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Photo Credit: LA Media

2019 Alberta Challenge rosters announced

RED DEER - The 120 players competing in the 2019 Alberta Challenge in Leduc, May 1-5, have been selected by Hockey Alberta.

The Alberta Challenge is the top Bantam female hockey tournament in Alberta, featuring many of the players who could be playing for various teams in the Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) for years to come. The tournament also serves as a major step in Hockey Alberta’s Alberta Built Program of Excellence for players, coaches, officials and support staff.

The players are divided into the six teams who will take to the ice at Sobeys Arena in the Leduc Recreation Centre. Twenty 2004 and 2005-born players comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, trainer, and director of operations.

Alberta Challenge Rosters > | Alberta Challenge Schedule >

Rosters were selected following two regional camps held April 5-7 in Cochrane and Fort Saskatchewan, with two teams formed from each camp.

"It was very exciting to see the talent level displayed at each of the regional camps over the weekend," said Taryn Baumgardt, Hockey Alberta’s Coordinator of Female Hockey. "And now with the rosters in place, we are looking forward to watching these athletes show their skills at the competition in Leduc."

The Alberta Challenge is a four-day, tournament-format competition. Round-robin action begins on Thursday, May 2 with three games. There are six games on Friday and three on Saturday, with finals set for Sunday.

Tournament Passes

Tournament passes for the 2019 Alberta Challenge are now on sale. An adult tournament pass is $30 (plus service charge), a youth tournament pass (10-17 years) is $15 (plus service charge), a family tournament pass (two adults and two youth) is $70 (plus service charge), and children 9 and under will be free of charge. Day Passes will also be available at the door.

Tournament Passes >

NOTE: Tournament passes will only be available online. Day passes will be available at the door.

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Photo Credit: Hockey Canada

St. Albert Slash win third straight Esso Cup

SUDBURY, ON. - A year after becoming the first team to repeat as Esso Cup champions, the St. Albert Slash have made history again, by becoming the first team to win Canada’s National Female Midget Championship three straight years after a 4-1 victory over the host Sudbury Lady Wolves.

“Unbelievable. Surreal.” St. Albert Slash head coach Dan Auchenberg said of his team after the game. “They don’t even know what they just did, three straight Esso Cups. That’s unheard of.”

The Slash finished the preliminary round with a 2-0-1-2 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record before Madison Willan scored the overtime winner to defeat the Saskatoon Stars 2-1 in their semifinal.

Down by a goal after 20 minutes Saturday, goals from Taylor Anker (Sherwood Park, Alta.) and Mackenzie Kordic (Edmonton, Alta.) put St. Albert up heading to the third period. Kordic added a second goal on the power play, and Dayle Ross (Spirit River, Alta.) sealed the deal with an empty-netter with 40 seconds left. Slash goalie Brianna Sank made 33 saves in the victory.

Jaden Bogden, Isabelle Lajoie, and Brooklyn Schroeder cap off their terrific season by adding this Esso Cup championship to the gold medal they each won as a member of Team Alberta U18 Female at the Canada Winter Games, held in Red Deer in February.

Anker, Lajoie, Sank, Makenna Schuttler, and Willan have been on the team for all three Esso Cup Championships.

Home Ice Feature

Photo Credit: 6 Hearts

Hockey Alberta Awards Presented

RED DEER - This past Sunday, April 28, Hockey Alberta presented their annual Hockey Alberta Awards in conjunction with the Alberta Cup. These Awards allow Hockey Alberta and the Alberta hockey community to recognize outstanding individuals and teams for their hard work and accomplishments in making a positive difference for our participants in the game of hockey during the 2018-19 season.

The Hockey Alberta Awards program includes awards that are open to nominations from Hockey Alberta member organization, staff member or volunteer, and others that are determined by Hockey Alberta through a review of eligible candidates.

The 2019 Hockey Alberta Award recipients are:

  • Volunteer of the Year: Jody Forbes (Calgary). Presented to a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to amateur hockey during the current season.
  • Coach of the Year: Kent Beagle (Rimbey). Presented to a coach who has made an outstanding contribution to amateur hockey during the current season.
  • Player of the Year: Kason Buffalo-Rain (Maskwacis). Presented to a player who has achieved significant achievements, performances and contributions within amateur hockey during the current season.
  • Official of the Year: Lacey Senuk (St. Albert). Presented to an official who has made an outstanding contribution to amateur hockey during the current season.
  • Ernie Boruk Award: David Mousseau (Red Deer). Presented for outstanding dedication and contribution to Hockey Alberta Officials Committee.
  • Dave Ganley Award: Michael Roberts (Calgary). Presented for outstanding contribution to hockey officiating in Alberta
  • Team of the Year: Springbank Peewee AA Rockies. Presented to recognize a Team’s significant achievements, performances and contributions within amateur hockey during the current season.
  • Order of Merit: These awards recognize exceptional leadership and distinguished service to amateur hockey in Alberta for 10 years or more. Awards may be presented in the categories of Administration, Coaching/Development and officiating. Recipients have dedicated significant time, effort and leadership to the growth and development of amateur hockey, not only in their own community, but across the province.
    • Administration - Chris Hurley (Edmonton)
    • Coaching/Development - Bobby Fox (Medicine Hat)
    • Coaching/Development - Ally Bendfeld (Innisfail)
  • Exceptional Provincials Host Site: Vermilion Minor Hockey Association (Bantam B) and Olds Minor Hockey Association (Peewee Female A). Presented to the Minor Hockey Association/ Host Committee judged to have implemented the most outstanding Hockey Alberta Provincial Championship during the current season.
  • Minor Hockey Association of the Year: Lacombe Minor Hockey Association. Presented to recognize a Minor Hockey Association (MHA) judged to have made a significant impact on the game through their day to day operations.

Congratulations to all of the Award recipients and nominees and Hockey Alberta and the hockey community thank you for your contributions to our sport.

We encourage everyone to look at the full overview of the Hockey Alberta Awards program and consider who makes a difference to you, your team and your community in 2019-20.

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Photo credit: LA Media

Alberta Red wins 2019 Alberta Cup | 2019 Alberta Cup All-Stars announced

RED DEER - Team Alberta Red defeated Alberta Black 3-1 to win the 2019 Alberta Cup.

After trailing Alberta Black 1-0, Alberta Red scored three unanswered goals in the period en route to a 3-1 victory.

Kaiden Wiltsie scored two for Alberta Red, with Timothy Tychonick scoring the game-winner seven minutes into the third. Ian Mills made 23 stops for the win, and was named Alberta Red’s Player of the Game.

Earlier in the day, Bowden Singleton broke out for eight points (3G, 5A) as Alberta Green defeated Alberta Yellow 10-2 in the B Final. Alberta Blue won the C Final over Alberta Grey 5-1.

Standings > | Leaders > | Schedule > | Day One Recap > | Day Two Recap > | Day Three Recap >

2019 Alberta Cup All-Stars

Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the 2019 Alberta Cup All-Stars:

Goaltender

Alberta Cup All-Star Nicolas Jones

#1 Nicholas Jones - Alberta Red

GP: 3 | MP: 152 | W: 3 | L: 0 | OTL: 0 | T: 0 | SO: 0 | SA: 51 | GA: 2 | SVS: 60 | GAA: 0.79 | SV%: .960

Defence

Alberta Cup All-Star Keaton Dowhaniuk

#4 Keaton Dowhaniuk - Alberta Black

GP: 5 | G: 2 | A: 2 | Pts: 4 | PIM: 8

Defence

Alberta Cup All-Star Jamie Weller

#6 Jamie Weller - Alberta Red

GP: 5 | G: 0 | A: 4 | Pts: 4 | PIM: 0

Forward

Alberta Cup All-Star Rieger Lorenz

#14 Rieger Lorenz - Alberta Green

GP: 5 | G: 4 | A: 8 | Pts: 12 | PIM: 6

Forward

Alberta Cup All-Star Bowden Singleton

#18 Bowden Singleon - Alberta Green

GP: 5 | G: 8 | A: 8 | Pts: 16 | PIM: 6

Forward

Alberta Cup All-Star Liam Watkins

#17 Liam Watkins - Alberta Red

GP: 5 | G: 3 | A: 5 | Pts: 8 | PIM: 0

All-Star Official

Hockey Alberta News

Stephen Doane - Calgary

C Final

Alberta Blue 5 - Alberta Grey 1

Players of the Game: Alberta Blue: #6 Grayden Gotaas | Alberta Grey: #20 Koehn Ziemmer

Boxscore >

B Final

Alberta Green 10 - Alberta Yellow 2

Players of the Game: Alberta Green: #18 Bowden Singleton | Alberta Yellow: #20 Matt Savoie

Boxscore >

Championship Final

Alberta Red 3 - Alberta Black 1

Players of the Game: Alberta Red: #31 Ian Mills | Alberta Black: #2 Carson Brisson

Boxscore >

Hockey Alberta

Alberta Built Player of the Day

The Alberta Built player of the day is the athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of an "Alberta Built" player. Alberta Built is defined as:

1 - Good person - Know who you are.
2 - Character player - Believe in yourself.
3 - Grit player - Thrive on adversity
4 - Leadership - Treat yourself & people right
5 - Standard of performance - Focused approach on process - ALWAYS COMPETE - EVERY-DAYERS


Home Ice Feature

Alberta Cup Kids Fun Zone

RED DEER - Come visit the Alberta Cup Kids Fun Zone at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre today and tomorrow (Saturday, April 26) from 8:30-3:00. This fun, free and interactive activity corner utilizes three key skills to being successful in hockey.

Hockey AlbertaHockey AlbertaHockey AlbertaHockey Alberta

Passing

Passing the puck to a teammate helps move the puck up the ice faster, gets the puck into a better position to score a goal, and helps a team defend their own net. Tips on making a good pass include:

  • your hands and arms should be relaxed and away from your body
  • look where you would like to pass
  • release the puck or ball from the heel to the toe of the stick and finish by pointing to the target with your stick blade.

Shooting

In hockey, we want to score more goals than the other team by shooting the puck into the net. A good shot features a quick release and accurate directing of the puck or ball. There are different types of shots (slap, wrist, snap, backhand), but all shots have common techniques for a quick and accurate release:

  • your arms should be relaxed and away from your body,
  • the puck or ball should start toward your back leg,
  • as you take the shot your weight should move from your back leg to your front leg
  • finally follow through by pointing to the target with your stick blade.

Stickhandling
Stickhandling allows a player to keep the puck while s/he moves around the ice, avoid defenders and get to a better scoring area. Important stickhandling tips include:

  • your “top” hand “hides” the top end of your stick
  • your “bottom” hand’s thumb and index finger grips the stick like a “V”
  • keep the puck or ball in the middle of your stick blade
  • guide the stick with your “top” hand while sliding your “bottom” hand up and down.

For more information on these or any of the other hockey related skills please visit Hockey Canada’s player development section.

Do you want to try hockey?

Hockey Alberta and Minor Hockey Associations across the province offer various youth program options (minor hockey, rec hockey, pond hockey etc) designed to fit your busy life. Or you can check out programs such as the Canadian Tire First Shift that give you an introduction to the game - and includes free equipment.

For more details or to ask questions:

Hockey Alberta website: hockeyalberta.ca/players/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 403-342-6777

News

Joel Ward (centre), RDC President and CEO, receives a special Hockey Alberta jersey from Rob Litwinski, Hockey Alberta CEO and Terry Engen, Hockey Alberta Board Chair.

Celebration honours long-time partner of RDC

Hockey Alberta

RED DEER - Red Deer College honoured its longtime partner Hockey Alberta this afternoon in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre/Centre des Jeux du Canada at a celebration recognizing Hockey Alberta’s $1.5 million donation toward building the facility.

The Centre is now the home of Hockey Alberta’s head office and provincial training centre, and the site of conferences, competitions and training events for many of the programs the organization coordinates including the Alberta Cup this weekend, featuring the top bantam-aged players in the province.

The partnership between these two organizations began with a Charter in 2011, when Hockey Alberta moved its head office onto RDC’s Main Campus. The partnership has allowed both organizations to increase the ways they serve Albertans through collaboration. The partnership also allowed RDC and Hockey Alberta to pursue a new facility to support the development of the sport, a vision which contributed significantly to the planning and execution of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

“While this facility is home for Hockey Alberta’s head office and is a tremendous addition to central Alberta, Hockey Alberta’s vision is to use it as a central hub for hockey in the province,” said Rob Litwinski, CEO of Hockey Alberta. “This long-term strategy for Hockey Alberta has always been about more than the facility. It has been about having a centre where Hockey Alberta could operate its many programs and events in a central location.”

Since its opening in the fall, Hockey Alberta has hosted thousands of coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators and players from around the province for various programs, training seminars, events. “We believe this is only the start as Hockey Alberta adds more of its own programming and events in Red Deer, and pursues hosting National and International events,” says Litwinski. “The decision to make an investment into the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre was based on a business model which will allow Hockey Alberta to enhance its opportunity to diversify its revenue with added programs, events, brand growth and partnerships.”

Creating this competition and training space as a part of RDC’s significant infrastructure development project provides an unparalleled opportunity for athletes at all levels. Hockey Alberta accesses the fitness zone along with boardrooms, classrooms, gymnasium, residence and arena facilities for its wide array of off-ice and on-ice development programming for coaches, administrators, and officials. This includes Hockey Alberta’s Leadership Development Weekend in June for coaches, mentors, and development directors.

Hockey Alberta’s presence on campus creates enhanced practicum and field placement opportunities for RDC students from a leadership, business or sports perspective, as well as collaborative programming opportunities in these areas. In this way, the unique collaboration provides opportunities for current as well as future learners.

“Hockey Alberta is a true partner,” says Joel Ward, RDC President and CEO. “We’ve shared the vision for developing leaders in our region - through education and through sport - for a long time, and we’re dedicated to helping each other serve these needs in our community.”

The generous donation from Hockey Alberta was key to construction of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, and the unique, collaborative partnership is critical to the way that RDC can support the learning needs of Albertans. “As we look toward becoming Red Deer University, we’re proud of the practical, applied learning opportunities that our partnerships help us provide, opportunities which further set us apart as a leader in innovative approaches to learning,” says Ward. “In addition to the practicum and placement opportunities, having Hockey Alberta located in our new Centre will further blur the line between learning and work experience, seamlessly transitioning our business and sport studies students into careers in industry.”

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Photo credit: Red Deer College

2019 Alberta Cup kicks off in Red Deer

RED DEER - Many of the top 2004-born male hockey players from around the province have converged on Red Deer this week for the 2019 Alberta Cup.

Six teams are taking to the ice at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre from Thursday to Sunday: Alberta Black, Alberta Blue, Alberta Green, Alberta Grey, Alberta Red and Alberta Yellow.

The teams will play in a four-day, tournament-format competition. The event also features an education seminar hosted by the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Full tournament results will be displayed on the score ticker at the top of both abcup.ca and hockeyalberta.ca. Schedules, stats and standings can also be found at abcup.ca.

Tournament passes are still available online at abcup.ca or at the door for $42 (includes GST and service fee), and children 12 and under will be free of charge. Day Passes will also be available at the door for $10 each.

Friday and Saturday will also feature a "Kids Zone" in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, free of charge for all families to enjoy.

All 2019 Alberta Cup games will be streamed live on hnlive.ca. You can also follow along with the action on Twitter. Hockey Alberta has also unveiled a new Alberta Cup Snapchat filter for all attendees to use.

The Alberta Cup is the premier event in the province that helps identify the top male players in Alberta. It is well attended by scouts as they prepare for the Western Hockey League’s bantam draft. In addition to player evaluations, the competition is also an opportunity for administrators, coaches, trainers and referees to be evaluated for future positions with the Team Alberta Program.

Alberta Cup graduates include Matt Dumba, Braden Holtby, Jay Bouwmeester, Brayden Point, Scott Hartnell, Jordan Eberle, Devan Dubnyk, and Jake DeBrusk.

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Photo credit: LA Media

Alberta Cup Officials announced

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the nine Officials selected to work the 2019 Alberta Cup.

Stephen Doane (Calgary), Quinn Dunnigan (St. Albert), Nick Fedori (Edmonton), Aidan Forester (Okotoks), Kent Hanna (Medicine Hat), Mike Knoblauch (St. Albert), Chris Lopes (Calgary), Kael Maltais (Spruce Grove) and Tyson Phillips (Lethbridge) will all take the next step in their officiating careers.

The Alberta Cup is the first step in the Hockey Alberta Official’s Development Program. The nine Officials were selected based on their performance at the three Alberta Cup Regional Camps recently held in Blackfalds, Calgary and Spruce Grove.

The 2019 Alberta Cup runs April 25-28 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer.

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Photo credit: Two Point Photography and Design

Slash, Buffaloes in search of National titles

RED DEER -The hunt for a National title is underway for a pair of Alberta’s Midget AAA teams, as the 2019 Esso Cup and Telus Cup are both set to begin.

The journey for a three-peat begins on Sunday for the St. Albert Slash, as the 2019 Esso Cup gets underway in Sudbury, ON.

The Slash are representing the Pacific region at the tournament for the third straight year, and are the two-time reigning Esso Cup champions.

The Slash kick off their tournament Sunday afternoon at 1:30pm MST against the As de Quebec.

Schedule > | Stats > | Standings >

Meanwhile, the Calgary Buffaloes look to bring a Telus Cup title back to Alberta since the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.

The 2019 Telus Cup kicks off Monday in Thunder Bay, ON. Calgary opens the tournament against the host Thunder Bay Kings at 5:30pm.

Schedule > | Stats > | Standings >

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Photo credit: LA Media

2019 Peewee Prospects Cup rosters announced

RED DEER - The 160 players competing in the 2019 Peewee Prospects Cup in Lethbridge, May 8-12, have been selected by Hockey Alberta.

The Peewee Prospects Cup program is the first step of the Hockey Alberta Development program and is held in off years of the Alberta Winter Games. It provides second-year peewee athletes, coaches, trainers and administrators an opportunity to discover the qualities of competitive hockey in a well-organized regional camp and select team competition.

The players are divided into the eight teams who will take to the ice at the ATB Centre in Lethbridge. Twenty 2006-born players comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches and director of operations.

Peewee Prospects Cup Rosters > | Peewee Prospects Cup Schedule >

Rosters were selected following four regional camps held April 12-14 in Calgary, Olds, Edmonton and Vegreville, with two teams formed from each camp.

"We were once again very impressed with the level of talent displayed at all four regional camps this past weekend," said Dustin Moore, Coordinator of Team Alberta Male. "We’re looking forward to seeing what the 160 athletes selected to play in the Peewee Prospects Cup will bring to the ice in Lethbridge in May."

The Peewee Prospects Cup is a four-day, tournament-format competition. Round-robin action begins on Thursday, May 9 with six games. There are six games on Friday and four on Saturday, with the finals set for Sunday. All games are open to the public, and are free to attend.

Home Ice Feature

Photo credit: LA Media

Twenty Albertans listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings

RED DEER - NHL Central Scouting has released its final rankings ahead of the 2019 NHL draft, with 20 Albertans on the list.

Six Albertans landed in the top 30 of the North American Skater rankings: Kirby Dach, Bowen Byram, Peyton Krebs, Brayden Tracey, Brett Leason and Matthew Robertson.

Byram moved up two spots to become the highest ranked Albertan, while Tracey’s outstanding rookie season in the WHL, which landed him the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year nod, saw him jump up 52 spots in the rankings.

Taylor Gauthier, Carter Gylander and Matthew Davis were both listed among the top North American goaltenders.

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

Final Rank Player Position Last Amateur Club League
7 Taylor Gauthier Goalie Prince George WHL
10 Carter Gylander Goalie Sherwood Park AJHL
24 Matthew Davis Goalie Spruce Grove AJHL
2 Bowen Byram Defence Vancouver WHL
3 Kirby Dach Forward Saskatoon WHL
10 Peyton Krebs Forward Kootenay WHL
21 Brayden Tracey Forward Moose Jaw WHL
25 Brett Leason Forward Prince Albert WHL
26 Matthew Robertson Defence Edmonton WHL
85 Maxwell Crozier Defence Sioux Falls USHL
105 Quinn Olson Forward Okotoks AJHL
137 Luke Bast Defence Brooks AJHL
147 Jake Lee Defence Seattle WHL
170 Bryce Kindopp Forward Everett WHL
179 Chase Felgueiras Defence Humboldt SJHL
197 Kirby Proctor Defence Des Moines USHL
199 Tarun Fizer Forward Victoria WHL
201 Zachary Okabe Forward Grande Prairie AJHL
202 David Kope Forward Edmonton WHL
Limited Viewing Dillon Hamaliuk Forward Seattle WHL

Home Ice Feature stories focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email [email protected].

Home Ice Feature

Brooks Novice Jamboree – “It’s a great day for hockey”

Sunday March 23, 2019
by Jamie Langley
Player/Coach Development
Brooks Minor Hockey Association
Jamie Langley organized a four-team half-ice Novice jamboree to wrap up the 2018-19 season in Brooks. Here are his thoughts about a fantastic day for all the participants.

BROOKS - The day began with excitement and uncertainty as all four teams prepared for the four games in six hours journey. The goal was to host an event to celebrate the half-ice hockey game and reward the players with something fun, challenging and exciting.

All teams received a complimentary gift basket of Gatorade, fruit, energy bars, a hockey bracelet and helmet sticker to mark the event.

Setting the tone was announcer extraordinaire Devin Campbell as he energized and welcomed everyone to the “IT’S A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY” Novice Jamboree.

Team and player introductions followed and all four teams took their place on the two blue lines. Pre game festivities concluded with the singing of O’ Canada.

Four teams participated in the event; Lacombe Red Rockets, Bow Island Rebels, Brooks Jr. Bandits Novice Red and Brooks Jr. Bandits Novice Blue.

The excitement in the kids’ eyes was contagious as they heard their names over the sound system as they skated to their respective blue lines. This really set the tone for the day. To round things out all games were played with music being played through the sound system truly making it a fun and exciting day for the kids playing the game.

Every player, coach, parent and fan had a tremendous day either playing or watching the action which featured two games back-to-back, a pizza break for teams to meet and mingle while enjoying free pizza from Domino’s, followed by two more games.

Highlighting the “IT’S A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY” Jamboree was the focus on team work and sportsmanship, which was evident as the Jamboree signed off after the last two games with a giant handshake line and group picture with all four teams at centre ice, celebrating the parents and the excitement of the day.

As for the teams, they all had an extraordinary day of hockey, fun, excitement and a little exhaustion. They were thrilled to be taking part and are excited to be invited back next year for “IT’S A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY” Jamboree, part two.

The future of hockey lies with today’s youth. Because of this, Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta have developed age appropriate programming to encourage the growth of foundational skills for young players in hockey. Minor hockey associations and coaches lead the implementation of the Initiation and Novice programs with the assistance of volunteers, parents and others associated with hockey.

The programming must provide opportunities for a wide range of people to get involved to improve the quality of the hockey experience through sound instruction and enjoyable play.

Effective for the 2019-20 season, Initiation and Novice hockey in Alberta will run under the title Intro to Hockey. The goals and objectives of Intro to Hockey programming are to:

  • Teach the basic skills of hockey so players can enjoy the game,
  • Assist in the development and enhancement of physical literacy and basic motor patterns,
  • Deliver a program that is age appropriate for the size, skill and age of the players,
  • Encourage the aspects of fitness, fair play and co-operation while having fun playing the game.

News

2019 Allan Cup kicks off in Lacombe

RED DEER - Two of Alberta’s Senior AAA teams have a chance to win a national championship in their home province this year, as the 2019 Allan Cup kicks off in Lacombe on Monday.

The host Lacombe Generals look to hoist the Allan Cup for a fourth time, having previously won in 2009, 2013 and 2016 (as the Bentley Generals). Meanwhile, the Innisfail Eagles earned their first crack at the national title after defeating the Stony Plain Eagles in Allan Cup West league playoffs.

Innisfail takes on the Rosetown Redwings in the tournament-opening game on Monday at 4:00pm, while the host Generals kick off tournament play at 8:00pm against the South East Prairie Thunder. All games take place at the Gary Moe Sportsplex in Lacombe. A full schedule can be found at allancup.ca.

All games are available to watch online free of charge at HNLive.ca.

Hockey Alberta would like to congratulate the nine Albertan Officials selected to work the 2019 Allan Cup.

Referees Cody Rude (Leduc), Colin Stefanyk (Red Deer), Colin Watt (Edmonton), and Kevin Webinger (Calgary), and linesmen Ethan Cronkhite (Beaumont), Aidan Henderson (Calgary), Cody Huseby (Red Deer), Przemek Iwaniec (Calgary) and Ryan Petryshyn (Edmonton) are among those selected to work the annual national Senior AAA championship.

Referees

Colin Watt - Hometown is Edmonton, Refereeing for 15+ seasons, last 10 in the WHL. Has worked the 2013 Allan Cup, 2015 and 2018 Jr.A Nationals (Royal Bank Cup), and 2017 and 2019 USports Nationals (CIS), and multiple AJHL league finals.

Kevin Webinger - Hometown is Calgary, Refereeing for 18 years, obtained his Level 6 in 2015, has been refereeing in the WHL, AJHL and Usports (CIS) for 9 season and Para-Ice Hockey since 2011, working the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in Korea.

Colin Stefanyk - Hometown is Red Deer, been refereeing for 20+ seasons, obtaining his Level 6 in 2017. He’s worked the AJHL finals 6 times, Doyle Cup 3 times and refereed at the Western Canada Cup in 2016, Allan Cup in 2018, and World Jr.A Challenge in 2018. He also worked the USports Canada West Finals in 2018 and CJHL Top Prospects game in 2019, in Okotoks.

Cody Rude - Hometown is Edmonton, been officiating for 24 years. Attended the Allan Cup in 2018, Royal Bank Cup 2015, World Jr.A Challenge in 2015, and has worked 7 AJHL Finals.

Linesmen

Ethan Cronkhite - Hometown is Lloydminster, currently living in Beaumont. Refereeing for 15 years, with 5+ seasons working WHL, CIS, and Jr.A. Notable assignments include the Telus Cup in 2012, World U17 Championship in 2017, and WHL Canada vs Russia series in 2016.

Ryan Petryshyn - Hometown is Edmonton, been an official for 26 years, working the AJHL and Senior AAA for 15+ seasons, working numerous league finals at both levels.

Aidan Henderson - Hometown is Airdrie, been an official for 24 years, 12 in the WHL and 14 in the AJHL, working the AJHL league finals 3 times and the Western Canada Cup in 2015.

Cody Huseby - Hometown is Rocky Mountain House, currently living in Red Deer. He’s been an official for 20+ seasons, working the WHL for 10 season, AJHL and Senior AAA for 13 seasons. On the National and International stage Cody worked the U17 World Championships in 2009, Telus Cup 2009, Royal Bank cup 2011, Allan Cup 2013, Gretzky-Hlinka U17 Tournament 2018 and most recently the 2019 U20 Div II Group A World Championships in Estonia.

Przemek Iwaniec - Hometown is Wroclaw, Poland, currently living in Calgary. He’s been an official for 15 years, currently working Usports, WHL, ACAC, and AJHL as a linesman. Notable assignments include the 2018 AJHL finals, 2018 Doyle Cup, 2018 World Jr.A Challenge, and 2019 Midget AAA Pacific Championships as a Referee.

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Photo credit: Jasper’s Studio

Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships: Week Four Results

RED DEER - The fourth and final weekend of the 2019 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial, came to a close on Sunday as the Junior B Provincials wrapped up in Wetaskiwin.

The Airdrie Thunder skated away with the 2019 Junior B Provincial banner, de-throning the reigning two-time champion Wainwright Bisons in overtime.

Earlier in the day, the host Wetaskiwin Icemen defeated the Edmonton Beverly Warriors 5-3 to capture bronze.

In Pacific Regional Championship action, both the Calgary Midget AAA Buffaloes and St. Albert Slash punched their tickets to the 2019 Telus Cup and Esso Cup, respectively. The Buffaloes defeated the Caribou Cougars in two straight games to advance to the Telus Cup, while the St. Albert Slash defated the Greater Vancouver Comets for a third straight year, and will aim for a three-peat at the Esso Cup.

The 2019 Allan Cup kicks off in Lacombe on Wednesday, with the Lacombe Generals and Innsifail Eagles both in the hunt for the annual Senior AAA National Championship.

2019 HOCKEY ALBERTA PROVINCIAL TOURNAMENTS

Gold Medal Game

Junior B - Airdie Thunder 4, Wainwright Bisons 3 (OT)

Week One Results > | Week Two Results > | Week Three Results > Champion Photos >

2019 HOCKEY ALBERTA PROVINCIAL PLAYDOWN SERIES

Senior AAA - Stony Plain Eagles VS. Innisfail Eagles
Innisfail wins best-of-seven series 4-2
Innisfail plays Lacombe Generals in two-game, total-goal series to determine Provincial champion

Game One: Stony Plain 5, Innisfail 2
Game Two: Innisfail 4, Stony Plain 3
Game Three: Innisfail 6, Stony 0
Game Four: Stony Plain 5, Innisfail 4 (OT)
Game Five: Innisfail 5, Stony Plain 2
Game Six: Innisfail 5, Stony Plain 4 (OT)

Innisfail Eagles VS. Lacombe Generals
Lacombe wins two-game, total-goal series 7-4

Game One: Lacombe 4, Innisfail 1
Game Two: Lacombe 3, Innisfail 3

Allan Cup - April 8-13 - Lacombe, Alberta

Junior Female - Edmonton Wolves vs Cochrane Chaos
Edmonton wins best-of-five series 3-0

Game One: Edmonton 1, Cochrane 0
Game Two: Edmonton 2, Cochrane 1
Game Three: Edmonton 2, Cochrane 1

Midget AAA - St. Albert Nektar Data Systems Raiders vs Calgary Buffaloes
Calgary wins best-of-five series 3-0

Game One: Calgary 3, St. Albert 2
Game Two: Calgary 4, St. Albert 3
Game Three: Calgary 7, St. Albert 4

Telus Cup - April 22-28 - Thunder Bay, Ontario

Bantam AAA - Fort Saskatchewan Rangers vs Red Deer Rebels
Fort Saskatchewan wins best-of-five series 3-2

Game One: Fort Sask 4, Red Deer 2
Game Two: Fort Sask 4, Red Deer 2
Game Three: Red Deer 5, Fort Sask 2
Game Four: Red Deer 3, Fort Sask 0
Game Five: Fort Sask 5, Red Deer 4 (2OT)

News

The Humboldt Broncos

RED DEER - On the one year anniversary of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy, Hockey Alberta and the Alberta hockey community remembers the 29 and the families, friends and communities affected.

In honour of the Humboldt Broncos, Hockey Alberta is encouraging you to give life this April by donating blood, whether it’s with your team, family, friends, or on your own. Visit blood.ca and book your appointment today.

News

Slash, Buffaloes set for Pacifics

RED DEER - A pair of Alberta teams look to punch their ticket to a national championship as the Midget AAA and Midget AAA Female Pacific Regional Championships go this weekend.

Just over a week since they won the Midget AAA provincial championship, the Calgary Midget AAA Buffaloes will host the Cariboo Cougars in a best-of-three series, with the winner advancing to the 2019 Telus Cup. Games one and two are set for Friday and Saturday at 7:00pm, with game three scheduled for Sunday at 2:00pm, if necessary. All three games take place at Cardel Rec South in Calgary.

The 2019 Telus Cup runs April 22-28 in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Meanwhile, for the third straight year, the St. Albert Slash of the Alberta Female Hockey League will battle the Greater Vancouver Comets for a spot in the Esso Cup. The Slash defeated the Comets in the previous two Pacific Regional Championships en route to back-to-back Esso Cup championships.

Games one and two are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, with game three set for Sunday at 12:45pm, if necessary. All three games take place at the Akinsdale Arena in St. Albert.

The 2018 Esso Cup runs April 21-27 in Sudbury, Ontario.

News

Mike Klass, Director Business Operations, Hockey Alberta; Andy Kotowich, VP Fixed Operations, LAND Auto Group; Andrew James, Commercial Sales Manager, Lacombe Ford

Hockey Alberta and Lacombe Ford/Drayton Valley Ford announce new partnership

LACOMBE - A new partnership between Hockey Alberta and Lacombe Ford/ Drayton Valley Ford will make Hockey Alberta vehicles much more recognizable when travelling around the province.

The partnership sees Lacombe Ford/Drayton Valley Ford providing Hockey Alberta with a 2018 Ford Flex and Ford Explorer for the next two years.

The vehicles will be easily identifiable as belonging to Hockey Alberta thanks to eye-catching wraps on each vehicle. The wraps feature the Hockey Alberta logo as well as real-life photos captured at Hockey Alberta events that recognize the participants in our sport across the province.

“Hockey Alberta is pleased to be able to partner with Lacombe Ford and Drayton Valley Ford in a way that provides prominent exposure and recognition of our brand and our participants. When you see one of these vehicles at an arena in Alberta, that means there is important programming occurring to help in the development and training of the players and stakeholders in our great game,” said Mike Klass, Director of Business Operations for Hockey Alberta.

The logos for Lacombe Ford and Drayton Valley Ford are prominent on the vehicles, which have already been parked in key locations at Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships the past two weekends. Provincial Championships wrap up this weekend with Junior B in Wetaskiwin. As well, on the Hockey Alberta website, there is a direct link to learn more about the exclusive Free Tires 4 Life program only available through Lacombe Ford and Drayton Valley Ford.

“Lacombe Ford and Drayton Valley Ford are excited to be partnered with Hockey Alberta. Our dealerships have always been involved and supported minor sports in our local communities, so this felt like a natural fit and partnership for us. We believe that getting involved and supporting our young athletes and the organizations that continue to develop and grow their skills in sport, and in life, is a true win-win for everyone involved,” said Andy Kotowich, VP of Fixed Operations for Lacombe Ford and Drayton Valley Ford.

For more information on programs and events offered by Hockey Alberta, go to hockeyalberta.ca. For more information on the Tires 4 Life program through Lacombe Ford and Drayton Valley Ford, go totires4life.ca.

News

Photo credit: LA Media

2019 Alberta Cup rosters announced

RED DEER - The 120 players competing in the 2019 Alberta Cup in Red Deer, April 24-28, have been selected by Hockey Alberta.

The Alberta Cup is the top select Bantam hockey tournament in Alberta, featuring many of the players who will be chosen in the Western Hockey League draft which is held the following week. The Alberta Cup also is a major step in Hockey Alberta’s Alberta Built Program of Excellence for players, coaches, officials and support staff.

The players are divided onto the six teams will take to the ice at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer College. Twenty 2004-born players comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, trainer, and director of operations.

2019 Alberta Cup Rosters > | 2019 Alberta Cup Schedule >

Rosters were selected following three regional camps held March 29-31 in Calgary, Blackfalds and Spruce Grove, with two teams formed from each camp.

"We were very impressed with the level of talent we saw at all three Alberta Cup Regional Camps this past weekend," said Michael Kraichy, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Team Alberta. "But, the work is just beginning for these athletes, not just for the upcoming competition, but also in the competition to earn a spot on the Team Alberta squad that will compete later this year."

The Alberta Cup is a four-day, tournament-format competition. Round-robin action begins on Thursday, April 24 with five games. There are for games on Friday and three on Saturday, with finals set for Sunday. The event includes an education seminar hosted by the Western Hockey League, and this year will also include the Hockey Alberta Awards presentation ceremony.

Eighty players from this year’s competition will be selected to attend Team Alberta’s Provincial Camp in July, with a chance to represent their province at the 2019 WHL Cup in Calgary.

Tournament Passes

Tournament passes for the 2019 Alberta Cup are now on sale. A weekend pass is $42 (includes GST and service charge), and children 12 and under will be free of charge. Day Passes will also be available at the door for $10 each.

Tournament Passes >

*Note - in order to purchase tickets through the Red Deer College ticketing system, you will first need to create an account.*

For more information on the Alberta Cup, click here.

News

Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships: Week Three Results

RED DEER - Week Three of the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial, wrapped up on Sunday with ten new champions being crowned.

Teams skating away with gold medals were: Lacombe Generals (Senior AAA), Morinville Kings (Senior AA), Edmonton Avalanche (Junior C), Medicine Hat Hounds (Midget AA), Calgary Fire Red (Midget Female Elite), Leduc Roughnecks (Peewee AA), Slave Lake Thunder (Peewee Tier 1), Medicine Hat Hounds (Peewee Tier 2), Fox Creek Bulldogs (Peewee Tier 3), and Loon River Jets (Peewee Tier 4).

The Senior AAA Provincial title was decided in a two-game, total-goal series between the Lacombe Generals and Innisfail Eagles, with Lacombe winning 7-4. Both teams will compete in the Allan Cup, which will be hosted by the Generals.

The Junior A Provincial Championship will be decided through the Alberta Junior Hockey League Playoffs. The North and South Division finals began on March 30. The Brooks Bandits and Okotoks Oilers are tied 1-1 in the South Division Final, while the Sherwood Park Crusaders hold a 2-0 lead over the Spruce Grove Saints in the North Division Final.

One Provincial championship is yet to be decided, as the Junior B Provincials are set for April 4-7 in Wetaskiwin.

2019 HOCKEY ALBERTA PROVINCIAL TOURNAMENTS

Gold Medal Games

Senior AA - Morinville Kings 7, Daysland Northstars 0
Junior C - Edmonton Avalanche 6, Springbank Rockies 4
Midget AA - Medicine Hat Hounds 5, CNHA Canucks 2
Midget Female Elite - Calgary Fire Red 5, St. Albert Sharks 1
Peewee AA - Leduc Roughnecks 3, Glenlake Hawks 1
Peewee Tier 1 - Slave Lake Thunder 4, La Crete Lumberjacks 2
Peewee Tier 2 - Medicine Hat Hounds 3, Westlock Warriors 2
Peewee Tier 3 - Fox Creek Bulldogs 5, Provost Blades 2
Peewee Tier 4 - Loon River Jets 6, Irvine Bulldogs 5 (OT)

Week One Results > | Week Two Results > | Champion Photos >

2019 HOCKEY ALBERTA PROVINCIAL PLAYDOWN SERIES

Senior AAA - Stony Plain Eagles VS. Innisfail Eagles
Innisfail wins best-of-seven series 4-2
Innisfail plays Lacombe Generals in two-game, total-goal series to determine Provincial champion

Game One: Stony Plain 5, Innisfail 2
Game Two: Innisfail 4, Stony Plain 3
Game Three: Innisfail 6, Stony 0
Game Four: Stony Plain 5, Innisfail 4 (OT)
Game Five: Innisfail 5, Stony Plain 2
Game Six: Innisfail 5, Stony Plain 4 (OT)

Innisfail Eagles VS. Lacombe Generals
Lacombe wins two-game, total-goal series 7-4

Game One: Lacombe 4, Innisfail 1
Game Two: Lacombe 3, Innisfail 3

Allan Cup - April 8-13 - Lacombe, Alberta

Junior Female - Edmonton Wolves vs Cochrane Chaos
Edmonton wins best-of-five series 3-0

Game One: Edmonton 1, Cochrane 0
Game Two: Edmonton 2, Cochrane 1
Game Three: Edmonton 2, Cochrane 1

Midget AAA - St. Albert Nektar Data Systems Raiders vs Calgary Buffaloes
Calgary wins best-of-five series 3-0

Game One: Calgary 3, St. Albert 2
Game Two: Calgary 4, St. Albert 3
Game Three: Calgary 7, St. Albert 4

Telus Cup - April 22-28 - Thunder Bay, Ontario

Bantam AAA - Fort Saskatchewan Rangers vs Red Deer Rebels
Fort Saskatchewan wins best-of-five series 3-2

Game One: Fort Sask 4, Red Deer 2
Game Two: Fort Sask 4, Red Deer 2
Game Three: Red Deer 5, Fort Sask 2
Game Four: Red Deer 3, Fort Sask 0
Game Five: Fort Sask 5, Red Deer 4 (2OT)