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RED DEER - The Hockey Alberta Foundation has been accepted as a participating charity in the 2020 Birdies for Kids program. This fundraising program is designed so that the Hockey Alberta Foundation will receive 100% of every donation accepted on its behalf and allows for additional funding of up to 50% of the original donations made.

The Hockey Alberta Foundation’s 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 through programs like Every Kid Every Community and Future Leaders. 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.

Donating is easy and open now!
Visit shawcharityclassic.com/donatenow/ and select ‘Hockey Alberta Foundation’ to donate online.

If you’d like to donate by cheque, make your cheque payable to ‘Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation” and using the memo section to indicate ‘Hockey Alberta Foundation’ and mail to:

Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation

Suite 1700, Bow Valley Square III
255 5th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3G6

Help us improve the quality of life of Albertans through hockey and donate now >

Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink is a non-profit program run under the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation.

AIRDRIE - It was a thrilling finish at the 2020 Alberta Winter Games in Airdrie on Monday, with Zones 4 and 7 winning gold in Female and Male hockey, respectively.

The female gold medal game went back and forth for the entire 60 minutes where Zone 3 and Zone 4 would need extra time to find a winner. Zone 4 scored the gold medal clinching goal just 1:41 into the extra frame, making the final score 2-1. Zone 7 claimed bronze with a 2-1 victory over Zone 5.

AIRDRIE - The Gold and Bronze medal matchups are set after Day Two of the 2020 Alberta Winter Games came to a close on Sunday.

After a tightly fought round robin draw, Zones 3, 4, 5 and 7 each earned a spot in the Semi-Finals. The goalies stole the show in each of the evening games, as Zone 3 posted a 3-0 shutout win over Zone 7, and Zone 4 did the same in their game against Zone 5.

Day Three will begin with the 5th Place game featuring Zone 2 and Zone 6 at Rob Ebbeson Arena at 7:30am. Zone 5 will take on Zone 7 in the bronze medal game at 8:00am, and Zone 3 will play Zone 4 for gold at 10:15am, both at Genesis Place.

AIRDRIE - The Zone 5 Male hockey team learned a valuable off-ice lesson during the 2020 Alberta Winter Games, after a visit from the Kindness Ninjas Sunday afternoon.

The ’Kindness Ninjas’ are Kindergarten students at Windsong Heights Elementary School in Airdrie, part of a program to help teach the impact of kindness in the classroom, school, community and beyond.

The Ninjas stopped by the Ron Ebbesen Arena after Zone 5’s final round-robin game, as part of an initiative put forth by the team’s Director of Operations, Kim Buchan.

The parents of the Zone 5 players presented the Kindness Ninjas with blankets to donate to the homeless, as part of their "Blankets of Hope" initiative.

According to Buchan, the parents were challenged to perform a good deed as a group, following a good deeds challenge put out to the team in December.

She said she got the idea to work with the Kindness Ninjas after seeing a news story involving former Calgary Flame Lanny McDonald.

"One of our discussions with the boys was that it all starts with being a good person, and it starts with character," said Buchan. "It shows them that even the little things can mean a lot."

Buchan said she was put into contact with the two Kindergarten teachers involved with the Kindness Ninjas, and arranged for the students to come to the arena on Sunday.

"Sport is such an important part of childhood, I feel," said Allie Apels, Kindergarten teacher at Windsong Heights. "I think it’s great to see that you can be on a team, and you can work together to spread kindness and have common values beyond the rink."

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Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email [email protected].

AIRDRIE - A busy first day at the 2020 Alberta Winter Games went off without a hitch in Airdrie, with 14 games in the books.

Day one of the Female competition was full of close games and exciting action. Zone 5 leads the way as the only 2-0 team and sits at the top of Pool B, while Zone 3 and Zone 4 each picked up a win and sit tied atop Pool A with two points.

Female Rosters > | Female Schedule/Results >

The Male competition remains wide open after the first day of competition, with all eight teams still in contention. Zone 3 remains the lone undefeated team with a 2-0 record, and sits atop Pool A. It’s a four-way tie in Pool B, with all four zones holding an identical 1-1 record.

Male Rosters > | Male Schedule/Results >

Round-robin play wraps up on Sunday on both sides, starting at 8am, with the semi-finals and consolation games taking place later in the day.

AIRDRIE - After months of preparation, the battle for provincial hockey supremacy heats up as the 2020 Alberta Winter Games take place in Airdrie this weekend.

The opening ceremonies are set for today (Friday) from 7-8 p.m. at Airdrie City Hall, with hockey running from February 15-17. Global News will live-stream the opening ceremonies on globalnews.ca, beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Eight teams will compete on the male side, comprised of 2007-born players from across the province, while six teams will compete on the female side, comprised of 2005 and 2006-born players.

Male Rosters > | Female Rosters >

A full schedule for both the male and female competition can be found on the Alberta Winter Games section of the Hockey Alberta website:

Male Schedule & Results > | Female Schedule & Results >

For period-by-period updates, follow Team Alberta on Twitter.

Hockey Alberta coordinates the ice hockey portion of the Winter Games, as a core segment of its Development Program. The Winter Games provide players, coaches, trainers and referees an opportunity to discover the great qualities of competitive hockey starting with the zone camp and selection process, through to competing in the Games.

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CANMORE - The Hockey Alberta Foundation, in conjunction with Canmore Minor Hockey and the Canmore Eagles, is bringing the Every Kid Every Community (EKEC) Speaker Series to Canmore on Friday, February 21.

The evening will feature 2020 Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Jamie Macoun, honoured member Mike Rogers and former Calgary Flame Colin Patterson in a candid Hockey Hot Stove.

Tickets for the event are $40 for individuals, $100 for a family of four (two adults, two children), or $300 for a table of 8, which includes one beverage, appetizers, and admission to the Canmore Eagles game against the Olds Grizzlys.

• DATE: Friday, February 21
• LOCATION: Canmore Recreation Centre - 1900 8th Ave
• TIME: Doors open 5:00 pm, Hot Stove at 5:45, puck drop at 7:00.

Tickets >

All proceeds from the event will go towards Canmore Minor Hockey and the Every Kid Every Community program.

RED DEER - Registration is now open for 2002-2006 born male and female athletes to participate in selection camps for the 2020 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

Selection camps for both the male and female team will be held at the Servus Sports Centre in Lloydminster on April 10-12.

Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, is overseeing and coordinating the selection process for the players and coaches representing the province at the championships. That process includes recruiting and selecting the Indigenous coaching staff, registration and selection camps for players, team training, and designing the uniforms.

The Aboriginal Sport Circle established the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) in 2002 to serve as the premiere competition for young Aboriginal hockey players in Canada.

The annual event provides a forum for elite Bantam/Midget aged Aboriginal male and female youth and attracts participation from First Nation, Inuit and Metis across the 13 provinces and territories. This annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride to celebrate the athletic abilities of Aboriginal athletes from across the country. The NAHC also serves as a focal point for grassroots and regional Aboriginal hockey development.

The 2020 edition of the NAHC is being held in Regina, at the Co-operators Centre, May 9-16. More than 500 elite bantam and midget Indigenous hockey players from across Canada will compete in male and female divisions in the tournament.

FEMALE REGISTRATION >

MALE REGISTRATION >

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is now accepting applications for the NCCP High Performance 1 Seminar being held in Red Deer July 21-26.

This seminar includes professional speakers focusing on the delivery of sessions including special teams, planning to perform, offensive/defensive team play, goaltending, game and bench management, ethics in coaching, teambuilding and many more.

In addition to classroom sessions, coaches will be provided practical learning and development by running on-ice session and coach on the bench with our AJHL Player Development camp which is run the same week. Coaches selected to attend this Seminar will be guided by some of the best leaders and mentors in Canada.

The requirement set nationally is that “All Head Coaches coaching Bantam, Midget and Junior A teams that compete in Inter-provincial or National Championships or the highest level as determined by the branch, must be High Performance 1 Certified. It is recommended that all Assistant Coaches be at minimum Development 1 trained.”

Please refer to Coach Requirements for those who would require this course for coaching within Alberta.

Coaches looking to apply should meet the following criteria:

• Currently coach elite athletes in a competitive stream
• Currently or will be coaching in one of the 5 required leagues
• Certified at the Development 1 Level

APPLY NOW >

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce Serge Lajoie as Head Coach of the Team Alberta U16 Male squad that will compete in the 2020 WHL Cup.

This will be Lajoie’s second time at the helm of Team Alberta, having guided the U16 team to gold at the 2013 WHL Cup.

"We are excited to bring Serge back into the fold again this year," said Mike Kriachy, Manager, Team Alberta. "He’s been an integral part of the Team Alberta program in previous years, and will bring a lot to the program again this time around."

Lajoie is currently the Head Coach of the OHA Edmonton Midget Prep team, and previously served as Head Coach of the University of Alberta Men’s Hockey Team, winning a U SPORTS National Championship in 2018.

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Hockey Alberta is also now accepting applications for two Assistant Coach positions, and one Video Coach position for Team Alberta U16 Male.

U16 Coach Application >

Key dates for the U16 Male program include the Alberta Cup (April 29 - May 3, Red Deer), Team Alberta Summer Camp (July 6-12, Red Deer), and the WHL Cup (TBD).

The deadline for all coaching applications is March 4 at 4pm.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is now accepting coach applications for the Team Alberta U18 Female team that will be competing in National Women’s U18 Championship.

Team Alberta U18 Female is seeking one Head Coach, two Assistant Coaches, one Video Coach, and one Goaltender Coach.

U18 Coach Application >

Key dates for the U18 Female program include Team Alberta Summer Camp (July 13-19, Red Deer), Fall Camp (September 25-27, Edmonton), and the U18 Nationals (November 1-7, BC).

The deadline for all coaching applications is March 4 at 4pm.

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The Team Alberta U18 program is the final stage of identification and evaluation towards Team Alberta and one of the stages of identification for Canada’s national programs. Through on and off-ice evaluation, the high performance U18 program works towards the final goal of taking Team Alberta to the National Women’s U18 Hockey Championship or the Canada Winter Games.

ST. JOHN’S, NL - Two of Alberta’s Bantam Female players got a once in a lifetime experience while participating in the Global Girls’ Game this past weekend.

Bryn Weinkauf (Daysland) and Emily Harty (St. Albert) arrived in St. John’s on Friday to take in the Global Girls’ Game activities. They got the opportunity to spend the weekend participating in activities focusing on empowerment and team-building in order to foster greater self-confidence, learn from one another, and form friendships, before taking part in the Global Girls’ Game.

The game was neck and neck until the final period when Team Blue (in red, since it’s Canada) pulled ahead for the 7-5 win.

The Global Game embodies the spirit of enjoyment, teamwork, and collaborating with those from diverse backgrounds. The unique game began on February 8 and was played in 28 different countries across the globe before being handed off to Canada to play the final segment. The goal of the game is to unite all females currently playing hockey as one global family. A cumulative score was kept across all 28 countries with Team Blue defeating Team White by a score of 127-111.

RED DEER – Who has made an impact on you or the sport this season?

Nominate that individual or team for one of six Hockey Alberta Awards, presented for outstanding achievements or contributions to amateur hockey in Alberta.

Awards Nomination Form >

Hockey Alberta recognizes the amazing work done by groups and individuals in the game every year through the Hockey Alberta Awards Program. All members of the hockey community in Alberta are encouraged to submit a nomination for a deserving individual or team.

There are six awards open for nominations including: Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year, Player of the Year, Official of the Year, and Team of the Year. Nominations are also being accepted for the Order of Merit, which recognizes exceptional leadership and distinguished service to amateur hockey in Alberta for 10 years or more. Order of Merit may be presented for Administration, Coaching/ Development, or Officiating.

The 2020 deadline for application is March 31.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s January Coach of the Month, sponsored by Players Bench Team Apparel, is Shawn Van Buuren of the Coaldale Cobras Peewee 2 and Coaldale Bantam teams.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta and the Western Hockey League are pleased to be co-hosting the annual WHL Skills Camp for the sixth consecutive year.

The camp is a unique skill development opportunity for 2006-born (U15) male hockey players. Participants must be registered with Hockey Alberta/ Hockey Canada to be eligible.

The camp runs May 29-31 in Calgary at the Don Hartman North East Sportsplex. Cost is $330 per player.

Register >

The camp will focus on skill development and proper training techniques, and provides athletes with information about the Team Alberta process and the WHL, while challenging players to excel on and off the ice.

The Skills Camp provides athletes with the opportunity to learn from an impressive array of instructors, including instructors from the WHL. Participants will be divided into eight teams for the weekend, and participate in a variety of activities, including:

• Friday: On and off-ice combine testing
• Saturday: Team Alberta/WHL presentation, one off-ice session, and two skill sessions.
• Sunday: One skill session, one off-ice session and a game to wrap up the weekend
• Goaltenders will also participate in an on and off-ice goaltender session.

The maximum capacity for the camp is 168 athletes. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, please contact Michael Kraichy, Manager, Team Alberta at [email protected]

Congratulations to Hockey Calgary’s Crowfoot Coyotes, who are one of the regional finalists selected by Chevrolet in the Good Deeds Cup!

Now, it’s up to YouTube viewers across Alberta to help the Coyotes reach the final three and have a chance at $100,000 for their designated charity - Team Naomi Get Well Now.

The team will be donating the prize money they receive to the charity that supports pediatric cancer research, and they are hoping they can build on their donation by getting voted into the top three.

"Team Naomi Get Well Now is special to us because one of our team members has a relative who is currently suffering from pediatric cancer." Said head coach Mike LaPlante, "The goal was to help our community, and making it this far in the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup already makes us feel like winners."

From now until February 9, all 10 semi-finalist videos are available for viewing at Chevrolet Canada’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/ChevroletCanada. The three teams that receive the most views will each be eligible to win a Finalist Prize, which includes $5,000 to the team’s designated charity.

The three finalist entries then will be reviewed by a judging panel from Chevrolet and Hockey Canada, with a Good Deeds Cup champion selected and announced on February 17. The Good Deeds Cup champion receives a $100,000 cheque for its designated charity, along with prizes for individual team members.

216 entries were received from Peewee teams across the country for the Good Deeds Cup.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is now accepting coaching applications for the 2020 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, is overseeing and coordinating the selection process for the players and coaches representing the province at the championships. That process includes recruiting and selecting the Indigenous coaching staff, registration and selection camps for players, team training, and designing the uniforms.

The Aboriginal Sport Circle established the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) in 2002 to serve as the premiere competition for young Aboriginal hockey players in Canada.

The annual event provides a forum for elite Bantam/Midget aged Aboriginal male and female youth and attracts participation from First Nation, Inuit and Metis across the 13 provinces and territories. This annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride to celebrate the athletic abilities of Aboriginal athletes from across the country. The NAHC also serves as a focal point for grassroots and regional Aboriginal hockey development.

The 2020 edition of the NAHC is being held in Regina, at the Co-operators Centre, May 9-16. More than 500 elite bantam and midget Indigenous hockey players from across Canada will compete in male and female divisions in the tournament.

Completed coaching applications can be submitted to Mike Applegate, Regional Manger, Northeast .

COACHING APPLICATION >

TRAINER APPLICATION >

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to continue its Parent Engagement Video Series, aimed at helping parents navigate through the ups and downs of being a hockey parent.

RED DEER - Do you have a coach that has made a significant impact on your team this season? Nominate her for the BFL Coach of the Year award!

The BFL Female Coach of the Year Awards recognize and honor coaches who exemplify the positive values of hockey and sport, for their successful and outstanding achievements in player development and the leadership of their players and teams.

The BFL Female Coach of the Year Awards will honor one female community coach and one female high-performance coach in each province who have made outstanding contributions over an extended period of time coaching hockey programs within Hockey Canada female and/or minor hockey programs.

In addition, BFL Female Coach of the Year Award provincial winners will be considered in the selection of the national BFL Female Coach of the Year Awards for community coach and high-performance coach.

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Criteria

• Leads by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship,
• Places the emotional and physical well-being ahead of a personal desire to win,
• Places an emphasis on equitable participation of all players registered on the team,
• Demonstrates a commitment to the development of every player and staff member,
• Treats each player as an individual and understands the range of emotional and physical development,
• Does her best to provide a safe playing situation for all players,
• Uses the coaching techniques that are appropriate for all of the age and skill level of her players,
• Must be actively coaching at the female hockey, minor hockey or high-performance levels within the province the nomination originates from,
• Must be trained and/or certified in the Hockey Canada National Coach Certification Program,
• Must have completed all elements required to be an active coach,
• Must be a member in good standing within the Province the nomination originates from.

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How to Nominate

Any individual may nominate a coach for the provincial coach awards. The nomination must clearly state whether the award nomination is for the community coach and high-performance coach category. The individual submitting the nomination should complete the online nomination form and should also include a covering letter of support (not to exceed 300 words). As well, the supporting materials will include testimonials as to why the individual should be considered.

Provincial Finalists will each receive:

• A cash bursary of $1,000 toward future coaching development

Grand Prize Winners will each receive:

• A trip for two (2) to the 2020 Women’s World Championship in Halifax, NS
• A cash bursary of $2,500 toward future coaching development

NOMINATION FORM >

RED DEER - Is your Minor Hockey Association looking to grow its membership?

Bauer, Hockey Canada, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the application process for the 2020-21 NHL/NHLPA First Shift program. The 2020-21 season will mark the seventh year of the program, which has seen more than 800 programs executed across Canada, resulting in more than 30,000 girls and boys across the country trying hockey for the first time.

MHAs are encouraged to review the application criteria and submit an online application if they wish to be selected as a host community for Fall 2020, Winter 2021 and new this upcoming season, Spring 2021. The objective for 2020-21 season is to host a minimum of 225 programs (coed, all girls and Para hockey), with a potential of more the 8,200 participants.

FIRST SHIFT HOST INFO >

The NHL/NHLPA First Shift provides boys and girls ages 6-10 an opportunity to easily try hockey for $229, which includes a six-week on-ice trial, expertly fitted head-to-toe Bauer equipment, and in-depth parent education.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s December Coach of the Month, sponsored by Players Bench Team Apparel, is Chris Friesen of the Trails West Novice 3 Red in Calgary.

RED DEER - Five Minor Hockey Associations have received a $1,000 Every Kid Every Community grant for their Female Hockey Day celebration events.

High Prairie, Irma, Nampa, Slave Lake, and Vermilion will all be hosting their own unique events to bring the Female Hockey Day buzz around the province. From jamborees to skills competitions, these events will work to grow the female game and show #WhyWePlay.

Female Hockey Day weekend takes place in Lethbridge January 24-26. The day will feature on and off-ice development sessions for players, goalies, coaches, and officials. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join. To conclude a full day of Female Hockey Day activities, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns will host the Mount Royal Cougars in a U SPORTS Hockey game at the Nicholas Sheran Ice Centre.

Female Hockey Day event details:

Date	Location	Description	Contact	Email
Friday, January 24 & Saturday, January 25	High Prairie	Skills Competition & Community Game	Shawna Flett	[email protected]
Saturday, January 25	Irma	Community Celebration Event	Carrie Larson	[email protected]
Sunday, January 26	Nampa	Girls Hockey Jamboree	Shana Sack	[email protected]
Saturday, January 25	Slave Lake	Girls Skate, Scrimmage, Alumni Game & Kodiaks Game	Bobbi Hartman	[email protected]
Saturday, January 25	Vermilion	Community Celebration Event	Sarah Kastendieck	[email protected]

With 2019 now in the rear-view mirror, Hockey Alberta looks back on the year that was with some of our favourite moments from the past year (in no particular order).

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Canada Games Gold, Bronze for Team Alberta U18 Female and U16 Male

Photo credit: Kurtis Fischer

Team Alberta U18 female defied the odds in March, taking down an undefeated Quebec team 2-1 to capture gold on home ice at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.

The gold medal was Alberta’s 100th medal of the 2019 Canada Winter Games, and second in hockey, with the Men’s team winning bronze in week one.

Full Story >

Photo credit: Peter Fuzzery

After an 8-4 loss in the semi-finals at the 2019 Canada Winter Games, Team Alberta U16 Male rebounded with a 12-0 win over Saskatchewan to claim the bronze medal.

Full Story >

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#AlbertaBuilt

Photo credit: LA Media

After giving up the first goal of the game, Team Alberta Red scored three unanswered goals to defeat Alberta Black 3-1, capturing the 2019 Alberta Cup title in Red Deer.

Full Story >

Photo credit: LA Media

North Yellow claimed the 2019 Alberta Challenge title in Leduc, defeating North Blue 5-2.

Full Story >

Photo credit: LA Media

The Peewee Prospects Cup had a long trip home from Lethbridge in 2019, with North Grey skating to a 6-2 win over North Blue in the championship final.

Full Story >

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March to a Title

The 2019 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial, had a little different look than previous years in the Peewee Division. Hockey Alberta undertook a trial that saw the Peewee A-D championships transition to Peewee Tiers 1-4 based on the new standardized tiering model implemented for the 2018-19 season. There were 40 provincial champs crowned, ranging from Atom to Senior AAA, with events hosted at locations ranging from Grande Prairie to Fort Macleod to Cold Lake.

2019 Parade of Champions >

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Esso Cup Three-Peat

After making history as the first team to repeat as Esso Cup champions in 2018, the St. Albert Slash of the Alberta Female Hockey League re-wrote history again in 2019, defeating the host Sudbury Lady Wolves to capture a third straight national title.

Full Story >

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Alberta players, officials take the next step

Photo credit: Chicago Blackhawks

Alberta saw a number of its players and officials earn accolades and recognition in 2019:

• For the fifth straight year, an Albertan was the top selection at the Western Hockey League Bantam draft, as the Winnipeg Ice took Matthew Savoie with the first overall pick. Full Story >
• A total of 12 Albertans were selected at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver, including Kirby Dach, who went third overall to the Chicago Blackhawks, making him the highest-drafted Albertan since Jay Bouwmeester went third overall to the Florida Panthers in 2002. Full Story >
• A number of on-ice officials achieved opportunities at high-profile national and international events. More Stories >

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Albertans Get The Call To The Hall

Photo credit: Andy Devlin/Oilers Entertainment Group

Five outstanding individuals and back-to-back Memorial Cup champions were enshrined as the 2019 Induction Class for the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame (AHHF): Theoren Fleury, Kevin Lowe, Shirley Cameron, Bob Ridley, Duncan MacDougall, and the 1986-87 and 1987-88 Medicine Hat Tigers.

Full Story >

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Leading Change

Leading Change was the central theme of Hockey Alberta’s 2019 Hockey Conference and Annual General Meeting in Red Deer in November, highlighted by keynote speaker Matt Symes.

Full Story >

Hockey Alberta has a new Chair and Vice Chair at the helm of its Board of Directors after the organization’s 112th Annual General Meeting in Red Deer. Len Samletzki was acclaimed as the new Chair, taking over from Terry Engen. Allan Mowbray was acclaimed as the Vice Chair, taking over from Fran Zinger.

Full Story >

The Hockey Alberta Foundation also saw a new Chair and Vice Chair of its Board of Directors in 2019. Dennis Zukiwsky (Red Deer) was acclaimed as the new Chair, taking over from John Windwick. Jeff Robson (Calgary) was acclaimed as the Vice Chair, taking over from Dennis Zukiwsky. Zukiwsky previously served as the Board’s Vice Chair, while Robson was previously a Director on the Board.

Full Story >

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Hockey Alberta Awards

Hockey Alberta presented their annual Hockey Alberta Awards in conjunction with the Alberta Cup in April, recognizing outstanding individuals and teams for their hard work and accomplishments in making a positive difference for our participants in the game of hockey during the 2018-19 season.

Full Story >

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Every Kid Every Community - The Gateway to Hockey Opportunities Around the Province

The Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community program, aimed at giving all kids across Alberta the chance to play hockey, saw no shortage of support in 2019.

To kick off the year, the Piper Creek Optimist Club of Red Deer’s annual Battle of Alberta fundraiser brought in nearly $15,000 for EKEC in January. The Foundation’s annual Golf and Gala events saw another $129,000 come in for the program in July, and the annual Glencross Invitational Charity Roughstock Event raised $170,000 for EKEC, as well as Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta.

More than $45,000 was dispersed to organizations across the province, through Player Assistance Grants or Program Grants. Funding was provided directly by the Hockey Alberta Foundation to several charitable groups, including: Sport Central, Comrie’s Sports Bank, KidSport, HEROS Hockey and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.

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National, International Championship Tournaments in Brooks and Medicine Hat

Alberta saw a pair of high-profile events in 2019, with the National Junior A Championship taking place in Brooks in May, and the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Medicine Hat in November (split with Swift Current).

The host Brooks Bandits took home the 2019 National Junior A Championship title.

National Junior A Championship > | World Under-17 Challenge >

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Leading Our Leaders

Hockey Alberta strives to ensure every coach in the province has the opportunity to receive all the proper information and training needed to provide our players with the highest level of coaching at all levels. In 2019 alone, more than 4,600 hockey coaches in Alberta attended National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) and other professional coach development clinics offered this season through Hockey Alberta.

Full Story >

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Kicking Off the Sledge Season

Alberta’s Sledge Hockey season started out with a bang in Red Deer in September, with a two-day Sledge Hockey Player Development Camp for players of all ages and skill levels, led by Canada’s Women’s National Para-Ice Hockey team Head Coach, Tara Chisholm. A Sledge Hockey Coach 2 - Coach Level clinic ran in conjunction with the camp, emphasizing basic skills and the importance of having players develop confidence, self-esteem, and a love for the game.