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Hockey Alberta Foundation

Over $150,000 Raised at the 20th Annual Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic

CANMORE – Rain or shine, this year’s event created an unforgettable celebration for the 20th Annual Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic, presented by ATB Wealth. Held July 21-22 in beautiful Canmore, the milestone event brought together hockey legends, celebrity guests, passionate supporters, and corporate partners in support of the Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community (EKEC) program raising over $150,000 to help eliminate barriers and get more kids across Alberta on the ice.

The two day event teed off with an VIP golf experience followed by an evening reception presented by Q2 Artificial Lift Services, where guests were treated to a welcome reception filled with connection, conversation, and purpose. The night featured a major announcement from ATB Wealth, confirming a renewed three-year commitment as the title sponsor of the Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic. Chris Turchanski of ATB Wealth addressed the crowd, reflecting on the growth of the event and their long-standing relationship with the Foundation that spans two decades.

The Golf Classic featured an all-star lineup of celebrities, many of whom have been long-time supporters of the Foundation’s work. Special guests included:

  • Tim Hunter (Calgary Flames alumni)
  • Darren Van Impe (NHL alumnus)
  • Chris Schlenker (NHL Referee)
  • Matt Fraser (NHL Alumnus)
  • Jack Michaels (Voice of the Edmonton Oilers)
  • Kelly Taylor (Comedian, Just for Laughs)
  • Rob Brown (Former NHLer, Edmonton Oilers analyst)
  • Ryan Huska (Head Coach, Calgary Flames)
  • Dave Lowry (Former NHL player and coach)
  • Colin Patterson (Calgary Flames alumnus)
  • Chris Dingman (Two-time Stanley Cup Champion)
  • Theo Fleury (Stanley Cup Champion, Olympic gold medalist)
  • Joey Tetarenko (NHL alumnus)
  • Lisa ‘Longball’ Vlooswyk (8-Time Canadian Long Drive Champion & Golf Entertainer)
  • Mel Davidson (Olympic Gold Medal Coach, Team Canada Women’s Hockey)
  • Micki DuPont (NHL & Team Canada alumnus)
  • Brandon Kozun (KHL star, former NHL player)
  • Mike Hirshfeld (GM, Ottawa Charge)
  • Kris Kolanos (Calgary Flames alumnus)
  • Eric Francis (Sportsnet broadcaster)
  • Derek Wills (Voice of the Calgary Flames)

Funds were raised through generous support, including an online silent and live auctions and a Charity Hole where donations were matched dollar-for-dollar by Q2 Artificial Lift Services. These dollars directly fuel the EKEC program, helping to ensure kids from all backgrounds and communities have the chance to discover the power of hockey.

John Windwick, Chair of the Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic Committee, highlighting how these contributions go far across Alberta. “Where the funding ends up, it is in the hands of people that make a difference in hockey. Everything from ice, coaching, referees, training, all the above.” he said. “We use the term every kid, every community, and it really is that. We help people that can’t gain access to the game”.

From the tee box to the auction floor, this year’s Golf Classic was about more than a game it was about building stronger communities through sport. Thank you to our title sponsor ATB Wealth, presenting partners, all sponsors, volunteers, Silvertip Resort staff, and everyone who played a role in making the 20th Annual Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic one to remember.

News

Hockey Alberta honours 2025 Life Members and membership award recipients

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta recognized several exceptional individuals and associations this afternoon through the Hockey Alberta Membership Awards Program presented by ATB, celebrating the outstanding work and dedication shown during the 2024-25 season.

In addition, we also took time earlier today to recognize three individuals who have made a lasting impact on the game in Alberta.

Life Membership Status

This special moment brought together members of the Hockey Alberta community to celebrate the remarkable careers of Fran Zinger, Terry Engen, and John Jacobs. The newest recipients of Hockey Alberta Life Membership, the highest honour Hockey Alberta can bestow. This prestigious recognition is reserved for individuals whose lifetime of service, leadership, and passion have made a significant and lasting impact on the game.

Congratulations to:

Fran Zinger – With 17 years of devoted service and a legacy of leadership that broke barriers for women in sport, Fran’s impact reaches every kid, every community.

Terry Engen – From grassroots leadership to a national presence on the Hockey Canada Board, Terry’s tireless dedication has shaped the game across the province.

John Jacobs – Known as an officiating icon whose lifelong devotion to hockey transformed the game across Alberta and beyond. John has left a legacy on and off the ice.

READ FULL BIOS HERE>

2025 Hockey Alberta Membership Awards

Celebrated this afternoon were the recipients of the 2025 Hockey Alberta Membership Awards, recognizing excellence across our membership:

Order of Merit:

  • The Ernie Boruk Award - Stefan Brown
  • The Dave Ganley Award - Francis Rankin
  • Excellence In Administration - Seema King
  • Excellence In Administration - Trevor Hittel
  • Excellence In Development: Ivon Prefontaone
  • Official of the Year – Jacob Hicks
  • Provincial Championships Host Site Award: Kneehill MHA
  • Volunteer of the Year – Derek Martin (Redcliff)
  • Minor Hockey Association of the Year – Cochrane HMA
  • Coach of the Year – Murray Kuzio (Strathcona)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Larry Golby (Coronation)

Congratulations to all of our award recipients and honourees. Thank you for your passion, leadership, and commitment to making hockey a sport for life. Hockey for Life.

Home Ice Feature

John Jacobs, Terry Engen and Fran Zinger

Hockey Alberta Announces 2025 Life Members

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is proud to recognize three exceptional individuals with Life Membership status for their outstanding contributions to minor hockey in Alberta.

Fran Zinger, Terry Engen, and John Jacobs have been named as the newest Life Members, honouring decades of volunteer service, leadership, and passion for the game. A celebration in their honour will take place on Saturday, July 19.

This celebration is a momentous occasion for the Hockey Alberta family as we come together to celebrate and recognize the outstanding contributions of Fran, Terry, and John to the game of hockey in our great province of Alberta

A Hockey Alberta Life Membership is the highest distinction that Hockey Alberta can bestow, an honour reserved for individuals whose dedication and service have left a lasting impact on our sport.

FRAN ZINGER

Join us in celebrating Fran Zinger, a pioneer in Alberta’s hockey community. With 17 years of devoted service and a legacy of leadership that broke barriers for women in sport, Fran’s impact reaches every kid, every community. From Zone 7 Director to Board Vice Chair, her journey is a testament to courage, vision, and commitment.

TERRY ENGEN

Terry Engen of Eckville, a true icon in Alberta’s hockey community. From grassroots leadership to a national presence on the Hockey Canada Board, Terry’s tireless dedication has shaped the game across the province. With over 25 years of local service and a deep commitment to accessibility.

JOHN JACOBS

John Jacobs is an officiating icon whose lifelong devotion to hockey transformed the game across Alberta and beyond. From his start in 1967 to achieving the highest ranks as a linesman, John’s excellence graced international arenas, including the Team Canada and Viking Cups. Off the ice, he mentored, led, and uplifted officials through decades of selfless service. In recognition of his incredible impact, including his 2013 Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame induction.

Team Alberta

Thirty-four athletes named to 2025 Team Alberta Under-16 Male Shortlist

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is one step closer to naming the roster for Team Alberta’s Under-16 Male team that is representing the province at the WHL Cup in October.

Thirty-four athletes are in contention to make the final roster, with four goaltenders, 12 defence, and 18 forwards included on the shortlist.

TEAM ALBERTA UNDER-16 MALE SHORTLIST >

Athletes were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta scouting process, past Team Alberta programs, and at the Under-16 Summer Camp in Red Deer at the beginning of July. Eighty players were invited to Red Deer and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

The U16 Male Program is the third stage of the development and identification process to select a roster for Team Alberta to compete at the WHL Cup, beginning with the Alberta Cup. The WHL Cup is held annually in non-Canada Winter Games years, with the last WHL Cup taking place in 2024 in Red Deer, seeing Team Alberta come away with the gold medal.

Team Alberta, fueled by Gatorade, is slated to compete at the WHL Cup in Red Deer against Team B.C., Team Saskatchewan and Team Manitoba.

Hockey Alberta Foundation

20th Annual Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic is One Week Away

The countdown is on. In just one week, the 20th Annual Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic presented by ATB Wealth hits the fairways, creating another opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young Albertans.

“To reach 20 years in anything today, it is an amazing accomplishment. At ATB Wealth we are a proud title sponsor, knowing the important role, on having people experience the great game of hockey that has given so much to so many people in terms of the skills not only that it’s taught you on the ice but more importantly skills and friendships that it’s taught you off the ice.”

Chris Turchansky, ATB Wealth.

Taking place July 21-22, the Golf Classic promises two days of community, connection, and friendly competition. Kicking off with an exclusive VIP experience for golfers on Day One that will lead into the main event on Day Two. But more than just a tournament, it’s a celebration of opportunity, inclusion, and the power of hockey to shape brighter futures across Alberta.

This year, we’re inviting everyone to follow along throughout the day on Hockey Alberta’s social media channels for behind the scenes moments, sponsor highlights, and inspiring stories from participants and supporters. Additionally, for the first time ever, our silent auction will be available online, allowing anyone to join the fundraising efforts from anywhere in Alberta.

ONLINE AUCTION >

The goal of the day is simple, yet powerful, raise funds for the Hockey Alberta Foundation, with a special focus on the Every Kid Every Community (EKEC) program. This initiative works year round to remove barriers and open doors ensuring that every child in Alberta has the chance to play hockey, make memories, and experience the game for the very first time.

“What every kid every community is really trying to do is create new kids in the game and give them an opportunity that they may or may not have had. That has now branched into other things like our leadership programs and scholarships” Jeff Robson, Vada Capital and Goal line Partners Sponsor.

Last year’s event raised an incredible $148,000 for the EKEC program and we’re aiming even higher in 2025. Whether you’re swinging a club or placing a bid, your support fuels access, growth, and opportunity for kids across the province.

To learn more about the EKEC program visit the Hockey Alberta Foundation and the Every Kid Every Community Grant here. 

News

The 2025 Provincial Officials Development Camp

This past weekend, eighteen of Alberta’s top up and coming officials gathered for the Provincial Officials Development Camp, a multi-day immersive experience held in conjunction with Hockey Alberta’s U16 Male Development Camp.

The camp delivered a full slate of development opportunities, from on-ice techniques, fitness testing, seminars on nutrition, and career pathways. For each official, the invitation to attend marks the final step in a journey that began years ago.

“We trust them to work at the highest levels of minor hockey. What starts in their local Minor Hockey Association with grassroots training can eventually lead them to Showcases, regional camps, the Alberta Cup, and finally this summer camp, which is our last step before they move on to other opportunities within the Hockey Canada system or other branches like the Western Hockey League” explains Liam MacIsaac, Manager of Officiating at Hockey Alberta.

The camp doesn’t stop at hockey. It includes real-world goal setting, sessions on communication, personal development, and skills they can instill into the next generation, something that struck a chord with many in attendance.

For Neve Palmer, an official camp attendee, the camp was a milestone moment in her officiating journey.

“It’s a special privilege to be here,” she shared. “I didn’t know much about the camp besides how gruelling it is. But I’d heard it’s one of the best experiences, where you make memories and friendships that last throughout the province.”

Darian Hewson, an official camp attendee, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the intense learning, camaraderie, and shared goals.

“It’s not just officiating for a weekend, it’s a chance to hone your skills, compete, and push each other to get better,” he said. “We’re all striving to get to the next level and this camp is a key part of that journey.”

The success of the Officials Development Camp is built on a strong foundation of mentorship and experience. Their return as mentors highlights the strength of Hockey Alberta’s development model and reflects a core value of the program, giving back. As each generation of officials progresses, they carry forward the responsibility to support and guide the next, continuing a cycle of growth and excellence.

Jacob Hicks, an official currently working in the WHL and AHL, returned to camp not as a participant, but as a mentor.

“It’s my life’s passion,” he said. “Without the Hockey Alberta program, I definitely wouldn’t be where I’m at to be able to give back and give a few pieces of information that might help, you know, the fewer all of the officials reached those leagues in those events that they’re hoping to reach, then that makes me, you know, super happy for those guys. And that’s how the game works. That’s what the game deserves is people coming back and giving back.”

As another summer development camp wraps up, Hockey Alberta isn’t just developing great officials, they’re building a stronger game, one leader at a time.

Interested in Officiating?

Hockey Alberta offers officiating programs across the province. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to move to the next level, officiating provides a unique way to stay involved in the game and contribute to the sport in a meaningful way.

LEARN MORE >

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