BioSteel Partners with Hockey Alberta to Fuel the Next Generation of Hockey Players

WINDSOR, ONTARIO, CANADA – BioSteel, the premium hydration and sports nutrition brand trusted by elite athletes worldwide, is proud to announce a new partnership with Hockey Alberta, one of Canada’s largest and most respected provincial hockey organizations. Through this collaboration, BioSteel will serve as the Official Hydration Partner of Hockey Alberta, supporting athletes, coaches, and programs across the province with clean, performance-driven nutrition.

The partnership will see BioSteel provide product support across Hockey Alberta’s events, programs, and development initiatives, ensuring players have access to high-quality hydration designed to fuel performance and recovery. As part of the agreement, BioSteel will also supply branded equipment and hydration infrastructure, including coolers, bottles, and team bench solutions used throughout Hockey Alberta activities.

“Hockey Alberta plays a vital role in developing athletes and growing the game across the province. We’re proud to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to supporting the next generation of hockey players. Together, we’re ensuring athletes have access to clean, trusted hydration and performance-driven nutrition that fuels how they train, compete, and recover” said Dan Crosby, CEO of BioSteel.

With more than 100,000 players, coaches, officials, and volunteers participating in programs each year, Hockey Alberta is a cornerstone of grassroots hockey development in Canada. The organization oversees leagues, provincial championships, and elite development programs that help guide athletes from their first shifts on the ice to the highest levels of the sport.

Through the partnership, BioSteel will activate at a variety of Hockey Alberta events and showcases, including development camps, prospect showcases, provincial championships, and high-performance programs. The collaboration will also feature integrated branding, digital engagement, and social media initiatives designed to highlight the athletes and communities that make Hockey Alberta one of the premier hockey organizations in North America.

“At Hockey Alberta, our responsibility is to create an environment where athletes can thrive, and that includes aligning with partners who share our commitment to performance, wellness, and integrity,” commented Rob Litwinski, President and CEO of Hockey Alberta. “BioSteel is a natural fit for our organization, and this partnership ensures our athletes have access to trusted hydration that supports them at every stage of their development.”

The partnership will also include digital and community engagement initiatives across Hockey Alberta’s communication platforms, including social media collaborations and athlete-focused content that celebrates the players and programs shaping the future of hockey.

Together, BioSteel and Hockey Alberta are committed to elevating athlete performance and supporting the continued growth of hockey across Alberta—fueling the next generation of players with clean, trusted hydration.

About BioSteel

BioSteel is a leading sports nutrition brand trusted by top athletes, teams, and organizations worldwide. Known for its premium clean-label products that support optimal performance and recovery, BioSteel offers a wide range of hydration, protein, and recovery solutions designed to fuel athletes at every stage of their journey. With zero sugar and high-quality ingredients, BioSteel has built a reputation as one of the most trusted hydration brands in sport.

About Hockey Alberta

Hockey Alberta is the Provincial Sports Organization and governing body for organized amateur hockey in the province. At Hockey Alberta, we encourage competition on both a competitive and recreational level for those who play hockey for the sportsmanship, skill and enjoyment. Hockey Alberta is made up of over 200 Members, encompassing Minor Hockey Associations, Leagues, Recreation/Pond Hockey, Para Hockey, and Accredited Schools, representing over 100,000

participants. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and competitive environment for all athletes of all ages and skill levels.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has named the 120 athletes who will represent their regions at the 2026 Alberta Challenge, part of the Spring Showcase presented by Direct Energy.

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 April 30 to May 3, 2026. Teams are comprised of the top female athletes from across the province, with each roster featuring two goaltenders, six defence, and 12 forwards.

ROSTERS >

Regional Camps, held earlier this month, brought together the province’s top eligible athletes for evaluation. Players born in 2011 and 2012 and registered with a Hockey Alberta or Hockey Canada-sanctioned program this season were eligible to try out.

The Alberta Challenge is the sole female-only event within Hockey Alberta’s three-part Spring Showcase and serves as an introduction to the Team Alberta Program. It provides athletes, coaches, officials, therapists, and administrators with their first experience in a high-performance, short-term competition environment.

Building on that momentum, Hockey Alberta is proud to announce Spring Showcase presented by Direct Energy, marking a new chapter for one of the province’s premier high-performance hockey events.

Direct Energy’s commitment to supporting women and girls in sport aligns closely with Hockey Alberta’s continued investment in the female game, making this partnership a natural fit. “At Direct Energy, we are committed to investing in communities, creating opportunities and supporting programs that help build a stronger future for the game in Alberta,” said Tanis Kozak, Head of Canada – Energy. “By supporting Hockey Alberta’s programming, we’re proud to give back across the province and help young athletes grow both on and off the ice.”

In addition to serving as the title partner of Spring Showcase, Direct Energy will also be the presenting partner of the Direct Energy AFHL Player of the Month program beginning next season, further demonstrating its commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in female hockey across Alberta.

“At Hockey Alberta, Spring Showcase represents a key moment in our season, bringing together athletes from across the province and celebrating the strength of our development pathway. We’re proud to welcome Direct Energy as the title partner of Spring Showcase, a partnership that will help strengthen and grow this premier event. Their support also extends beyond the event through the Direct Energy AFHL Player of the Month program, recognizing excellence throughout the season. We’re excited to work alongside a partner that shares our commitment to supporting athletes and continuing to build momentum across all areas of the game, including the ongoing growth of the female game,” commented Hockey Alberta President and CEO Rob Litwinski.

Spring Showcase, which includes the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge, and Prospects Cup, brings together the province’s top developing athletes in a best-on-best environment each spring.

About Alberta Challenge

The Alberta Challenge continues to play a critical role in the identification and selection of athletes for Team Alberta, with hundreds of players competing annually for a limited number of roster spots. The event also provides development and exposure opportunities for coaches, officials, therapists, and administrators as they progress through Hockey Alberta’s high-performance pathway. About Direct Energy: Direct Energy is one of North America’s leading retail providers of energy and energy-related services for homes and businesses. Direct Energy is part of NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG), a Fortune 500 company operating in the United States and Canada, delivering innovative solutions that help people, organizations, and businesses achieve their goals, while also advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice. NRG Energy is a leading energy and home services company powered by people, and our purpose is to power a brighter future together, one that is safe, smart, and sustainable. Direct Energy, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, operate in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 8 provinces in Canada.

About Hockey Alberta

Hockey Alberta is the Provincial Sports Organization and governing body for organized amateur hockey in the province. At Hockey Alberta, we encourage competition on both a competitive and recreational level for those who play hockey for sportsmanship, skill and enjoyment. Hockey Alberta is made up of over 200 Members, encompassing Minor Hockey Associations, Leagues, Recreation/Pond Hockey, Para Hockey, and Accredited Schools, representing over 100,000 participants. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and competitive environment for all athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Hockey Alberta is proud to announce the addition of Cassie Campbell-Pascall as the newest member of its Ambassador Program.

The Ambassador Program was created to strengthen community connections by inspiring youth across Alberta to try hockey and to encourage their journey in the game to continue. Through appearances, storytelling, and engagement, the program aims to grow the game at the grassroots level while highlighting positive role models who reflect Hockey Alberta’s values. When young players can see a path from Alberta to the highest levels of the game, it helps them believe they can achieve it too.

A native of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Cassie Campbell-Pascall has deep roots in Alberta, having lived in the province for over 25 years while continuing her broadcasting career. She is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished and respected figures in Canadian hockey history. A three-time Olympic medallist, including two gold medals, an eight-time World Champion, and former captain of Canada’s National Women’s Team, Campbell-Pascall has been a trailblazer for women’s hockey both on and off the ice. She currently works as a Management Consultant with Hockey Canada.

Her legacy in the game has also been recognized provincially, as she was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017, an honour that reflects her lasting impact on the sport and her strong ties to the province.

Campbell-Pascall’s influence extends far beyond her playing career. Following her retirement, she became one of the first women to work as a full-time analyst on NHL broadcasts, continuing to break barriers while serving as a role model for the next generation of athletes.

Now, as a Hockey Alberta Ambassador, she brings her experience, leadership, and passion for the game to communities across the province.

“I am honoured to join Hockey Alberta as an Ambassador and to give back to the game that has given me so much,” said Campbell-Pascall. “Hockey has the power to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships. I’m excited to connect with young players across Alberta and help inspire them to pursue their goals both on and off the ice.”

Through her role, Cassie Campbell-Pascall will lend her voice to the continued growth of the female game, promoting greater visibility and more opportunities for young athletes across Alberta to try hockey and stay in the game, while drawing on her well-rounded experience as a player, coach, and parent.

This initiative continues to build on Hockey Alberta’s commitment to growing the game and creating inclusive opportunities for players of all backgrounds and abilities.

Cassie Campbell-Pascall also serves as a Special Advisor for the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), further reinforcing her commitment to growing the women’s game across the country. It comes at an exciting time for women’s hockey in Alberta with the PWHL Takeover Tour having two stops in the province this month.

As part of the celebration, fans are invited to attend the Girls Hockey Takeover Tailgate on Tuesday April 7, ahead of the PWHL Takeover Tour game for the ultimate way to kick off the matchup between Vancouver Goldeneyes and Boston Fleet at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Taking place from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Fan Park, this high-energy tailgate is all about celebrating girls and women in hockey and the incredible impact of the women’s game.

Fans are encouraged to follow along by connecting with Hockey Alberta on Instagram at @hockey.alberta.

More details on upcoming community initiatives will be shared in the coming months.

The final weekend of the 2026 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships brought high-level competition, unforgettable moments, and four more teams etching their names into the record books. Across the province, athletes delivered standout performances in front of passionate fans, showcasing the very best of Alberta hockey.

Championship banners were awarded in four divisions, each representing months of hard work, dedication, and commitment to the game. Congratulations to:

• Junior B – La Crete Lumber Barons
• Junior C – Sherwood Park Renegades
• U17AAA – Canadian CAC Gregg Distributors
• U16AA – BAC Acme Scrap Iron & Metals

"Provincials are about more than just winning championships, they’re about celebrating the passion, dedication, and community that make hockey in Alberta so special," said Michelle Skilnick, Manager Events for Hockey Alberta. "From host committees, host communities, and volunteers to the players and coaches, it takes an incredible team effort to bring these events to life. We’re proud to see the continued growth of the game and the lasting impact these experiences have on everyone involved."

Hockey Alberta would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who played a role in making the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships a success:

• Host sites and communities
• Host organizing committees
• Volunteers
• Officials and off-ice officials
• Minor Hockey Associations
• Teams, Players, and Coaches
• Team Managers
• Sponsors and partners
• Hockey Alberta Representations
• Videographers and photographers
• Families, Fans, and supporters

Your dedication and commitment help create an unforgettable experience for athletes across the province.

As the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships wrap up, Week 3 served as a fitting conclusion, celebrating the next generation of talent and the continued growth of the game across the province.

Celebrating Our Champions & Exclusive Offers!

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! Please note that championship rings are available for purchase.

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!

BARON RINGS >

You can also explore Baron’s Hockey Championship Brochure here: View the Hockey Championship Package

In a milestone season that marked the program’s 10th anniversary, the Cochrane Chaos Female Junior team stood at the top of the province after capturing the 2026 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championship and adding another proud chapter to a story that has been years in the making.

Beyond the banner and celebration, this year’s victory is about something deeper. It’s about the people who helped build the Chaos and the community that continues to stand behind them when it matters most.

The Chaos journey began long before their first Junior A game in 2016. The name, identity, and culture were built through years of dedication, beginning in Calgary in 2009 and carried forward by head coach Derek Loomer. Through multiple teams, levels, and seasons, the Chaos became more than just a name, it became a standard rooted in resilience, development, and connection. That foundation led to success.

From early league games to their first provincial championship in 2023, and now another title in 2026, the Chaos have grown into one of the province’s most respected junior female hockey program. Behind that success are players, coaches, and families who shaped the program along the way.

One thing our hockey community is great at is coming together when support is needed, especially for individuals like Nikki Hendrey.

Nikki Hendrey’s hockey journey is a reflection of everything the Chaos represent. Growing up in Alberta, she played through Hockey Calgary and continued her career with the SAIT Trojans before giving back to the game as a coach, working with athletes from Timbits to U18 AAA. She was part of the extended hockey community that helped build and strengthen the Chaos culture in its early years.

Today, Nikki is facing a challenge far greater than any game. She is currently battling serious and worsening heart complications. After exhausting all available treatment options in Canada, her medical team is pursuing a highly specialized procedure in Kansas City, one that may be her best chance at recovery.

For Nikki and her family, the road ahead is filled with uncertainty. The costs of travel, accommodations, and time away from home continue to grow, adding to an already overwhelming situation.

And just like on the ice, the hockey community is stepping up. For Loomer, this year’s championship carries added meaning. “I coached Nikki years ago, and she’s always been someone who gave so much to the game and to others,” he shared. “Seeing the Chaos win this year was incredibly special but it also reminds you of the people who helped build this program. Now it’s our turn to be there for her.”

The Chaos’ 2026 provincial title is a celebration of growth, perseverance, and excellence but it’s also a reminder of what makes the game truly special. It’s the lifelong connections formed in dressing rooms, the shared experiences that carry beyond the rink, and the unwavering support that shows up when someone needs it most.

Now, that community has an opportunity to rally around one of its own. A GoFundMe has been created to support Nikki and her family as they navigate this next chapter. For those who have been part of the game, whether as players, coaches, parents, or fans, it’s a chance to give back to someone who has given so much.

To support Nikki Hendrey and her family, please visit here.