.

The full list of Albertans named to the Central Scouting Final Rankings can be found below:

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has named the 160 athletes who will represent their regions at the 2025 Prospects Cup.

Eight teams will compete in a modified round-robin tournament taking place in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre from May 7-11. Teams are comprised of the top male athletes from across the province, with each of the eight teams roster including two goaltenders, six defencemen, and 12 forwards.

ROSTERS >

Hundreds of athletes competed at Regional Camps held this past weekend (April 11-13) in Calgary, Edmonton, Olds and Vergreville. Male athletes born in 2012 who were registered with a Hockey Alberta or Hockey Canada sanctioned program this season were eligible to try out.

The Prospects Cup is the introduction to the Hockey Alberta process for these athletes as it focuses on their development and growth while also introducing the majority of them to short-term competition,” said Blake Cosgrove, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Elite Hockey Development. “This group of players is exciting to watch, and I hope they enjoy the experience.”

The Prospects Cup is the final event of the 2025 Hockey Alberta Spring Showcase. It is the first opportunity for athletes, coaches, therapists, equipment managers, and administrators to experience short-term competition and an introduction to the Team Alberta Program.

Prospects Cup >

Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase kicks off with the Alberta Cup April 24-27.

TBS, in partnership with Hockey Alberta, will be running a pre-event online store. A variety of merchandise items are available for purchase, with the deadline to place your order ending at 11:00 pm on April 21st in order to receive your merchandise by the Alberta Challenge. Online orders placed by the deadline will be delivered to the event for pickup at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on May 7th. Any questions regarding merchandise can be directed to Alyson Chambers ([email protected]) at Hockey Alberta.

SHOP HERE >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has named the 120 athletes who will represent their regions at the 2025 Alberta Challenge.

Six teams (three from each of the North and South regions) will compete in a modified round-robin tournament taking place in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre from May 1-4. Teams are comprised of the top female athletes from across the province, with each of the six teams roster including two goaltenders, six defencemen, and 12 forwards.

ROSTERS >

Regional Camps were held this past weekend (April 4-6) in Cochrane and Beaumont. Female Players born in 2010 and 2011 who were registered with a Hockey Alberta or Hockey Canada sanctioned program this season were eligible to try out.

“This year’s crop of athletes was very talented, and that was on full display at the Regional Camps!” said Danielle Wheeler, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Female Development. “The Alberta Challenge is a showcase of best-on-best competition that allows top athletes and staff to take the next step in their hockey journey.”

The Alberta Challenge is the sole female-only event in Hockey Alberta’s three-part Spring Showcase. It is the first opportunity for athletes, coaches, therapists, equipment managers, and administrators to experience short-term competition and an introduction to the Team Alberta Program.

Alberta Challenge >

Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase kicks off with the Alberta Cup and wraps up with the Prospects Cup (May 9-11).

There are still limited partnership opportunities available for the 2025 Spring Showcase! The remaining assets can be found in the document below:

2025 Spring Showcase Partnership Opportunities >

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 Team.

TBS, in partnership with Hockey Alberta, will be running a pre-event online store. A variety of merchandise items are available for purchase, with the deadline to place your order ending at 11:00 pm on April 14th in order to receive your merchandise by the Alberta Challenge. Online orders placed by the deadline will be delivered to the event for pickup at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on April 30th. Any questions regarding merchandise can be directed to Alyson Chambers ([email protected]) at Hockey Alberta.

SHOP HERE >

Eight months after the devastating fires swept through the town of Jasper, the community came together to host the U15 A NBC Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships presented by ATB, from March 20-23.

The strength and perseverance of the community was apparent during the exciting weekend. Everyone worked together to ensure that the tournament was a success and showed everyone in attendance how beautiful the town truly is.

Michelle Skilnick, Manager of Foundation and Events for Hockey Alberta, explains that “We are excited with our legacy plan, being able to give back to the community and those that want to play minor hockey … but also just showcase their town and bring back tourism to Jasper.”

The host committee welcomed guest to Jasper with heartfelt words, “at the beginning of this season, we weren’t sure if we would even have a hockey team. Now, here we are - sport is an essential part of rebuilding our community”.

While the host team opened the tournament by saying, “Jasper is a community that loves its hockey, and we are proud to host teams near and far”.

“A tournament such as this is so incredibly important to our community… (every team) will talk about their experience in Jasper, and that is what drives our economy,” said Richard Ireland, Mayor of Jasper.

“Jaspers big thing was to be able to bring back the economy to their town, show the resiliency of their town and the people that live there,” said Skilnick.

The fires devasted much of the community, including many of the Bearcat’s players. Hockey was able to be a small escape from the realities that they have faced.

Luka Kahlina, goaltender for the Bearcats, lost his home in the fire. Through it all, he found solace on the ice.

“When I played hockey I kind of just forgot about it,” he says.

Moment like these remind us why hockey is more than just a game. It’s a way to bring a community together, even in the toughest of times, it connects people, lifts communities, and provides strength even in the darkest times. The story of Jasper is an amazing example of that.

“The community gets together when we have to, hockey is just one of those things that keeps it together for us.” Says Paco Artiaga, Assistant coach for the U13 and U15 Bearcats. “The community is just beautiful.”

The parents of the U15 Jasper Bearcats shared their sincere appreciation as the tournament came to a close “thank you to all seven teams for coming to Jasper, for supporting our local economy, for your gratitude for the event, for your sportsmanship and your conduct in our arena and for the amazing hockey we all got to play”.

Watch the full video to learn more about Jasper’s journey, resilience, and love for the game.

Hockey is more than just a game—it’s a community, and the Taber Golden Suns Athletic Association has continued to prove that through their Green Shirt Day Game, held this year on February 23.

The event was created three years after the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash, where Logan Boulet’s organ donation inspired nearly 150,000 Canadians to register as donors—the largest surge in Canadian history. This movement, now known as the Logan Boulet Effect, continues to bring awareness to organ donation across the country.

The Golden Suns partnered with Jan Clemis, a kidney donor recipient and dedicated advocate for organ donation, to start this event. Over the years, it has grown in impact, bringing the community together to celebrate life, honor donors, and encourage others to register.

This year’s event saw the Taber Highlanders U11 team join for the first time, making it even more special. “I was very interested but really had no idea what it would turn into and the success we would see as a result,” said Jamie Matisho, President of Golden Suns Athletic Association.  

The event marked the fourth annual event. They set up a table at the rink to answer questions, give out information, sell T-shirts, and take donations. The donations they get are split between the Canadian Transplant Association and the Logan Boulet Foundation.  

Bernie and Toby Boulet, Logan’s parents, attended once again, sharing their son’s story and answering questions at their information table. Through donations and merchandise sales, they raised $500, while the Golden Suns contributed an additional $800.

With green stick tape on every player’s stick and a sea of green in the stands, the support for this cause was overwhelming. The Mayor of Taber continued his tradition of attending, and many heartfelt conversations took place about organ donation and the importance of discussing your wishes with your family.

“Great hockey, great fans, and an incredible way to honor Logan’s legacy. Sincere thanks to the entire Boulet family for supporting the event!” – Jan Ehlert Clemis

Huge thanks to the Golden Suns, Taber Highlanders, the Boulet family, and the entire community for making this event such a success.

If you are interested in learning more about registering to become an organ donor, please check out https://greenshirtday.ca/

Or to donate blood, Book an appointment today, tomorrow or in the coming weeks to help fuel Canada’s Lifeline https://www.blood.ca/en

Two teams have been crowned champions over the third weekend of the 2025 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships hosted by ATB.

Read below to see who walked away with the banner in the final week of play.

Junior B - Morinville Jets

U17 AAA - Calgary Flames (NWCAA)

With the final two teams crowned over the weekend, the 2025 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, proudly hosted by ATB, officially came to a close.

Congratulations to all the provincial champions and every team that earned their spot at provincials — what an incredible way to celebrate the game.

Championship tournaments took place across the province from Peace River to Okotoks, Jasper to Wainwright — bringing excitement to communities far and wide.

A huge thank you to the players, coaches, host committees, volunteers, officials, and fans who helped make the championships a massive success.

We’re already counting down to next year.

Celebrating Our Champions!

Congratulations to all our championship winners! Your hard work, dedication, and passion have earned you a place in Alberta’s hockey history. If you’re looking for the perfect way to commemorate your championship victory, Hockey Alberta is proud to partner with Baron® Championship Rings!

Baron® is all about crafting Championship Rings that capture the journey, the moments, and the legacies of players and teams. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure that every ring tells a story—your story. At Baron®, it’s all about "our people, our process, and our products"—a commitment to excellence that makes them the perfect partner for Hockey Alberta.

Start designing your Championship Ring today!

Provincials are over… now what? 

Although the hockey season might be over, there is still a lot of excitement to look forward to before next season.  

Spring Showcase:  

The Hockey Alberta Spring Showcase features three main events: The Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge, and Prospects Cup. These events are held to showcase incredible athletes from across the province. Regional camps to try out for the showcase are held at for players to try out for the showcase tournament.  

MORE INFORMATION HERE > 

The National Aboriginal Hockey Championships:  

From May 5-10, both Team Alberta male and female will be competing in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Kamloops, B.C.  

This event helps promote cultural unity and pride and celebrate the athletic skills of Indigenous players from across Canada. Players for Team Alberta were selected at camps held last August.  

MORE INFORMATION HERE >

Registration for Next Season:  

Thinking of signing your child up for hockey next season? Make sure you stay on top of Minor Hockey Association registration dates in your area! Early bird registration opens up in June, and all other registration opens in July.  

Hockey is beneficial for kids of all ages. It helps them stay active while having fun with friends and getting involved in the community. It also helps them learn how to work as a team and helps to make them happy, healthy, and confident.  

REGISTRATION DATES HERE >

Spring Camps and ID Camps:  

AA and AAA Minor Hockey Associations across Alberta are hosting local spring training camps, providing athletes with an opportunity to showcase and sharpen their skills during the offseason.   

Spring camps are beneficial in developing and sustaining player’s skill, fitness, and mental fitness, ensuring players are prepared for next season.  

Hockey Alberta hosts many camps including Hockey Alberta goalie sessions, U11 goalie preparation programs, Female Goalie Camps, and more. These sessions provide specialized training led by experienced coaches to help players reach their full potential.  

GOALTENDER SKILLS CAMP >

Becoming an Official:  

Becoming an official is an excellent idea to stay in the game at any level. It helps you stay active, learn more about the game, and contribute to the hockey community. It is also an excellent way to help develop leadership skills including conflict resolution, problem solving, working with others, and how to make decisions quickly.  

Hockey Alberta holds clinics annually from September 15 and November 30. We hold clinics to get certification at any level, except level 1. You must be 13 years old or older and complete the Hockey University Officiating online course and register for the Hockey University ½ clinic.  

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Winning a provincial championship is an incredible achievement—but winning four in a row is something truly special. For four young athletes and one dedicated coach, their recent U15 Female B provincial victory marked the continuation of an extraordinary streak.

Irma Minor Hockey Association’s very own, Ella Byrne, Wren MacKay, Emory Holt, and Ella Gulbraa, along with coach Clay Holt, have now won four consecutive provincial titles. Their journey started in 2022 with a U13 Female B championship, followed by another U13 Female B title in 2023. In 2024, they moved up to U15 Female A and captured yet another championship before adding the 2025 U15 Female B title to their impressive collection.

This remarkable group has demonstrated resilience, skill, and an undeniable passion for the game. Over the past four seasons, they’ve battled through tough competition, adapting to new challenges, and continuing to find success at every level. Their dedication to the sport and their commitment to their team have been key factors in their ongoing dominance on the provincial stage.

“Watching all the girls develop over the years is what I’m most proud of, and most specifically these four girls this year” shares Head Coach Holt. “During our first two championships, Ella G. and Emory were third-line forwards, while Ella B. and Wren were 4-5 defensemen”.

“Before I talk about this year, you should know that our 2023 championship had this same age group on it. From that year to this season, we lost 10 girls from the 2023 team—seven are playing AA, one went to a development team, and two pursued other sports. So, these four girls were specifically asked to step up, and they did in a huge way.”

Coach Holt went on to describe each player’s unique impact:

• “Ella G. has been small her whole life, so she has developed a very feisty game. If takeaways were a stat in our league, she would be far ahead of second place."

• "Emory is the natural goal scorer; she has soft hands and great feet. Coaching her (my daughter) was a struggle sometimes because she was always right, and I ‘didn’t know what was going on out there!"

• "Ella B. is the girl that coaches love to coach. Whatever direction you give, you get a head nod, and she goes out and does whatever was asked—without ever needing to be told again."
• "Wren was the biggest turnaround of all. For the first five years of hockey, she did not want to be on the ice. That was followed by a couple of years of wanting to learn. Then a switch flipped last year, and she became a beast on the ice—our towering shutdown and offensive d-man.”

Coach Holt also praised their ability to adapt to new roles, sharing, “Ella G. and Emory, who have been best friends since preschool, were asked to be our two centers—positions they had never played before. They finished 1-2 in league scoring, with Ella taking the title by one point. In provincials, Emory led the tournament, with Ella G. just one point behind. Wren and Ella B. became our top two defensemen, leading by example for our first-year girls. These four have won every year since they became provincial-eligible—four and counting—and I don’t think they understand how rare that is.”

Reflecting on the journey, Coach Holt also acknowledged the support from other mentors: “They have had several great coaches and assistants over the years. I’ve just been very fortunate to be the only one to share all four years with them.”

For the players, the experience has been nothing short of incredible, each speaking on how it has impacted them as players:

"I think it really sunk in this year just how lucky we’ve been to get to provincials for four straight years, let alone to win each time. Something that made this year just a bit more special for me is knowing how much my role on the team has changed from the first year to this year. I’ve grown a lot as a player since year one." - Wren MacKay

"Winning provincials for four years in a row has been an amazing and rewarding experience. Every year, it has been just as fun and exciting with all the different girls I’ve met and played with. I feel I have grown a lot from the first year and have become a smarter hockey player. A key to my team’s success is never giving up, even when you’re down, and keeping a positive attitude and mindset." - Emory Holt

"When I was younger, I didn’t realize how lucky I was to go to provincials, but now, especially after winning four times in a row, I’ve realized just how special and exciting it is. It’s something we can be really proud of. Every year, we’ve had a bit of a different team, but we’ve always been lucky to have a great group of girls—on and off the ice. I think that’s part of why we’ve had so much success. We’re always a close, dedicated team, and we’ve had great coaches. Over these four years, I’ve become a much more confident hockey player and have taken on more responsibility and leadership roles." - Ella Byrne

"Winning provincials every year has been so exciting and special. Each year has been with different teammates, and each one has been so fun. Over the years, I think I’ve grown not only as a player but as a person too. Playing with these girls has shown me to never give up—no matter the situation—and to play to the end with a strong mindset." - Ella Gulbraa

Four championships. Four years. One unforgettable run. Congratulations to Ella B, Wren, Emory, Ella G. and Coach Holt on an incredible accomplishment!

For 15-year-old Peyton Walker, hockey has always been more than just a game—it has been a source of strength, community, and determination. A native of Wainwright, Alberta, Peyton is a member of the Lloydminster U18 AAA Steelers. But her path to this season has been anything but ordinary.

Last season, Peyton played for the U15 Steelers with her dad, Scott, serving as team manager. Her team’s journey to U15 Provincials in Airdrie was a highlight—she fondly recalls the banquet, line dancing, and, of course, the competition. But just three days after Provincials, Peyton’s world was turned upside down.

After discovering a lump on her cheek and jaw, she underwent a series of medical tests—CT scans, biopsies, PET scans, and MRIs. The diagnosis was devastating: Stage 3, Group 3 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

On April 26, she underwent surgery before beginning an intense 67-week chemotherapy regimen at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. For any teenager, such a diagnosis would be overwhelming. But for Peyton, the hardest part wasn’t just the treatments—it was the fear of letting her team down.

She had been set to move up to the U18 team in September and was eager to compete in her second Hockey Alberta Challenge. Knowing she would have to step away from the game she loved was heartbreaking. But true to the resilience that hockey had instilled in her, Peyton approached this battle like any other challenge—head-on, with determination and grit.

In July 2024, Peyton and her family traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, for two months of specialized Proton Radiation Therapy, a cutting-edge treatment not yet available in Canada. The grueling daily radiation sessions, combined with the loneliness of being away from home, made for an incredibly difficult time. But Peyton never faced it alone.

Five days after her diagnosis, a video message from her teammates and coaches poured in, reminding her that her hockey family stood behind her. It was a gesture that meant the world to Peyton—one she still replays on tough days for encouragement.

Her community continued to rally around her. Just six weeks into her battle, her teammates organized a charity golf tournament, bringing together over 200 golfers and 350 attendees. The overwhelming support allowed Peyton and her family to focus on healing rather than the financial strain of treatment.

Throughout her journey, Peyton has been given opportunities that have lifted her spirits in unimaginable ways. She has met hockey superstars like Connor McDavid, Darnell Nurse, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. She’s connected with Carla MacLeod and the entire Ottawa PWHL team. And between hospital visits, she found moments of joy at Universal Studios and Disney World.

But perhaps one of the most impactful moments of Peyton’s journey has been her advocacy work. She has become a passionate supporter of the Ben Stelter Foundation, which recently announced the construction of the Ben Stelter Facility for Proton Radiation Therapy in Edmonton—the first of its kind in Canada. Having experienced firsthand how this treatment saved her life, Peyton is now a fierce advocate for fundraising and awareness, ensuring that more children will have access to life-saving care closer to home.

Peyton recently underwent scans and completed her fourth round of maintenance chemotherapy. While Peyton’s scans are looking promising, she continues treatment with hope and determination, knowing that the finish line is in sight.

Through it all, Peyton has remained an inspiration. She never let losing her hair dim her confidence. She never allowed her diagnosis to define her. And she never made excuses—she simply fought, just as she always has on the ice.

Now, she balances treatment with her love for the game, staying with a billet family in between chemotherapy sessions while attending morning practices, afternoon workouts, and team activities. Her teammates don’t treat her differently, and she wouldn’t want it any other way.

As she sets her sights on returning to full competition in the fall, Peyton has one goal in mind—to battle her way back to the ice and chase an Esso Cup championship.

Her message to others facing challenges is simple:

“Find the courage and determination to accomplish your goals, and don’t be afraid to lean on your teammates when you need them.”

The 2024-25 minor hockey season made history with the inauguration of the U11 AA league. This decision came after the positive feedback received from the two-season long U11 Hockey Alberta Pilot project. This project explored the top U11 hockey in Alberta and came back with excellent results.

This season was composed of 48 teams consisting of talented U11 players from across the province. The goal of creating this level was to bridge the gap between tiered and elite hockey.

“The U11AA League was created to allow the progression of our players, coaches, and officials at the developmental level, filling a void between Tiered and Elite Hockey. One of the most memorable moments throughout the season was the U11 AA Showcase in January, where we saw 47 teams from across the province come together. This showcase was a pivotal moment in which we witnessed teams really excel as they were matched up against similar skill in competition,” said Dana Henfrey, Chair of the U11AA Committee.

The excitement of this historical season was felt throughout the hockey community.

“The first year of the official U11 AA Hockey League has been exciting to watch unfold,” said Morgen Kidney, Hockey Alberta Minor Leagues Coordinator. “The buy-in has been fantastic and development is the primary focus.”

The division was filled with strong athletes and great hockey that made the inaugural season very exciting to experience. The top eight teams made their way to the U11 AA Provincial Championships hosted in Strathmore by the Wheatland Hawks.

“Post-showcase, we have really noticed the competitive sportsmanship of teams leading into Playoffs, with teams earning the right to represent their division at the very first U11 AA Hockey Alberta Provincial Tournament. All in all, this inaugural season can be measured in success by the abundance of smiles on the players’ faces that we’ve seen at the arena,” said Henfrey.

This first showing of this age group’s talent was as incredible as expected.

“The teams that have made it here have persevered and put in the hard work, and it (was) an entertaining weekend filled with great hockey,” said Kidney.

All the teams fought their way through the tournament with grit and determination. On Sunday, semi-finalists battled to win their spot in the championship game. The semi-final A game consisted of the Lakeland Panthers and the Wainwright Polar Kings, sending the Polar Kings to the championship game with a 4-1 win. The semi-final B game was played by the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Red Deer Chiefs, ending in a 6-3 final sending the Hurricanes to the championships.

The Provincials Championship game was fought hard by both teams. In a 6-3 final, the Lethbridge Hurricanes became the first ever U11 AA Provincial Champions.

“I have been able to watch the development within this league all season, and it has culminated with some of the very best competing this Provincial weekend. I am awestruck to watch the talent and skill that truly defies the age of these players,” said Henfrey.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more exciting or worthy of an inaugural Provincial weekend! Congratulations once again to the Lethbridge Hurricanes, our first ever U11AA Provincial Champions.”

Ridly Greig’s journey through hockey is defined not only by his skill on the ice but also by his relentless determination and leadership. Known for his gritty play, Greig brings an unmatched intensity to every game; Greig’s work ethic and passion make him a standout both on and off the rink.

“Ridly does an amazing job balancing a smart, skilled game with a hard, gritty, physical approach.  You know when he is on the ice, and if you don’t, it won’t take long; he can make an impact either on the score sheet or with a big hit. Off the ice, he is a great teammate who quietly goes about his business. He was a pleasure to coach, and I really enjoy watching him have the success he is experiencing- very well deserved.”
— Mike Dyck, Head Coach U18 AAA Lethbridge Hurricanes

Minor Hockey Associations:

• Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association

Junior Hockey:

• Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Professional Hockey:

• Belleville Senators (AHL)

• Ottawa Senators (NHL)

Highlights:

• 2017 Alberta Cup Champion

• 2017 WHL Cup Silver Medalist

• 2018 Telus Cup Bronze Medalist

• 2019Hlinka Gretzky Cup Silver Medalist

• Represented Canada at the 2022 World Junior Championships & the 2024 IIHF World Championships.

“Ridly was an absolute pleasure to coach. The thing that separated him beyond his skills was his competitiveness. He would do anything and play any role and certainly tried to make a difference in the game. He worked at his game both on and off the ice and led by example on how to prepare and work. When the game was on the line he wanted to be on the ice and be the difference maker, whether that was blocking a shot or making a play.”
— Don MacGillivray, Head Coach Brandon Wheat Kings

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has named the 120 athletes who will represent their regions at the 2025 Alberta Cup.

Two teams from each of the North, Central, and South regions will face off against each other in a modified round-robin tournament taking place in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre from April 23 to 27. Teams are comprised of the top male athletes from across the province, with each of the six teams roster including two goaltenders, six defencemen, and 12 forwards.

ROSTERS >

Athletes gathered at three Regional Camps over the weekend (March 28-30) in Calgary, Red Deer and Spruce Grove. Male players born in 2010 who participated in Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs this season were eligible to try out.

“There were a lot of very talented kids from across the province who tried out for the Alberta Cup program,” said Blake Cosgrove, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Elite Hockey Development. “While the Alberta Cup’s focus is player development, it is also a great opportunity to evaluate players for our U16 Team Alberta. We are very excited for this 2010 age group to showcase themselves at the Alberta Cup and future Hockey Alberta events.

The Alberta Cup Provides players and staff with an opportunity to experience elite-level play in a short-term competition and is part of the player evaluation process for selecting Team Alberta to compete at the WHL Cup in October.

Alberta Cup >

Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase kicks off with the Alberta Cup. The Alberta Challenge (May 1-4) and the Prospects Cup (May 9-11) will also be played in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

There are still limited partnership opportunities available for the 2025 Spring Showcase! The remaining assets can be found in the document below:

2025 Spring Showcase Partnership Opportunities >

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.

TBS, in partnership with Hockey Alberta, will be running a pre-event online store. A variety of merchandise items are available for purchase, with the deadline to place your order ending at 11:00 pm on April 8th in order to receive your merchandise by the Alberta Cup. Online orders placed by the deadline will be delivered to the event for pickup at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on April 24. Any questions regarding merchandise can be directed to Alyson Chambers ([email protected]) at Hockey Alberta.

SHOP HERE >

ATHABASCA - The U15-2 Athabasca Hawks hosted provincials from March 20-23, making their opening ceremonies on March 21 extra special with a powerful drumming circle performed by students from the Calling Lake Drum Club.

One of the players from the Hawks, Aidyn Jackson-Favel, stepped up to perform in the ceremony dressed in his full hockey gear. Alongside Aidyn, players from other U15 teams, Evan Johnson U15-3 and Jacobi Lightning U15-1 performed as well.

“The community was touched because he was one of our very own,” said Michelle Cummings, Host Chair for the U15C Provincials.

Drums are sacred amongst Indigenous communities, representing the “universal heartbeat of mother earth”. Playing a special rhythm promotes healing and realignment of the four realms of human existence.

With two Indigenous players on their roster, the Hawks felt it was important to celebrate and share this tradition during their opening ceremony.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy the drummers. We had many compliments on how well they did and how much they enjoyed them,” said Cummings.

This event was inspired by a U18 team performing a drumming circle during the 2023 provincials. This U18 event featured adult drummers, but having theirs including kids from the community seemed to make a huge impact.

“I think including the kids was extra memorable,” said Cummings. “It’s such a neat sound and to have children play for a children’s event.”

The ceremony left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance, celebrating both sport and culture in a truly unforgettable way.

Thirteen teams have been crowned champions over the weekend in their respective divisions in hard fought battles all throughout the province as part of the 2025 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships hosted by ATB.

Read below to see who walked away with the banner in the second week of play.

U18 AA – Strathcona Warriors

U18 A – Sherwood Park Knights

U18 B – Glenlake Hawks 2 Blue

U18 C – New Sarepta Eagles White

U18 A NBC – Trail West Red

U18 Female AA – Calgary Fire White

U15 Female A – Red Deer Chiefs

U15 Female B – Irma Aces

U13 AA – Red Deer Wesco

U13 Female AA – Central Alberta Twins

U13 Female A – St. Albert

U11 AA – Lethbridge Hurricanes

Junior C Male – Edmonton Mavericks

Tournament action concludes this weekend (April 2-6) with Junior B in Morinville and the Alberta Elite Hockey League U17 AAA in Okotoks. Schedules for the Junior B division are available on the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships page, while the schedule for the U17 AAA provincials is available on their AEHL website.

Good luck to all the final teams taking the ice this weekend!

Celebrating Our Champions!

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