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.
