Para Hockey Kick-Off Celebrates Community, Growth, and Opportunity

September 8, 2025 – Para hockey participants from across Alberta came together to celebrate the start of a new season in one of Canada’s most inclusive sports.

The event was more than just an opportunity to get players back on the ice. It served as a celebration of para hockey’s community spirit, the dedication of athletes and coaches, and the continued growth of the sport across the province. Participants ranging in age from eight to fifty-six took to the ice, sharing their love for the game while building connections that will last throughout the season.

A key highlight of the two days was the opportunity for athletes to work with Tara Chisholm, Provincial Program Director with the Paralympic Sports Association and head coach of Canada’s Women’s Para Hockey National Team. Chisholm led players through a series of drills and skill stations designed not only to prepare athletes for the season but also to inspire confidence and teamwork on the ice.

“We’re seeing the beginning of real momentum from both provincial and national organizations, bringing more resources and opportunities for the Para hockey community,” said Chisholm. “I am really excited to see what takes shape over the next few years when it comes to the development of our sport.”

Alongside the on-ice sessions, the event also included marketing and promotion opportunities designed to help grow the sport even further. Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada were on hand to capture content that will be used to promote para hockey initiatives and highlight the new Para Hockey Coaching Module. The goal is to provide resources that make the game more accessible to coaches, athletes, and families across Canada, ensuring that para hockey continues to thrive.

For athletes like Reid Hintz, the sport is about more than competition, it’s about inclusion and opportunity. “I think it’s important that everyone can play sports,” Hintz explained. “Like, you see your friends playing [stand up hockey], but you know you can’t do that. Now you can do something like them.”

That message resonates across Alberta, where para hockey has seen steady growth in recent years. Currently, seven clubs operate across the province, providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities:

• Edmonton Adaptive Sports Association

• Edmonton Sled Hockey Club

• Paralympic Sports Association

• Calgary Sledge Hockey Association

• Wolverines Wheelchair Sports Association

• Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport & Recreation

• Team Jigger (Lacombe, and Central Alberta)

Together, these organizations are helping to build a strong foundation for the sport, ensuring that para hockey remains a welcoming and inclusive option for athletes and families across Alberta.

As the season begins, the excitement and momentum from the kick-off are sure to carry forward. With more athletes joining every year and new resources being developed for coaches and clubs, the future of para hockey in Alberta is brighter than ever.

For the players who left the rink smiling, tired, and inspired, the weekend was more than just a season opener, it was a celebration of what makes para hockey so special: opportunity, community, and a game for everyone.

Being a fan is one of the best parts of hockey.

It’s the chance to support your team, celebrate the highs, and be part of an incredible community. Being a good fan goes beyond just wearing team colours or chanting from the stands. It’s about respecting the game, supporting the players, and fostering a positive environment for everyone at the rink. So, get your travel coffee mug ready, this is the unofficial rulebook for being a hockey fan. Here are some simple ways to make sure you’re cheering the right way:

Rule #1: Remember, It’s About Fun (Not the NHL Draft)

It’s easy to get caught up in the competitive spirit, but remember for the kids, hockey is about having fun, making friends, and learning life skills. Your child wants to see you cheering them on, not critiquing their every move from the stands. Celebrate the effort, the teamwork, and the love of the game, regardless of the score.

Rule #2: The Golden Rule of the Stands

Cheer for your team, but please remember the kids on the other team are someone else’s children. Just as you want your player to feel supported, so does every other parent. Keep your comments positive and directed at your own team. A classic, "Let’s go, Team Name!" goes a long way. Not every player has a strong support system, so let’s cheer for all kids on your team and show encouragement wherever it’s needed.

Rule #3: Respect the Coach

Your child’s coach volunteers countless hours to help them learn and grow. Trust their judgement. If you have a concern, don’t confront them right after a game when emotions are high, honour the 24 hour rule. Set up a private time to talk and express your concerns respectfully. Remember, your coach is part of the team you’re both working toward the same goal: your child’s development.

Rule #4: Respect the Officials

Refs are human and they make mistakes. Yelling at them from the stands teaches your child poor sportsmanship and won’t change the call. Model the behavior you want to see in your child. A bad call is a teaching moment; it’s a chance to talk about handling adversity and moving on.

Rule #5: Leave It Better Than You Found It

Whether it’s cleaning up after yourself, respecting the arena staff, or helping keep the environment fun and safe, small actions go a long way.

The Ultimate Goal: Be a Good Fan

After the game, win or lose, high-five the team, thank the coaches and refs, and congratulate your player and other players on a game well played. Being a good fan is the most important lesson your child can learn, and you are their most important teacher. Whether you’re in the rink or at the dinner table, your actions speak louder than any whistle.

At the end of the day, being a good fan means creating a positive, respectful atmosphere where players, coaches, and fellow fans all feel supported. When the stands are filled with good fans, everyone wins.

Registration is now open for athletes interested in participating in the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest Northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Games are a celebration of athletic competition, culture, friendship and cooperation between Northern contingents. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

The 2026 Arctic Winter Games are set for March 7-15 in Whitehorse, Yukon.

In 2024, Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Alaska hosted the Arctic Winter Games with Team Alberta North’s Female squad winning the Gold Medal (Ulu) and the U15 Male team claiming Silver.

Registration forms for the selection camps for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games can be found at the links below:

U15 Male Selection Camp Registration >

U19 Female Selection Camp Registration >

If anyone has any questions regarding the 2026 Arctic Winter Games Selection Camps, please contact Blake Cosgrove, Manager, Elite Hockey Development, Hockey Alberta or Dallas Ansell, Manager, Player Development

Welcome to the 2025-26 Hockey Alberta season.

Across the province, hockey is more than just a game, it’s a community, a tradition, and a passion that connects us all. From the first skate on frozen ponds to the bright lights of the rink, this season is about celebrating the players, coaches, officials, volunteers, families, and fans who make hockey thrive in Alberta.

We are excited to officially drop the puck on another season filled with competition, growth, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time, chasing a championship, or cheering from the stands, you are part of what makes hockey strong in our province.

Watch the Puck Drop video and join us in launching the 2025-26 season. ALBERTA Hockey lives here!

We’re excited to announce the launch of the new Hockey Alberta Official Store!

What You’ll Find

From everyday essentials to performance gear, the store is packed with:

• Hoodies, T-shirts, and lululemon apparel
• Event-specific designs and league merch
• Accessories, seasonal collections, and specialty items

This store is more than just another temporary pop-up like we’ve done in the past; it’s designed to be the official destination for Hockey Alberta apparel and merchandise. Instead of a small, one-off collection, this store provides full product lines that is continuously refreshed and built to match what athletes, families, and fans want to wear.

By creating a well-rounded mix of everyday lifestyle items, athletic performance gear, and fun accessories, this store gives players, families, and supporters a reason to shop year-round. Make Hockey Alberta a part your daily lives, whether they’re at the rink, in the gym, or out in the community.

SHOP THE COLLECTION TODAY >

Also be sure to check out the AEHL and AFHL stores within the new Hockey Alberta store.

Don’t forget to follow Hockey Alberta on Instagram for promos and giveaways.

Thank you for being part of the Hockey Alberta family. We can’t wait to see you wearing your new gear!