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Hockey Alberta Foundation

Give the Gift of Hockey This Giving Tuesday

December 2, 2025 - Giving Tuesday is a reminder of the power of generosity, community, and creating opportunities for others. For the Hockey Alberta Foundation, it represents something we strive for year-round, to inspire Every Kid and Every Community’s passion for hockey and raising money so every child in Alberta has the chance to experience the joy of hockey, often for the very first time.

This Giving Tuesday, we’re inviting Albertans to “Give the Gift of Hockey” because your donation today creates lifelong memories tomorrow. By visiting the Hockey Alberta Foundation donation page and giving the price of a cup of coffee, you can make a meaningful impact. If your minor hockey team is choosing a charity to support this season or if your family wants to help more kids step onto the ice for the very first time, this is your chance to make an impact close to home. Every dollar helps Alberta kids play the game we all love.

“Seeing the Foundation bring people together to support a cause that means so much to Albertans is incredibly special,” said Michelle, Manager of Foundation and Events. “Watching the impact these programs have on families and communities is exactly why we do what we do. That’s why we’re raising funds to break down barriers so every kid and every community has the chance to play hockey”.

Last year, the Hockey Alberta Foundation invested over $419,000 into programs, partners, and initiatives designed to get more kids on the ice across the province. These investments translate into real moments and meaningful memories: a child lacing up skates for the first time, a family accessing equipment they otherwise couldn’t afford, a young leader building confidence through mentorship, or a newcomer discovering hockey in a welcoming environment.

At the heart of this effort is the Every Kid Every Community (EKEC) Program, launched in 2011 with a simple but powerful mission: to provide a pathway to hockey for any child in Alberta who wants to play. Your support helps remove barriers, expand access, and build inclusive, welcoming programs in communities across the province.

When you make a donation, big or small, you become a Teammate of the Hockey Alberta Foundation. Teammates are people who believe in the potential of every child, understand the value of sport, and want to help create positive experiences that extend far beyond the rink. Your support ensures children and families across Alberta can experience hockey in a safe, fun, and meaningful way. For many, hockey becomes more than a sport it becomes a community, a source of confidence, and a place to grow.

The impact of these programs can be felt across Alberta. Parents and participants see firsthand the difference that donor support makes:

“The hockey program has been a blessing to our family,” said Melissa, EKEC grant participants’ parent. “We are a large family living on one income and this program gave our kids the chance to play a sport they love. They’ve made friendships and developed skills that will have a lasting impact.”

As we celebrate Giving Tuesday, we encourage Albertans to join us in creating lasting impact. Every donation supports more opportunities, more smiles, and more children stepping onto the ice some for the very first time.

Together, we can ensure that every kid, in every community, has the chance to play.

DONATE HERE >

News

Hockey Alberta Launches Inaugural AFHL Rivalry Week Presented by ATB

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is proud to launch the inaugural AFHL Rivalry Week presented by ATB, a new pilot initiative created to spotlight the competitive spirit, talent, and growth of female hockey across Alberta.

Inspired by the excitement surrounding the Canada vs. USA Women’s National Team Rivalry Series taking place in Edmonton this December, Rivalry Week brings that same energy to local rinks across the province. The initiative aims to elevate key matchups, celebrate established regional rivalries, and engage communities in showcasing the passion and intensity that define female hockey in Alberta.

Showcasing Alberta’s Top Rivalries

Running from December 5–14, Rivalry Week will feature matchups across every division of the AFHL. Four U18 AAA marquee games, chosen as the primary showcases for the pilot year, will take centre stage on December 6:

  • Edmonton Jr. Oilers White vs. St. Albert Slash – Bill Hunter Arena
  • Calgary Fire Black vs. Calgary Fire Red – Great Plains 2 Arena
  • Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs vs. Rocky Mountain Raiders – Viking Rental Green Arena
  • Lloydminster Steelers vs. Sherwood Park Reign – Tofield Arena

Connecting Rivalry Week to the National Stage

In partnership with Hockey Canada, AFHL Rivalry Week will also feature special activations surrounding the Canada vs. USA Rivalry Series in Edmonton, including:

  • Hockey Alberta Hockey House Presented by ATB

Join us for game two of the Rivalry Series at the Hockey Alberta Hockey House presented by ATB, a high-energy celebration of the female game! Before the puck drops, minor hockey teams attending the game and their families are invited to experience an interactive and inspiring space filled with giveaways, contests, draws, and engaging activations from our partners. This vibrant pre-game hub will showcase the growth and excitement of female hockey across Alberta. Plus, don’t miss the unforgettable Rally Tunnel, where fans and minor hockey players can cheer on and high-five Team Canada’s stars as they make their way into the venue. The Hockey Alberta Hockey House, presented by ATB, is the ultimate pre-game destination, a celebration of community, connection, and the power of the female game.

Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Open Hours: 4:00pm to 6:00pm (2 hours before puck drop)

  • Ticket Giveaway Presented by ATB

ATB, in partnership with Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada, will award 25 tickets for both the December 10 and December 13 Rivalry Series games. Winning teams will enjoy an exclusive opportunity to high-five Team Canada as players take the ice at Rogers Place. Contest runs from Nov. 21st to Dec. 5th.

How it works:

  • A hockey team can enter by visiting our contest post and commenting the name of a teammate.
  • By doing so, they’ll be entered for a chance to win 25 tickets to the game for themselves and their team.
  • Female Coaches Clinic

A female coaches professional development session will be held on December 13th as part of AFHL Rivalry Week, presented by ATB and the Canada vs USA Rivalry Series. Registration includes: two presentations, a panel discussion, dinner and a ticket to game #2 of the Canada vs USA Rivalry Series.

Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Open Hours: 2:00pm to 7:00pm

There are still spots to register!

Registration link

  • Female Hockey Champions Recognition

Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, will welcome and recognize Female Champions in an event before the Rivalry Series game on December 13th.

ATB Statement on Supporting Female Hockey

"ATB is thrilled to cheer on the incredible athletes competing in the Alberta Female Hockey League’s Rivalry Week! Female hockey is one of the fastest-growing sports in Alberta, and the momentum is undeniable—with registration numbers soaring by over 18% in the last five years, this sport is building strong leaders on and off the ice. We are proud to partner with Hockey Alberta to support and help accelerate that growth, and we wish all the teams the best of luck in what promises to be an electric week of competition."

A Celebration of Competition, Community, and Growth

Hockey Alberta is thrilled to launch this initiative, offering a province-wide celebration of female hockey. This event gives us the opportunity to shine a light on our athletes, highlight meaningful rivalries across the province, and celebrate the game on both a local and national stage.

News

New Board for Hockey Alberta

The 118th Annual Hockey Alberta General Meeting, held virtually on November 27, saw members elect Directors to the Board and celebrated the retirement of the outgoing Chair. In the subsequent first meeting of the new Board it welcomed a new Chair.

During the AGM, Hockey Alberta’s members elected four Directors to three-year terms including two incumbents - Allan Mowbray (Calgary), Danielle Paradis (Edmonton), Rod Wasylyshyn (Edmonton), and Steven Phipps (Edmonton).

Allan Mowbray
Danielle Paradis
Steven Phipps
Rod Wasylyshyn

This year marks the first time the Board of Directors has elected the Chair, following the new bylaw changes implemented in 2024 that transitioned the Chair appointment from member election to board appointment. The Board met following the AGM and elected the new Chair - Allan Mowbray. His leadership experience and commitment to the sport will help guide the organization as it continues to support athletes, members, coaches, officials, volunteers, and communities across Alberta.

“I am honoured to step into the role of Chair of Hockey Alberta and to continue working alongside this dedicated Board. Since joining in 2017, I have learned a great deal from leaders such as Len Samletzki and Terry Engen, whose commitment to the game has shaped our direction. Throughout my time with Hockey Alberta, I have championed the need to refine and strengthen our governance practices, and as Chair, I look forward to building on that foundation and continuing to move our organization forward,” said Mowbray.

This AGM marked an emotional and meaningful milestone as Hockey Alberta recognized the retirement of Len Samletzki. He has been a steady, highly respected leader within the hockey community, known for his dedication, thoughtful decision-making, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that hockey remains accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all participants. His contributions have left a lasting imprint on the organization.