Membership Monday: Inside the 2025 Strathcona Classic

Strathcona Minor Hockey Association hosts many great events throughout the hockey season. One that brings the entire community together in a way that few tournaments can is the Strathcona Classic. What started as a simple weekend of hockey has grown into one of the most anticipated celebrations within the association uniting players, families, coaches, and volunteers from every division. The 2025 Strathcona Classic was no exception, showcasing what makes minor hockey so special is connection, culture, and community.

What truly sets the Strathcona Classic apart is the intentional structure behind the on ice experience. Instead of traditional team entry, players from across all divisions are drafted into mixed teams, creating line combinations that ensure competition stays fair and fun for everyone.

“We work really, really hard on setting the lines so they’re comparable and equal,” Steve Blink President of SMHA explained. “We even put colour coordinated stickers on helmets so each line is instantly identifiable. Then we have a buzzer that goes every 75 seconds, making sure like plays with like.”

This thoughtful approach means Tier 1 skaters are matched with Tier 1, Tier 2 with Tier 2, and so on, ensuring players of all skill levels can enjoy the game without mismatches. Still, everyone plays together under one team banner.

The tournament’s name isn’t an accident. The “Strathcona Classic” was created not only as an annual celebration but also as a way to honour the rich history of the association.

Strathcona Minor Hockey began as an amalgamation of the Ardrossan, Fultonvale, Tofield, and Josephburg hockey communities. Later, the Strathcona Sabres joined the legacy through the junior division. Today, every team in the Classic represents one of these founding groups wearing their colours, carrying their flags, and learning the history of the program they now belong to.

“It connects the kids to something bigger than themselves. They take pride in representing the founding members of Strathcona Minor Hockey.” Natalie Williams General Manager of SMHA.

The Strathcona Classic is a celebration atmosphere like no other. What happens off the ice is just as important as what happens on it. Unlike traditional tournaments where families show up for the game and quickly head home, the Strathcona Classic transforms the entire rink into a weekend festival.

“We’ve got five or six hundred people in the lobby at all times. It’s a big party.” Blink said. The weekend includes activities like a live DJ playing all day, photo booth and on site entertainment, balloon artists and glitter tattoo stations, visits from the Edmonton Oil Kings mascot, a free pancake breakfast, a parent party, and more.

“The kids don’t want to go home,” Blink laughed. “Parents are dragging them out at the end of the night. That’s what makes this event special it’s truly a social event, not just a hockey tournament.”

The heart of the Strathcona Classic is connection. Whether it’s players forming friendships across divisions, parents sharing laughs in the lobby, or volunteers coming together to build something meaningful, the event creates a sense of belonging that lasts far beyond the weekend.

“It’s about building a community. Creating an avenue for kids and families to interact. It becomes the highlight of the season not because of the hockey alone, but because of the experience” Williams explains.

Blink and Williams both agreed that building an event of this scale takes time, resources, and commitment. In the early years, it was a significant investment.

“But it was an investment in shaping our culture,” Williams shared. “Now, as people have come to appreciate the event, the 50/50 and raffle tables help offset costs. Once it gains traction, it almost pays for itself.”

Their advice for other associations is to “be patient. It may take a couple of years to catch on, but the results are worth it. You create something powerful for your membership something that brings everyone together, no matter the tier or division.”

The Strathcona Classic has become more than a tournament, it’s a tradition. A celebration of inclusivity, history, and community spirit. A reminder that minor hockey is as much about relationships and memories as it is about goals and games.

Across Alberta, hockey teams are embracing the spirit of the season and showing what it truly means to give back. From food drives and toy collections to senior support and animal welfare initiatives, players are stepping beyond the rink to make a meaningful difference in their communities. This holiday season, Hockey Alberta is proud to celebrate the teams who continue to demonstrate leadership, kindness, and compassion proving that the impact of our game extends far beyond the ice.

Drumheller U18A Raptors

The Drumheller U18A Raptors joined the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas food drive, collecting donations from doorsteps throughout the community. Players gathered and delivered items to the Salvation Army Church, where they were sorted and prepared for families in need. Their efforts reflect the strong community spirit in Drumheller, where local groups and volunteers support one another year-round especially during the holidays.

U18AAA Rocky Mountain Raiders

The U18AAA Rocky Mountain Raiders partnered with MyCityCares and the Shop of Wonders to help prepare the organization’s new holiday location. This season, the team is also collecting toys and food donations at the AFHL Rivalry Week Series game on December 6. Their goal is to help ease the financial strain many families face during the holidays and ensure every child experiences the joy of the season.

U13AA Lloydminster Blazers

During their November 29 home game against the St. Albert Saints, the U13AA Lloydminster Blazers hosted a toy drive in support of “The Gift of Christmas,” led by The Olive Tree and New Country 95.9. Both teams, along with their families and fans, contributed new unwrapped toys that will be distributed to families across the community. Their generosity will help brighten the holidays for children in need.

U15 ST602 Strathcona Warriors

The U15 ST602 team embraced the season of giving by partnering with the Northern Alberta Society of Animal Protection to build 75 insulated cat houses. These shelters will support feral cat communities and rescue organizations throughout the winter, providing safety and warmth during Alberta’s coldest months.

U18AA Wainwright Wainalta Polar Kings

The U18AA Polar Kings raised more than $2,000 for Movember by growing their moustaches throughout November. Their efforts support awareness and funding for men’s mental health and prostate cancer, demonstrating their commitment to meaningful causes both on and off the ice.

U18AA SPKAC Oilers

The SPKAC U18AA Oilers swapped skates for ladles as they spent an evening preparing soup for the Operation Friendship Seniors Society. This hands-on initiative helped support Edmonton seniors who rely on the organization for meals, social connection, and essential services. Players worked together chopping vegetables and learning about the challenges many seniors face. Their contribution provided not only nourishment, but also a reminder that the community cares.

U15AA MLAC TRAXX

This season, the U15AA MLAC TRAXX team participated in a toy drive for Santa’s Anonymous and adopted a large family for a holiday hamper. Players will shop for gifts and essential items before delivering the hamper on December 20. Their efforts aim to ensure families in their community experience a warm and joyful holiday season.

Thank you to all the teams who continue to give back this season. Your efforts are creating meaningful change in communities across Alberta. If your team has a story to share, we want to hear it. Whether you’ve already completed a community initiative or are planning one soon, we invite you to tell us what inspired your group, who you supported, and the impact it had on your players, families, and community. Together, we can celebrate the incredible ways hockey is making a difference beyond the rink.

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RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the team staffs that will be behind the bench for the 2026 Spring Showcase, which features the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge, and Prospects Cup.

The three-week event is hosted at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic in April and May. The Alberta Cup runs from April 22-26, the Alberta Challenge runs from April 29-May 3, and the Prospects Cup runs from May 6-10.

Alberta Cup

The staffing complement for each team includes a director of operations, coach mentor, head coach, two assistant coaches and a therapist. The Alberta Cup is a core Hockey Alberta Elite Development program that allows athletes, staff and on-ice officials an opportunity for growth for the next step in their hockey journey. 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.

The province is divided into North, Central and South regions, with two teams selected from each region. Male athletes born in 2011 and playing in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned program are eligible to tryout.

Registration for regional camps opens on January 6. Regional camps will take place March 27-29 in Calgary, Red Deer, and Spruce Grove.

Listing of team staff is below. Unlisted roles will be announced at a future date.

Alberta Cup Website >

Alberta Green (Calgary) 

 
Alberta Red (Calgary) 

 
Alberta Black (Red Deer) 

 
Alberta Blue (Red Deer) 

 
Alberta Gold (Spruce Grove) 

 
Alberta Grey (Spruce Grove) 

 
Hockey Alberta Staff 

Alberta Challenge

The staffing complement for each team includes a director of operations, head coach, mentor coach, two assistant coaches, apprentice coach and therapist. The Alberta Challenge is a core Hockey Alberta Female Development program that allows athletes, staff and on-ice officials an opportunity for growth for the next step in their hockey journey.

The province is divided into North and South regions, with three teams selected from each region. Female athletes born in 2011 and 2012, playing in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned program, are eligible to try out.

Regional Camp registration opens on January 13. Regional camps will take place April 3-5 in Cochrane and Beaumont.

Listing of the director of operations, coach mentors and therapists will be announced closer to the Alberta Challenge.

Alberta Challenge Website >

South Black 

South Green 

 
South Grey 

 
North Blue 

 
North Red 

 
North Yellow 

 
Hockey Alberta Staff 

Prospects Cup

The staffing complement for each team includes a director of operations, a coach mentor, a head coach, two assistant coaches, and a trainer. The Prospects Cup is a core Hockey Alberta Development program that allows athletes, staff and on-ice officials an opportunity for growth into the next steps of their hockey journey.

The province is divided into four regions, with two teams selected from each region. Male athletes born in 2013 and playing in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned program are eligible to try out.

Regional Camp registration opens on January 20. Regional camps will take place April 10-12 in Calgary, Olds, Vegreville, and Edmonton.

Listing of team staff are below, unlisted roles will be announced closer to the Prospects Cup.

North Grey (Vegreville) 

 
North Teal (Vegreville) 

 
Capital Green (Edmonton) 

 
Capital Purple (Edmonton) 

 
South Gold (Olds) 

 
South Black (Olds) 

Calgary White

Calgary Red

 
Hockey Alberta Staff 

RED DEER – Seventeen athletes are representing Team Alberta North in the U15 Male division at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, March 8-15.

The final roster was determined after selection camp on November 28 in Fairview.

The team will consist of two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards, including two members who competed in the Prospects Cup. Forward Sawyer Howrish competed in the 2025 Prospects Cup on North Blue, while defenseman William Senkow competed on North Blue in the 2024 Prospects Cup.

ROSTER >

To be eligible for the Arctic Winter Games, athletes must reside north of the 55^th parallel to be eligible for Team Alberta North.

The team is led by head coach Kevin Kuryluk, while assistant coaches Ian Krauskopf and Jordan McTaggart (Grande Prairie) join him on the bench.

Team Alberta North U15 Male participates in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for the medal-round pairings in hopes of qualifying for the playoffs to compete for the gold ulu.

In 2024, Alaska hosted the Games with the U15 Male team winning the gold ulu in their event.

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