RED DEER - The Hockey Alberta Foundation is proud to recognize the Glencross Invitational Charity Roughtstock Event as its TEAMMATE of the Month for September.

Spearheaded by former NHL player Curtis Glencross, the sixth annual event ran on August 25, raising money for the Every Kid Every Community program, as well as Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta. The portion of the proceeds donated to the Hockey Alberta Foundation is done so through the Glencross Legacy Fund.

“The Glencross Charity Roughstock Event stands strongly behind the Hockey Alberta Foundation, and the Every Kid Every Community program, which is all about eliminating barriers and getting kids into the game of hockey,” said Curtis Glencross. “Sports are a stepping stone in teaching kids the values of hard work, commitment and teamwork in order to achieve success in life. Hopefully through our support we can have an impact on the kids we help in the right direction, as sports are not only about physical activity and having fun, but also life lessons in cooperation, sportsmanship, and dealing with adversity”

The Hockey Alberta Foundation would like to thank the Glencross Invitational Charity Roughstock Event for their support of the Every Kid Every Community program, and for being a great TEAMMATE!

RED DEER – The Every Kid Every Community program has over $100,000 coming its way, thanks to the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Awards Gala and Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic, presented by ATB Investor Services.

The three-day fundraising event in Canmore began on July 23 with the AHHF Awards Gala at the Coast Hotel, which raised just over $9,100 through a wine pull, silent auction, and live auction.

The 12^th annual HAF Golf Classic, presented by ATB Investor Services, ran July 24^th and 25^th at the Stewart Creek Golf Club, bringing in more than $92,000 – a large part of that coming from the Talking Goalie’s fundraising effort.

The Talking Goalie (Rob Kerr from Sportsnet 960 in Calgary) withstood a barrage of shots from golfers throughout the day, raising $10,100, with challengers opting to show their support to either the Calgary Flames or Edmonton Oilers. The Calgary Flames Foundation then tripled the amount raised in their name, and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation doubled the amount raised in their name, bringing the grand total of funds raised by the Talking Goalie to $26,300.

The Hockey Alberta Foundation would like to thank all those who showed their support for the Hockey Alberta Foundation and Every Kid Every Community program, helping to get more kids across the province into hockey. A special thank-you goes out to the Flames Foundation and Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation for their charity challenge contributions. The Foundation would also like to thank its title sponsor, ATB Investor Services, key contributing sponsors Vada Capital, Quinn’s Energy, Collins Barrow, ATB Financial, and the Western Hockey League, and in-kind sponsors Golf Town and Freeman Audio Visual for their continued support.

For photos from both events, click here.

CANMORE – “This has been the best day of my life.”

In nine words, one of the 33 participants summed up the 2017 Rinks to Links program, hosted by the Hockey Alberta Foundation on July 25 in Canmore.

The participants were youths from Calgary, most of whom had never played golf or skated before, and it was a day none will ever forget.

The day started with a bus trip to Canmore, where the kids hit the driving range and putting green at the Stewart Creek Golf Club, with a lesson from the course professionals.

After lunch, the group made the quick trip over to the Canmore Recreation Centre, where each participant was outfitted with a full set of hockey equipment, provided by Comrie’s Sports Equipment Bank in Calgary.

The kids then hit the ice for a one-hour introduction to hockey, with instruction from Hockey Alberta staff, and numerous volunteers, including members and staff of the Canmore Eagles.

There was plenty of positive feedback from the kids after the event, including “First time I’ve ever felt like I was part of a team”, “I have never been on a road trip that was so cool,” and “best thing that has ever happened to me.”

On behalf of all Rinks to Links participants, the Hockey Alberta Foundation would like to thank presenting sponsor, ATB Investor Services, as well as SportCentral in Edmonton, Tundra Process Solutions, Stewart Creek Golf Club and the Canmore Eagles for their support.

For photos from the event, click here.

CANMORE - Five outstanding individuals, and perhaps one of the most celebrated families in all of hockey comprise the 2017 Induction Class for the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame (AHHF).

Mel Davidson, Bill Hay, Tony Kollman, Perry Pearn, Glen Sather, and the entire Sutter family were enshrined in Alberta’s hockey history on Sunday night at the AHHF Awards Gala, held at the Coast Hotel in Canmore.

Mel Davidson is probably best known for her work behind the bench of the Canadian Women’s national team that won Olympic gold medals in 2002 (Salt Lake City, Assistant Coach), 2006 (Torino, Head Coach), and 2010 (Vancouver, Head Coach). She was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 2011. Click here for Davidson’s full bio.

Bill Hay arguably enjoyed a hall of fame career at the junior, collegiate and professional levels, with many significant achievements over his 16 years on the ice. But when his accomplishments and work off-the-ice are included, he has had a major impact on the sport of hockey – in Alberta, across Canada and around the world. Click here for Hay’s full bio.

Few have matched the legacy left by Tony Kollman on amateur hockey in Alberta in the 1960s and 70s. In another era, he might have been a star at the professional level. For Kollman, his profession as a hospital administrator meant that his hockey skills would be largely on display in Alberta, with appearances at the national and international levels. Click here for Kollman’s full bio.

Perry Pearn was a national champion as a player. But it is through his continuing role as a coach at the collegiate, international and NHL levels for more than four decades that he made his biggest impact on the Alberta hockey community. Click here for Pearn’s full bio.

With 18 games remaining in the 1976-77 World Hockey Association season, Glen Sather assumed the dual role of player-coach with the Edmonton Oilers – a rather unheralded start to one of the most successful careers as a head coach, general manager and president in the National Hockey League. To date, Glen has been enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame (1997), the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame (1996), and the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame (2010). Click here for Sather’s full bio.

For any hockey fan in central Alberta, and especially in their hometown of Viking, when you say the names Brent, Brian, Darryl, Duane, Gary, Rich, Ron, Grace and Louis, the last name isn’t necessary. They are, simply, the best known, most recognizable and most famous hockey family in the world – the Sutter Family. Six brothers played in the National Hockey League. Four of them went on to become coaches and/or general managers. Click here for the Sutter family’s full bio.

Sunday’s AHHF Gala kicked off in the afternoon with a VIP reception for the 2017 inductees, and included dinner and the awards presentation. The 2017 Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Awards Gala is presented by the Hockey Alberta Foundation, Hockey Alberta, and ATB Investor Services.

The 2017 Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Awards Gala runs in conjunction with the Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic, a key fundraiser for the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community Program.

The 12^th annual Golf Classic also takes place in Canmore, beginning Monday evening with a special reception for all participants, as well the celebrity golfers. The tournament goes Tuesday at the Stewart Creek Golf Club. Celebrity golfers include Mel Davidson, Perry Pearn, Jamie McLennan, Rob Brown, Curtis Glencross and more. For the 11^th consecutive year, ATB Investor Services is the presenting sponsor of the Golf Classic.

In addition to the Golf Classic, Stewart Creek will also host the first half of the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s annual Rinks to Links program on Tuesday morning, where 30 first-time hockey players will take part in a golf lesson. From there, the participants will head to the Canmore Recreation Centre to be outfitted head-to-toe with new equipment, and take to the ice for the very first time.

The Every Kid Every Community program was launched in 2011, with the goal of ensuring a gateway to play hockey for any child in Alberta who is interested in the sport. The goal is to provide every child in Alberta the opportunity to play hockey, have fun and, in many cases, experience the sport for the first time. Funding through Every Kid Every Community is available to assist amateur sports organizations, minor hockey organizations, youth groups, recreation groups, or any community group with an idea, project or program that helps establish an event or program to get local children active in hockey.

RED DEER - The Hockey Alberta Foundation is proud to recognize ATB Investor Services as its TEAMMATE of the month for July.

ATB Investor Services is a long-time partner of the Hockey Alberta Foundation, and is serving as the title sponsor for the Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic, which runs July 24-25 in Canmore, for the 11^th straight year.

“ATB Investor Services is proud to support the Hockey Alberta Foundation and the Every Kid Every Community Program,” said Chris Turchansky, President of ATB Investor Services. “EKEC gives kids across Alberta a chance to play the great game of hockey, but more importantly it teaches them about teamwork, leadership and the importance of being active."

The Hockey Alberta Foundation would like to thank ATB Investor Services for their support of the Every Kid Every Community program, and for being a great TEAMMATE!

RED DEER - The Hockey Alberta Foundation is proud to recognize Sport Central as its TEAMMATE of the month for June.

The Hockey Alberta Foundation and Sport Central first partnered together in 2014. Sport Central’s goal is to gather, recycle and redistribute sports equipment to children who would otherwise be denied the opportunity to participate in sports, which aligns with the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community program.

"With funding from the (Hockey Alberta) Foundation, over 20 different communities across northern Alberta have received needed sports equipment and support," said Sheldon Oleksyn, Executive Director of Sport Central. "In many of these communities, registrations in Minor Hockey have shot-up overnight as a result. In the rest, hundreds of low-income children without the resources to play have been able to get into the game for the first time. They confirm the fact that accessible equipment means access to the game. Equipment is a key catalyst to participation."

Sport Central was formed in Edmonton in 1991, and has since provided over 125,000 low-income families with the necessary equipment to participate in the sport of their choice.

"Funding by the Hockey Alberta Foundation has extended the reach of Sport Central’s Outreach Program," said Oleksyn. "The Program has fingers across Northern Alberta to communities requesting help to get more disadvantaged children into the game. With Hockey Alberta having connections into every community from Red Deer to the north, and the equipment needs supplied by Sport Central, a joint partnership between us has shown impressive results over the past three years! Thank you Hockey Alberta Foundation for your leadership and initiative!"

The Hockey Alberta Foundation would like to thank Sport Central for their support of the Every Kid Every Community program, and for being a great TEAMMATE!

LETHBRIDGE - The hockey stories were plentiful as Jason Strudwick, Jamie McLennan, and Rob Brown spoke at the Every Kid Every Community Speaker Series in Lethbridge on May 13.

The three former NHL players had their broadcasting chops on display, entertaining the crowd with stories from their past. Rob Kerr from Sportsnet 960 in Calgary served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

The event was hosted by the Hockey Alberta Foundation, in partnership with the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association, and ran in conjunction with the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup. All funds raised will go towards the Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community program, as well as Lethbridge Minor Hockey community initiatives.

"The Every Kid Every Community Speaker Series in Lethbridge was a success, raising both funds and awareness for the EKEC program," said Tim Leer, Executive Director of the Hockey Alberta Foundation. "We are extremely grateful to everyone who attended, our sponsors, Lethbridge Minor Hockey, and of course Jason Strudwick, Jamie McLennan, and Rob Brown for their support."

The Hockey Alberta Foundation would like to thank its presenting sponsor, ATB Investor Services, as well as ATB Financial, Cavendish Farms, and Melcor.

The Every Kid Every Community program was launched in 2011, with the goal of ensuring a gateway to play hockey for any child in Alberta who is interested in the sport. The goal is to provide every child in Alberta the opportunity to play hockey, have fun and, in many cases, experience the sport for the first time.

Funding through Every Kid Every Community is available to assist amateur sports organizations, minor hockey organizations, youth groups, recreation groups, or any community group with an idea, project or program that helps establish an event or program to get local children active in hockey. Hockey is a great way for kids to be active, healthy and surrounded by positive leaders in their community. Keeping kids active in sport helps reduce childhood obesity, creates a safe and fun environment and forms friendships.

RED DEER - The Hockey Alberta Foundation is proud to recognize Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association as its TEAMMATE of the month for May.

The Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association, along with the Hockey Alberta Foundation will be hosting an Every Kid Every Community speaker series in Lethbridge on May 13, in conjunction with the Peewee Prospects Cup. The funds raised from this event will support the EKEC grant program and Lethbridge Minor Hockey initiatives.

"Lethbridge Minor Hockey is happy to support the Hockey Alberta Foundation, because it fits perfectly with our mandate of ’good citizen, good player", as we’re always trying to develop future leaders in our community," said Keith Hitchcock, General Manager of Lethbridge Minor Hockey. "The Every Kid Every Community program allows us to launch new streams of programs that otherwise would not get off the ground without funding from the Hockey Alberta Foundation."

A long time supporter of the Hockey Alberta Foundation, the Hockey Alberta Foundation would like to thank the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association for all they do for kids in and around Lethbridge, and the great partner they’ve been over the years in growing the game. We are proud to have on our team.

Tickets for the EKEC Speaker Series in Lethbridge are still on sale. Tickets are $65 each, or $475 for a table of 8. For more details and ticket information, click here.

RED DEER – The Hockey Alberta Foundation is proud to recognize ATB Financial as its very first Teammate of the Month.

ATB Financial has been a long-standing partner and supporter of the Hockey Alberta Foundation, assisting in getting more kids involved in hockey across the province. In addition to the Hockey Alberta Foundation, ATB Financial has been a long-time partner of Hockey Alberta. After three years as the title sponsor of the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge and Peewee Prospects Cup, ATB just wrapped up its second year as the presenting sponsor of the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships.

"We’re thrilled to partner with the Hockey Alberta Foundation to ensure every kid in every community has a chance to play hockey," said Kris Noble, Manager, Community Initiatives at ATB Financial. "Being a part of the Hockey Alberta Foundation, Hockey Alberta and various other hockey organizations in Alberta over the years, has been a privilege, and we’re looking forward to many more years of working together to make hockey in Alberta even better and more accessible for all.”

Not only does ATB Financial stand strongly behind Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation, but they are a major advocate for hockey in our province in many ways, with numerous partnerships and initiatives in place to celebrate and grow the game in Alberta at the grassroots level.

For these reasons, and more, we would like to thank ATB Financial for being an amazing Teammate!

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation are pleased to announce Brady Bakke and Tricia Van Vaerenbergh as distinguished Future Leaders.

Bakke and Van Vaerenbergh are among the eight post-secondary students accepted into the 2016 Future Leader Development Program, which saw them fill a role during the U16 Male & U16 Female Provincial Camps in Camrose in July 2016. Both were selected as distinguished future leaders for their leadership, professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to give back to the game of hockey.

Bakke, a Red Deer native, is in his second year playing for Concordia University, following three years with the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, and two years of Midget AAA in Red Deer.

Van Vaerenbergh, orginally from Picture Butte, is in her second year at the University of Lethbridge, and previously skated for Team Alberta’s bronze medal-winning team at the U18 Nationals in 2013.

In addition to the original $1,000 scholarship awarded to participants of the program, the two distinguished Future Leaders will each receive an additional $3,000 scholarship.

2017 Future Leaders Development Program

Applications are still being accepted for the 2017 Future Leaders Development Program. The application deadline is April 12, and the FLDP runs April 28-30 in Sylvan Lake.

Apply >

For more information on the Future Leaders Development Program, click here.

RED DEER – Five outstanding individuals, and perhaps one of the most celebrated families in all of hockey comprise the 2017 Induction Class for the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame (AHHF).

Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation announced on Wednesday the 2017 inductees who will be recognized at the AHHF Awards Gala in Canmore:

• Mel Davidson, three-time Olympic gold medalist (Head Coach, Canadian Women’s national team).
• Bill Hay, Stanley Cup champion, and former head of the Hockey Hall of Fame
• Tony Kollman, one of the most noteable senior hockey players of the 1960s
• Perry Pearn, second-winningest coach in ACAC history, including six ACAC championships.
• Glen Sather, former coach, general manager and president of the 5-time Stanley Cup champion Edmonton Oilers
• The Sutter family – Brent, Brian, Darryl, Duane, Gary, Rich, Ron, Grace and Louis.

Inductee Bios >

We invite you to celebrate the legacy of these Alberta hockey legends on Sunday, July 23 at the Coast Hotel in Canmore. For ticket information, click here.

RED DEER – After a cross-province tour with stops at all five of Alberta’s Western Hockey League teams, the Talking Goalie has raised a total of $3100 for the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community program.

With a donation to the EKEC program, WHL fans had the chance to take their best shot on the Talking Goalie (Rob Kerr of Sportsnet 960 The Fan), and whether they silenced him or not, walked away with a commemorative t-shirt courtesy of ATB Financial.

The Hockey Alberta Foundation would like to thank the Western Hockey League, Edmonton Oil Kings, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Calgary Hitmen,Red Deer Rebels and Medicine Hat Tigers for their support, as well as all of the fans who tried to silence the Talking Goalie.

About Every Kid Every Community

The Every Kid Every Community program was launched in 2011, with the goal of ensuring a gateway to play hockey for any child in Alberta who is interested in the sport. The goal is to provide every child in Alberta the opportunity to play hockey, have fun and, in many cases, experience the sport for the first time.

Funding through Every Kid Every Community is available to assist amateur sports organizations, minor hockey organizations, youth groups, recreation groups, or any community group with an idea, project or program that helps establish an event or program to get local children active in hockey. Hockey is a great way for kids to be active, healthy and surrounded by positive leaders in their community. Keeping kids active in sport helps reduce childhood obesity, creates a safe and fun environment and forms friendships.

LETHBRIDGE – The Hockey Alberta Foundation is excited to announce the next installment in the Every Kid Every Community Speaker Series, set for Saturday, May 13 in Lethbridge, featuring Jamie McLennan, Rob Brown and Jason Strudwick.

The lunch event is in support of the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community Program and the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association, and will run in conjunction with the Peewee Prospects Cup.

Tickets are $65 each, or $475 for a table of 8. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. For sponsorship details, click here.

The Hockey Alberta Foundation and Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association would like to thank ATB Investor Services for sponsoring the EKEC Speaker Series, as well as the Guest Speaker Sponsor, ATB Financial.

For ticket or sponsorship information, please contact Tracey Carlson with LHMA at 403-320-0745 or email lmhaprom@telus.net.

Presenter Bios:

Jamie McLennan

The EKEC Speaker Series is a homecoming of sorts for McLennan, who spent three seasons in net for the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL. He went on to play professional hockey for 17 years, including 12 in the NHL for the New York Islanders, St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild, Calgary Flames, New York Rangers, and Florida Panthers.

Following his retirement from the NHL, McLennan was named as the director of goaltender development and a professional scout for the Calgary Flames, and later spent time as a Flames Assistant Coach. He’s since turned his attention to his broadcasting career, serving as a full-time Analyst on TSN and a co-host on TSN Radio 1050’s Overdrive, and is a colour commentator for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, while also lending his time to the NHL Network and The Hockey News.

Rob Brown

After highly-successful four year career in the WHL with Kamloops, Brown played professional hockey from 1987-2003, 11 of those in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings.

His career highlights include setting the WHL records for assists (136) and points (212) in a season, which led to a WHL MVP award, WHL Top Scorer Award, the inaugural WHL Plus-Minus Award, and the CHL Player of the Year award. The following year, Brown won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 1988 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

Brown can now be heard on 630 CHED as an analyst for the Edmonton Oilers, or on Oilers pay-per-view as the colour commentator.

Jason Strudwick

Another former Kamloops Blazer, Strudwick’s 18 year playing career saw him play 14 seasons in the NHL with the New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and his hometown Edmonton Oilers. After retiring from professional hockey, Strudwick found his calling as a broadcaster. He’s a frequent contributor on TSN 1260 in Edmonton, in addition to co-hosting Dinner Television on City TV Edmonton.

RED DEER – The Piper Creek Optimist Club of Red Deer’s Battle of Alberta fundraiser for the Every Kid Every Community program was a major success, with $20,000 going to the Hockey Alberta Foundation.

The event was held Saturday, January 7 at Bo’s Bar and Grill in Red Deer, with Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames fans gathering for a night of hockey, stories, and a chance to win tickets to see the Battle of Alberta in Edmonton on January 14, and in Calgary on January 21.

The night was hosted by Hockey Alberta Foundation Board Member and Afternoon Host on Sportsnet 960 The Fan, Rob Kerr. Special guests Curtis Glencross and Mike Moller were also in attendance, and treated the crowd to a story-telling hot stove, swapping their favourite Battle of Alberta stories.

From left: Mike Moller, Rob Kerr and Curtis Glencross

“We are very humbled by the support the Hockey Alberta Foundation received at the Battle of Alberta fundraiser, both from those in attendance, and all of the sponsors who stepped up for this event,” said Tim Leer, Executive Director of the Hockey Alberta Foundation. “The Piper Creek Optimist Club put on an excellent event in support of Every Kid Every Community, and we are truly thankful to be chosen as the beneficiary.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the success of this event” said Kevin Walsh, President of the Piper Creek Optimist Club. “We’re very proud to support the Hockey Alberta Foundation and the Every Kid Every Community Program, knowing this money will go towards growing the game of hockey in Central Alberta, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.”

Rayna Becker came away with the grand prize of four tickets to see the Oilers and Flames play on January 14, with a tour of Rogers Place (both donated by the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation), with a limo ride to the game from Red Deer and back, while Sam Dolan won the other grand prize of four tickets to see the Flames and Oilers play on January 21, with dinner on the club level of the Scotiabank Saddledome (both donated by the Calgary Flames Foundation), and a limo ride to the game from Red Deer and back.

The Hockey Alberta Foundation would like to thank all of the generous sponsors of this event: the Piper Creek Optimist Club of Red Deer, Bo’s Bar and Grill, Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, Calgary Flames Foundation, ATB Financial, WestJet, Molson Coors Brewing Company, Calgary Hitmen, Red Deer Rebels, McCaw’s Drilling & Blasting Ltd, Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club, Longball Inc, Your Wedding Place, Sheraton-Red Deer, Famoso Red Deer, RYDE RD, Troubled Monk Brewery, Situation Brewing, Village Brewery, Boiling Oar Brewing Company, Alley Kat, Toolshed Brewing, Blindman Brewing, and The Dandy Brewing Company.

FORT MCMURRAY – In the aftermath of devastating wildfires that impacted northeastern Alberta in May, the Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association has emerged as a source of stability for a community filled with uncertainty.

As residents returned to Fort McMurray throughout the summer, following the evacuation of nearly 90,000 people, the community was looking for any signs of normalcy.

“We had a lot of people wondering when hockey was going to start, saying that ‘we need hockey to go, we need hockey,’” said Travis Galenzoski, president of Fort McMurray Minor Hockey. “People were looking to hockey for a calming effect. Spending a day at the arena is normal, it provides an outlet.”

In the early going, though, there weren’t many answers. The fires and evacuation meant the association had not held its annual general meeting. Jerseys and equipment needed to be cleaned or repaired. And then there was an even bigger question – would there be a place to play?

“There was uncertainty in ice availability. Were we going to get our home arena back?” said Galenzoski. “The biggest thing was not knowing. Once we got our arena back, the front of the season was extremely busy and pretty stressful. Thanks to the hard work of our arena manager, operations manager, and a whole lot of volunteers, we made it happen. Other than a bit of a delay in starting evaluations, our players’ hockey experience has not changed.”

Registration numbers are down slightly (about three per cent) for the 2016-17 season. But more than 1,100 players, comprising approximately 60 teams, are on the ice. And the association is hosting Hockey Alberta’s Atom AA Major provincial championships in March.

“This is fantastic. We have managed to put on a hockey program after an 88,000-person evacuation,” said Galenzoski.

To help support minor hockey in the northeast, Fort McMurray minor hockey and players throughout the region are the beneficiaries of $21,500 raised collectively by Hockey Canada, Hockey Alberta, Hockey Canada Foundation and Hockey Alberta Foundation.

The funds include:

• $10,000 from Hockey Canada
  
• $5,000 from the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community grant and player assistance programs
• $5,000 from the Hockey Canada Foundation, and
• $1,500 raised at Hockey Alberta’s 2016 annual general meeting through contributions from Local Minor Hockey Associations across Alberta.

“Our hearts went out to the community and residents of Fort McMurray this summer who faced displacement, devastation, and loss. To see the relentless work of the volunteers of Fort Mac’s hockey community to ensure their players, coaches, officials, and fans all had hockey to turn to this season as they work to rebuild was truly inspiring,” said Tom Renney, president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “Hockey Canada and the Hockey Canada Foundation are proud to contribute to the efforts of the Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association, and to support this resilient community as they move forward from this summer’s devastating fire.”

All funds will go directly towards support the players, families and coaches who were impacted by the devastating forest fires that impacted the region in May. Planned initiatives include supporting ongoing player development programs, implementing a coach development plan in partnership with Hockey Alberta’s Regional Centre network, and player assistance and growing the game initiatives.

“Our biggest area of opportunity is development for our coaches,” said Galenzoski. “We want to invest in our coaches, and we believe that investment in coaching has a direct correlation with player development and participation.”

Player development programming started about six weeks ago, with a goal of having each team participate in 3-5 development sessions. The association is also looking to host division-specific sessions for goaltenders, with mentors coming in to provide development opportunities.

“The Hockey Alberta Foundation, through the Every Kid Every Community program, is proud to play a role in assisting Fort McMurray Minor Hockey continue in its leadership role, not just for hockey, but within the overall community. We look forward to supporting a number of initiatives that will benefit current coaches and players, as well as those who want to play hockey for the first time,” said Tim Leer, executive director of the Hockey Alberta Foundation.

Growing the game initiatives aimed at attracting new players to the game by providing equipment and helping with registration fees will be geared to recruiting for the 2017-18 season.

For more information, check out the association’s website at www.fmmha.com.

Contributions at the 2016 Hockey Alberta AGM included seven minor hockey associations (Caroline, Hinton, Lloydminster, Lethbridge, Grande Prairie, Hockey Edmonton and Hockey Calgary), and two individuals (Jody Ginther and Betty Chmilar).

For individuals or groups interested in making a donation to support Fort McMurray minor hockey, the Hockey Alberta Foundation is accepting donations, with 100 per cent of funds donated going to Fort McMurray. Donations can be made at hockeyalbertafoundation.ca, or by going to this link:

Supporting Fort McMurray Minor Hockey >

RED DEER – Nominations are now being accepted for the 2017 Induction Class of the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame (AHHF).

The AHHF recognizes significant accomplishments and contributions by individuals, teams, and organizations in the sport of hockey in Alberta. Induction into the AHHF is one of the highest honours that can be bestowed upon a hockey participant in the province.

Nomination Package >

Nominees may be active or retired. To be eligible for consideration, the following minimum criteria must be met by a nominee:

• Resided in Alberta for at least five years.
• Made a significant impact to hockey during their time as an Alberta resident.
• Exceptional service or contribution to the game of hockey in Alberta or at a national or international level.
• Achieved significant personal, team and or professional accomplishment in the game.
• Made an impact in the game beyond a local or regional level
• Received significant other recognitions (for example, Canadian Sport Hall of Fame, Hockey Hall of Fame, Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, national or International champion or medalist, major individual award).
• Groups/Teams must have achieved a significant result at a national or international level or have impacted on a provincial level under exceptional circumstances.

Deadline for nominations is January 30. The 2017 Induction class will be honoured in July at the AHHF Awards Gala in Canmore.

Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation oversee the AHHF, and host the annual Awards Gala. The AHHF Gallery is located at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Red Deer, and features memorabilia showcasing the history of the sport in Alberta, with a focus on items from each year’s induction class members.

AHHF Honoured Members >

The Hockey Alberta Foundation’s 2016 Rink to Links program took place at Country Hills Golf Course and Crowfoot Arena in Calgary, giving 25 kids a chance to hit the driving range and ice all in one day.

Each kid also received a full set of hockey equipment, thanks to Comrie’s Sports Equipment Bank in Calgary and United Cycle in Edmonton. A special thanks also goes out to ATB Financial and Hockey Calgary for sponsoring the event.

For photos from the event, click here.

CANMORE – Five outstanding individuals and one team are set to be enshrined in the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Saturday night, including former Boston Bruins legend and Hockey Hall of Fame member Johnny Bucyk.

During his 22 seasons in the NHL, 21 of those with Boston, Bucyk notched 668 goals and 818 assists, finishing his career with 1369 points in 1540 games. He was twice named an NHL All-Star and Lady Byng Trophy winner, and hoisted the Stanley Cup twice with the Bruins in 1969-70, and 1971-72. Click here for Bucyk`s full bio.

Joining Bucyk in the class of 2016 is Mike Rogers (retired NHL and WHA player, and former Calgary Flames broadcaster), Dr. George Kingston (internationally-renowned coach), Terry Ledingham (long-time Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada volunteer), the 1965-66 champion Edmonton Oil Kings, and Larry Kwong, the first player of Asian descent to play in the NHL.

Rogers enjoyed an impressive 12-year professional hockey career in the National Hockey League and the World Hockey Association, and followed that with another two decades as a well-respected pre- and post-game and colour commentator with the Calgary Flames. Click here for Rogers` full bio.

Kingston is one of Canada’s best known and most successful coaches, with a resume that includes almost two decades at the University of Calgary, stints with five National Hockey League teams, Canada’s Olympic and national team programs, and work with five other international programs. Click here for Kingston`s full bio.

Ledingham has been involved in all aspects of hockey since 1967, from being a registrar, equipment manager, sports director, and president of a local minor hockey level right up to holding key positions with Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada. Click here for Ledingham`s full bio.

The year 2016 marks the 50th anniversary for the 1965-66 Edmonton Oil Kings of winning the Memorial Cup championship in Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens. The Oil Kings defeated the Oshawa Generals in six games to claim the national junior championship. Click here for more on the 1965-66 Edmonton Oil Kings.

Kwong played in only one game with the New York Rangers in 1947-48. But as the first player of Asian descent to play in the NHL, he broke the league’s colour barrier 10 years before Willie O’Ree, and became a hero to thousands of Chinese-Canadians, starting a change in attitudes about what a person of minority heritage could achieve in this country. Click here for Kwong`s full bio.

The Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Awards Gala will be held on Saturday, July 23 at the Coast Hotel in Canmore. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with dinner at 6:30 pm followed by the Induction ceremony, and a special hockey hot stove round table to conclude the evening.

In addition to recognizing the 2016 Induction Class, the Awards Gala serves as a key fundraiser for the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community program. The EKEC program provides grants to support communities and individuals who may not have access or the ability to participate in the game of hockey.

The 2016 Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Awards Gala is presented by the Hockey Alberta Foundation, Hockey Alberta, and ATB Investor Services.

RED DEER – Four individuals and one team comprise the 2016 Induction Class for the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame (AHHF).

Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation announced on Tuesday the 2016 inductees who will be recognized at the AHHF Awards Gala on Saturday, July 23, at the Coast Hotel in Canmore:

Achievement Category

• John Bucyk, two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Boston Bruins.
• Mike Rogers, former captain and leading scorer of the Hartford Whalers.
• 1966 Edmonton Oil Kings, the 1966 Memorial Cup champions.

Builder Category

• George Kingston, one of Canada’s best-known coaches at the collegiate, professional, national and international levels
• Terry Ledingham, long-time Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada volunteer

As well, Larry Kwong, the first player of Asian descent to play in the National Hockey League will be recognized with the Founders Award for outstanding dedication and commitment to the sport of hockey in Alberta.

Click here for more details on the 2016 AHHF inductions.

2016 AHHF Inductee Bios