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News

2026 Spring Showcase Dates Announced, Staff Applications Open

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is excited to announce the return of the Spring Showcase in 2026.

The three-week event, which features the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge, and Prospects Cup will be returning to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic in April and May.

For the Alberta Challenge and Prospects Cup, this is the first step for athletes entering into the Team Alberta program.

For Alberta Cup athletes, it is an opportunity for players to showcase their talents in hopes of being invited to U16 Team Alberta Summer Camp and ultimately representing Team Alberta at the 2027 Canada Winter Games.

Prior to the spring competitions, regional tryout camps will be hosted throughout the province for players to register and attend.

2026 Alberta Cup – April 22 – 26

Coach applications open: October 1 – November 5.

The Alberta Cup features male players born in 2011.

Regional camp registration will open on January 6, 2026.

  • Cost: $250.00
  • Includes:
    • 3 virtual sessions from guest speakers to prepare players for regional camp
    • Jersey
    • 4 ice sessions

Regional camps run March 27 – 29, 2026 in Calgary, Red Deer, and Spruce Grove.

AB Cup Coach Applications > | AB Cup Trainer Applications >

Alberta Cup Website >

2026 Alberta Challenge – April 29 – May 3

Coach applications open: October 1 – November 5.

The Alberta Challenge features female players born in 2011 and 2012.

Regional camp registration will open on January 13, 2026.

  • Cost: $250.00
  • Includes:
    • 3 virtual sessions from guest speakers
    • Jersey
    • TBD amount of ice sessions

Regional camps run April 3 - 5 in Cochrane and Beaumont.

AB Challenge Coach Applications > | AB Challenge Trainer Applications > | AB Challenge Apprentice Coach Applications >

Alberta Challenge Website >

2026 Prospects Cup – May 6 – 10

Coach Applications Open: October 1 – November 5

The Prospects Cup features male players born in 2013.

Regional Camp Player Registration will open on January 20, 2026.

  • Cost: $250.00
  • Includes:
    • 3 virtual sessions from guest speakers to prepare players for regional camp
    • Jersey
    • 4 ice sessions

Regional camps run April 10 - 12, 2026 in Calgary, Spruce Grove, Olds, and Vegreville.

Prospects Cup Coach Applications > | Prospects Cup Trainer Applications >

Prospects Cup Website >

News

Tiering: Purpose and Benefits

Tiering is the League process of grouping like-skilled teams together to compete against each other during regular season play.

The number of teams within the league at a given age division will determine the number of tiers/categories that league will operate for the season.

Prior to the start of Tiering Games, each team is given an initial tier placement based on the number of teams within an association at each division. This initial tier place is set forth within the Alberta One Standardized Tiering Grid.

Leagues will schedule a minimum of four (4) tiering games for each team to gauge their competitiveness against other teams. Additional tiering games may be scheduled as needed.

After tiering games, leagues finalize placements using pre-season and tiering game data to create fair and competitive matchups. Tiering is typically completed by mid-November, with regular season play beginning shortly after.

FULL DETAILS ON TIERING >

Ice Times Newsletter

News

Twenty-four Albertans named to NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch List

RED DEER – 24 players from across the province have been named to the NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch list for the 2026 NHL Draft.

Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Daxon Rudolph (Lacombe) and University of North Dakota defenceman Keaton Verhoeff (Fort Saskatchewan) both earned an ‘A’ rating, a rating indicating players who are projected to be taken in the first round of the NHL draft. Defenceman Ben Macbeath (Calgary) and forward Cooper Williams (Calgary) earned a ‘B’ rating, meaning that a player is projected to be selected in the second or third round.

Players with ‘C’ rating are projected to go in the fourth or fifth round, while the ‘W’ rating indicates players projected to be sixth- or seventh-round candidates.

The full list of Albertans named to the Players to Watch List can be found below:

Name

Hometown

Position

Team

League

Rating
Daxon Rudolph Lacombe Defence Prince Albert WHL A
Keaton Verhoeff Fort Saskatchewan Defence University of North Dakota NCAA A
Ben Macbeath Calgary Defence Calgary WHL B
Cooper Williams Calgary Forward Saskatoon WHL B
Sawyer Dingman Edmonton Forward Swift Current WHL C
Jordan Duguay Edmonton Forward Portland WHL C
Dermot Johnston Olds Defence Prince George WHL C
Caelan Joudrey Airdrie Forward Wenatchee WHL C
Brayden Klimpke Calgary Defence Saskatoon WHL C
Kayden Lemire Edmonton Forward Prince George WHL C
Will McLaughlin Canmore Defence Portland WHL C
Zach Olsen Calgary Forward Saskatoon WHL C
Parker Snell St. Albert Goalie Edmonton WHL C
Riley Boychuk Cochrane Forward Prince Albert WHL W
Bennett Kelly Cochrane Defence Prince Albert WHL W
Matthew Kondro St. Albert Goalie Lloydminster AJHL W
Cameron Kuzma St. Albert Forward Seattle WHL W
Julien Maze Edmonton Forward Regina WHL W
Kadon McCann Cochrane Forward Medicine Hat WHL W
Aaron Obobaido Calgary Forward Vancouver WHL W
Brett Olson Spruce Grove Forward Vancouver WHL W
Cruz Pavao Calgary Forward Tri-City WHL W
Nolan Stewart Edmonton Forward Victoria WHL W
Jordan Switzer Edmonton Goalie Medicine Hat WHL W

Team Alberta

Coaching Staffs Announced for Team Alberta North at 2026 Arctic Winter Games

RED DEER - Team Alberta North has announced their respective bench staff for the Junior Female and U15 Male teams.

Kevin Kuryluk leads the way behind the Male bench as the Head Coach, heading into his third Arctic Winter Games. Joining Kuryluk as assistant coaches are Ian Krauskopf and Jordan McTaggart. All three coaches currently spend their time behind the benches of Grande Prairie clubs at multiple levels.

About Kevin Kuryluk:

I grew up playing my Minor Hockey in Hines Creek and Fairview, AB. I was lucky enough to play with Team AB North at the 1994 Arctic Winter Games in Slave Lake, AB. I then moved to Bonnyville where I played 3 seasons with the Pontiacs. During the course of 3 seasons I wore a letter for 2 of those seasons and won the leagues best defensive forward twice and one presidents award. I then moved my talents to Sait in Calgary Alberta where I spent two seasons playing and going to school acquiring a Business Administration Diploma.

Once my career in Hockey came to a close as a player I turned my sights to Coaching and getting involved in my communities. I spent multiple years Coaching a variety of levels at Clairmont Minor Hockey, Grovedale Minor Hockey and Grande Prairie Minor Hockey. I have held board positions with multiple associations and currently and Coaching U13 AA in Grande Prairie.

This will be my 3rd Arctic Winters Games as a staff member. We won Silver in the 2023 Arctic Winter Games in Fort McMurray and won Gold at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Mat-Su, Alaska.

I am looking forward to guiding another great group of players at this years Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, YK.

Kevin Kuryluk

About Ian Krauskopf:

I coach for many reasons but the number one reason I coach is because I enjoy watching the kids develop and grow their on and off ice skills as well as fostering their love of the game. I work hard to make sure that the players are getting the most out of themselves and are enjoying the game and process. I enjoy the day to day personal improvement that is required to be good at coaching youth. I appreciate the challenge of improving my skills and in turn the skills of the players I coach a little bit every day.

The Arctic Winter games are an amazing experience for both coaches and players involved in the program. I look forward to getting to know the players that are selected to represent Alberta this year. I know that this experience will be something that they remember fondly as they move through their hockey journey and beyond.

Ian Krauskopf

About Jordan McTaggart:

I grew up and played all my minor hockey in Grande Prairie. I went on to play three years with the Grande Prairie Storm in the AJHL and spent my last seasons as an assistant captain with the team. I studied a Bachelor of Physical Education while playing 5 years in the ACAC splitting time between Red Deer College and UofA Augustana. My coaching includes two years the the U18 AAA team in Grande Prairie and now in my second season as Assistant Coach with the Grande Prairie Storm Junior A team.

Jordan McTaggart

On the Female side, Brett Stephenson takes charge as the head coach for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games. Stephenson is currently the Technical Director for Grande Prairie Minor Hockey and the ACAC NWP Women’s Hockey Head Coach. Karsyn Utz and Ryan Perry join him on the bench as assistants. Utz played in two years of the Arctic Winter Games from 2023-24 and is now an assistant coach with PCAFC U15AA in the Alberta Female Hockey League. Perry is a newcomer to the Arctic Winter Games, but has spent many years working with Sexsmith and Grande Prairie Minor Hockey.

About Brett Stephenson:

Since I finished playing, I always wanted to stay in the game that I loved. Coaching now is ingrained in everything I do. Development is my primary focus for our players in the system.

Brett Stephenson

About Karsyn Utz:

I’ve grown up and played hockey for 14 years in and around Grande Prairie. I played 4 years for the PCFAC Storm and 1 year for the U18 AAA Jr. Oilers.


I also played 2 years for Team Alberta North in the Arctic Winter Games from 2023-2024. My first year attending we played in Fort McMurray and my second year in Alaska where I had the honour of leading the team as captain. Unfortunately I tore my Acl and Meniscus in the gold medal game in Alaska which ultimately made me decide to end my playing career after 14 years. I’ve always loved the game of hockey and giving back in any way I can, so after I recovered from surgery I decided I still wanted to be very involved in the hockey world and I took on coaching full time.


I started up my coaching journey back in my first year of U18 working with one of Grande Prairies power skating coaches, Tanya Chomyc and her business, Power Plus Hockey. My first full season of coaching started in 2024 as an assistant coach for the PCFAC U13AA Storm team here in Grande Prairie where we had a successful season and placed 4th in provincials. I now have moved up an age group and am an assistant coach for the PCFAC U15AA Storm.


I’m very excited to get started and help out in this upcoming Arctic Winter Games!

Karsyn Utz

About Ryan Perry:

I grew up playing my Minor Hockey in Sexsmith, AB and ended up joining the board and starting my coaching with Sexsmith Minor Hockey. I have spent that past 10 years Coaching teams and helping teams out with Goaltending development. Working with Community and Tiered teams all the way up to AAA teams in and around Grande Prairie. This will be my first time working with Team Alberta North as a staff member and I am excited to get things rolling with this years team as we prepared for Whitehorse 2026.

Ryan Perry

Both teams are also led by Blake Cosgrove; Director of Operations & Manager, Elite Hockey Development at Hockey Alberta. Selection camps for the Arctic Winter Games will take place on November 28 in Fairview for the male team, and December 5 in Manning for the female team.

Hockey Alberta Foundation

2025 Glencross Charity Invitational

On October 21, players, fans, and community members will come together once again for the annual Glencross Invitational Charity Hockey Tournament, proudly presented by the Flames Foundation and ATB.

This one of a kind event brings together four teams, each featuring 15 skaters (including four NHL alumni) and a goalie, led by celebrity coaches who bring energy, skill, and a whole lot of fun to the ice. Celebrities this year include Curtis Glencross, Colin Patterson, Doug Hicks, Craig Weller, Robyn Regehr, Rene Corbet, Tim Hunter, Lindsay Carson, Kris Kolanos, Ryan Stone, Brett Carson, Dana Murzyn, Chris Dingman, Noah Welch, Steve MacIntyre, Troy Brouwer, Jay Beagle, Brent Krahn, Scott Reid, Lanny Mcdonald, and Ron Stren.

After the final whistle, players and guests will swap their sticks for cards at the charity fun poker event, continuing the excitement while raising funds for two incredible causes: the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community program and the Ronald McDonald House.

Curtis Glencross, Flames NHL alumni, shared how the event came to life and why it continues to mean so much to him and his family.

“Throughout my playing career, we were always involved in supporting various charities. During my time with the Flames my wife Tanya and I became involved with the RMH and Children’s Hospital going to all kinds of events like Christmas visits and pumpkin carving just to name a couple,” said Glencross.

He adds, “I’ve been very fortunate for what the game of hockey has done for me and my family, and we believe that every child who wants to play should have the opportunity to do so.”

That belief aligns with the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s vision and its Every Kid Every Community program, which works to remove barriers and create opportunities for all children to experience the game.

Over the years, the Glencross Charity Invitational has grown into a signature event in Central Alberta, combining the love of the game with the spirit of community. Each year, it helps make a lasting impact on families and youth across the province, proving that when hockey gives back, everyone wins.

GAME SCHEDULE - GARY W. HARRIS CENTRE

Game 1 9:00-10:00
Game 2 10:15-11:15
Game 3 11:30-12:30
Game 4 12:45-1:45

Support the cause by entering the 50/50 for your chance to win while helping make a difference!

BUY TICKETS HERE >

Take a look back at the 2024 Glencross Charity Invitational:

WATCH VIDEO >

Glencross says, “every year we are so thankful to have so many great supporters. We all come together, play a little hockey, enjoy an evening playing some cards, and support two great charity’s.”

This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and everyone who continues to make the Glencross Charity Invitational a success year after year. (Add Sponsor Graphic here)

News

New Hockey Season, New Team: Take the Player Pledge and Online Player Education Program

October 8 - Hockey Alberta is excited to relaunch the Player Pledge and Online Player Education Program for the 2025-26 season, inspiring teams across the province to continue building a culture of inclusion, respect, and leadership in the game we all love.

Originally piloted during the 2023-24 season the Player Pledge encouraged teams competing in Provincials to take action in promoting positive change. Last season, we made the intentional change in the Pledge to go from “It starts with me” to “It starts with us”.

Carlia Schwab, Manager, EDI and SafeSport declares “It starts with us’ is more than a slogan, it’s a shared responsibility. When teams commit to respect, safety, and inclusion, they’re not just shaping how the game is played, they’re shaping how young athletes grow. Hockey has the power to teach resilience, build connection, and create space for every player to feel seen and supported, on and off the ice”.

In addition, as part of Hockey Alberta’s commitment towards achieving positive environments through addressing and wanting to remove all forms of discrimination and maltreatment from Hockey, we have created a Player Education Program.

In partnership with the WHL and their Respect in Hockey virtual program and platform, Hockey Alberta has developed our own version of an Online Player Education Program that seeks to help build awareness and education to help enhance players skills.

“All season we preached the importance of being a good teammate, a good person, and most of all respecting the game and everyone involved. The Pledge and the online player education program backed that up, and they [the team] slowly began to realize the importance of this” said the Bow Valley Timberwolves U18AA (Cochrane), a team that participated in the program last season.

Players Pledge

This season, we’re calling on all teams, players, and member organizations to take part in the Hockey Alberta Player Pledge and help build a safer, more respectful, and inclusive hockey community.

The pledge is more than words, it’s a commitment to:

  • Play and act with respect, on and off the ice.
  • Create welcoming spaces for everyone in the game.
  • Lead by example in promoting safety, inclusion, and positivity.

Online Players Education Program

This program seeks to help build awareness of key concepts and topics that would enhance our players skills and abilities, encourage respectful interactions and relationships, and contribute to spaces where welcoming, inclusion, safety, fun and respect are at the forefront.

Our hope is that we can give our players the tools and understanding to stand up for others, get help for themselves or someone else, contribute to positive environments and ultimately move away from harmful behaviors and actions like bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

Early Bird Prizing:

  • Teams that submit their Pledge commitment before November 4, 2025 (11.4 Day, Maltreatment Awareness Da) will be entered into a draw to win some awesome prizing from Hockey Alberta including tickets for your team to attend a Flames or Oilers game, a Hockey Alberta prize pack, or a WHL signed jersey.
  • Teams that sign up for the Online Player Education Program prior to November 4, 2025 (11.4 Day, Maltreatment Awareness Day), and who agree to complete the program as a team before December 15th 2025, will be entered into a draw to win some awesome prizing from Hockey Alberta including tickets for your team to attend a Flames or Oilers game, a Hockey Alberta prize pack, or a WHL signed jersey.
  • Bonus Opportunity: 20 teams to sign up are eligible to receive a FREE team-building session with Brock McGillis as part of his Shiftmakers Tour, coming to Alberta this November.

Email [email protected] with any questions, or register your team at the link below.


TEAM REGISTRATION LINK >

News

We Are Coaches - Female-Only Coach Clinics Return to Hockey Alberta

Hockey Alberta is hosting female-only coach clinics in Calgary for the 2025-26 season.

There are three clinics available for the season, all taking place from 6-9 PM at Max Bell Arena. The clinics include Coach 1, Coach 2 and Intro to Principles of Checking.

COACH 1 - OCTOBER 20 >

COACH 2 – NOVEMBER 5 >

PRINCIPLES OF CHECKING - NOVEMBER 10 >

Female-only coach clinics provide an inclusive environment to all female to learn the game and become certified in the necessary clinics.

For questions and information on the upcoming clinics, please contact Danielle Wheeler, Manager, Female Development at [email protected].

Team Alberta

Team Alberta Female selected for 2025 National Women’s Under-18 Championship

RED DEER – Team Alberta has selected the twenty athletes representing Team Alberta Female at the 2025 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, November 2-8, taking place in Mount Pearl and Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador.

This year’s roster consists of two goalies, six defence and twelve forwards. Five players on this year’s squad also represented Alberta at the 2024 Championship in Quispamsis, NB, and are returning for another run at the championship.

Seven communities across Alberta are represented in this year’s squad, including Edmonton, Calgary, Airdrie, Sherwood Park, Lloydminster, Rocky Mountain House and Strathmore.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S U18 ROSTER >

Team Alberta’s selection process included the U18 Summer Camp in July in Red Deer with 46 players involved in on and off-ice sessions and three scrimmages. A shortlist of 28 took part in the Team Alberta Fall Camp in Red Deer which included games against USports women’s teams (University of Alberta and University of Calgary).

Staff members of this year’s team are Josh Gosling (Chestermere), Head Coach; Mandy Layden (Drayton Valley), Assistant Coach; Craig Perrett (Calgary), Assistant Coach; Tatum Amy (Calgary), Video Coach; Jamond Cardinal (Edmonton), Goalie Coach; Megan Sehn (Medicine Hat), Therapist; Brady Park (Red Deer), Equipment Manager; Rob Dawson (St. Albert), Coach Mentor and Michael Kraichy (Red Deer); Director of Operations.

Team Alberta begins its tournament on November 2 against British Columbia. The team’s full schedule can be found below, with times listed in Mountain Time.

November 2

Alberta vs British Columbia

4 PM

November 3

Atlantic vs Alberta

4 PM

November 4

Alberta vs Quebec

11 AM

November 6

Quarterfinals

TBD

November 7

Semifinals/5th Place Game/7th Place Game

TBD

November 8

Bronze Medal Game

11:30 AM

November 8

Gold Medal Game

3:30 PM