News
Hockey Alberta is seeking proposals for the services of two leased/ long term rental vehicles. As part of this agreement, Hockey Alberta views this as a sponsorship opportunity to become the official vehicle supplier for Hockey Alberta.
Deadline for submission of proposals is Friday, June 20.
The full RFP document can be viewed below.
News
When most people think of hockey, they picture early morning practices, weekend tournaments, and a full winter calendar. But did you know that there’s more than one way to play the game?
The Play Hockey Model contains three streams - Learn to Play, Pond Hockey, and Rec Hockey. These streams ensure families have access to affordable, fun, and safe opportunities to participate in youth hockey with a moderate to low time and financial commitment.
The Learn to Play model is designed for ages 5-8 and introduces the basic skills of the game and provides an opportunity for players to learn those skills and the game.
The Pond Hockey model is an unstructured hockey option with limited to no use of the Hockey Canada playing rules with a focus on fun and development and can be enjoyed regardless of skill set.
The Rec Hockey model is a moderately structured level of hockey with somewhat modified playing rules and regulations and provides a more competitive structure than Pond Hockey but without as much commitment than a Minor Hockey program.
Regardless of the program stream, Hockey Alberta encourages good sportsmanship, fun, fair play, friendship, and respect. This guide outlines the streams, their season structure and game play, and operational information for Organizations and MHAs to guide the implementation of activity options in the Play Hockey Model within their communities.
Key Outcomes for all Streams
Why register with a Hockey Alberta Program?
By registering with an association within Hockey Alberta you can be sure that your child will be led by certified coaches, who must take courses before they can be on the bench. All volunteers must undergo a criminal record check.
Is Hockey Safe?
Yes, players are required to wear full protective gear whenever they are on the ice. Equipment is specifically designed to keep your player safe.
News
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift Program for the 2025-26 season is now open.
Designed to help your child fall in love with hockey before you buy all the gear, our six-week learn to play program focuses on having fun while learning basic skills. Equipment is included with registration, which is only $299.
New-to-Hockey families can register online by following these simple steps:
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift program is designed to ensure a positive experience for new-to-hockey families. We want families to experience the game at its best — to understand why so many Canadians feel an inherent love for the sport — and to stimulate a desire for continued participation. We want to take away any intimidation as it relates to equipment requirements, and/or rules of the game, remove potential safety concerns and, most importantly, provide an experience that is memorable and fun.
THE NHL/NHLPA FIRST SHIFT MAKES HOCKEY:
PROGRAM CAPACITY:
PROGRAM PARAMETERS:
PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION FEE OF $299 INCLUDES:
Ice Times Newsletter
Check out the May Edition of the Ice Times Newsletter.
Hockey Alberta Foundation
A recent Come Try Hockey event hosted by the New Sarepta Minor Hockey Association helped bring new players of different ages and genders to become involved in the sport of hockey.
With support from the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community Grant, the event welcomed 22 new players of various ages and genders, helping them step onto the ice, many for the first time. The grant funding covered equipment and ice time, making it easier for families to explore hockey without financial barriers.
“The participants enjoyed their time on the ice and left the arena with big smiles on their faces, excited for the opportunity to try hockey for the first time,” said Tanya Hamula, Secretary of New Sarepta Minor Hockey Association.
The event wasn’t just about learning the basics of skating or stickhandling — it was about building community, confidence, and inclusivity.
“The Come Try Hockey event has had a transformative impact on our community, opening doors to new experiences and fostering inclusivity,” said Jeremy Klarenback, President of New Sarepta Minor Hockey Association. “Through this event, we create a space where everyone can feel empowered to try something new and be part of something bigger than themselves.”
Young participants were quick to express their enthusiasm. “I LOVE HOCKEY!” one exclaimed, while another proudly shared, “I am going to be a hockey player next season!”
Initiatives like this highlight the power of local programs to grow the game from the grassroots level up. Through the Every Kid Every Community grant, more communities across Alberta can provide similar opportunities to introduce children and families to hockey in an accessible, welcoming way.
News
There’s something special happening in Oil Country this year and it runs deeper than the playoff buzz sweeping through Rogers Place. With five Albertans on the Edmonton Oilers’ 2024-25 roster, the connection between this team and our province is undeniable:
These players are proud products of our local communities, minor hockey associations, and Hockey Alberta programming. From early mornings at hometown rinks to representing their province in elite competitions, each of them followed a unique hockey pathway to the NHL.
This year, the Oilers found a powerful and personal way to honour those roots. To kick off the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the team resurfaced Rogers Place ice with shavings from each player’s hometown rink, bringing pieces of their hockey beginnings to the biggest stage in the sport.
For Stuart Skinner, that meant seeing ice from Edmonton’s Confederation Arena.
It’s a home ice advantage taken to the next level, one rooted in community, development, and pride. From minor hockey teams to provincial showcases, Alberta’s fingerprints are leaving a mark on this year’s Oilers team.
As the Stanley Cup Final unfolds, Alberta isn’t just cheering from the sidelines. We’re in the game, in the players, in the programs, and even in the ice itself.
This isn’t just the Oilers’ run.
This is Alberta’s moment.
News
Whether you’re new to the sport, recently moved, or simply looking to get your child into hockey, Hockey Alberta is here to help you hit the ice this season. With registration dates already open across the province, now is the perfect time to find your local Minor Hockey Association (MHA) and get started.
Check your local registration dates here
If your family is just beginning its hockey journey—whether you’re a newcomer to Canada, new to Alberta, or moving to a new community—our resources make it easy to navigate the registration process.
Learn about Minor Hockey and how to get started
Explore our Intro to Hockey program
Check out our resources for New Hockey Parents
Check out options for funding here
Hockey Alberta’s Play Hockey Model was designed to provide families with clear options that meet a variety of skill levels, schedules, and interests, while prioritizing fun, development, and respect.
The streams include:
These programs focus on making hockey more accessible, inclusive, and flexible for Alberta families.
Discover the Play Hockey Model here
Don’t Wait – Register Today!
Whether your child dreams of wearing the team jersey or is just looking to try something new, hockey is a great way to stay active, build friendships, and be part of a community.
Contact your local MHA to register and join the game. The season is just around the corner—let’s make it the best one yet.
News
RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is now accepting applications for key volunteer positions on the Operational Committees for the 2025-26 hockey season.
Currently, applications are being sought from interested individuals to fill volunteer roles for positions and committees including: Appeals Committee, AFHL Governor, EDI Committee, Girls Hockey Ambassador, Maltreatment Investigator, MHA Liaison, Minor Discipline Coordinator, Minor Leagues, Officiating, Player Movement Review Committee, Player Safety Committee, Senior/Junior Hockey and U11 AA.
Volunteers are the faces of Hockey Alberta within their communities and are positively representing themselves and the organization while communicating with and assisting participants on a daily basis.
Each year, hundreds of volunteers play integral roles in ensuring that Hockey Alberta delivers high quality and efficient programming as well as services to the more than 100,000 participants across the province.
All Hockey Alberta volunteers must act in accordance with the Vision, Mission and Core Values of Hockey Alberta. Hockey Alberta’s Core Values are:
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