RED DEER - Just days after being selected to Team Alberta U18 Female for the 2019 Canada Winter Games, three Albertans were named to the National Women’s Under-18 Team for the 2019 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

Forwards Danielle Serdachny and Rachel Weiss, and blueliner Stephanie Markowski will all suit up for Team Canada in Obihiro, Japan, just over a month before stepping on the ice in Red Deer for the Canada Games.

All three athletes competed as part of Canada’s National Women’s U18 team in a three-game series against the United States in August, and have all previously played for Team Alberta at the U18 Nationals - Serdachny in 2017, and Markowski and Weiss in both 2016 and 2017.

The 2019 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship runs January 6-13, with the Canada Winter Games running February 15 - March 3 in Red Deer, with the Female Hockey competition set for February 24 - March 2.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. 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 info@hockeyalberta.ca.

BONNYVILLE - The World Junior A Challenge returns to Alberta as the 2018 edition of the tournament kicks off in Bonnyville on Sunday.

This is the second time in three years Bonnyville has hosted the World Junior A Challenge, as the town was also awarded the tournament in 2016. It’s also just the third Alberta stop in WJAC history.

Five Albertans will compete in the tournament for Team Canada West: Dylan Holloway (Bragg Creek), Austin Wong (Cochrane), Luke Bast (Red Deer), T.J. Lloyd (Lloydminster) and Matthew Davis (Calgary). Canada West opens tournament play Sunday at 5pm against the United States.

Tournament Schedule >

Five Alberta Officials have been chosen to work the World Junior A Challenge: Referees Colin Stefanyk (Red Deer) and Kyle Kowalksi (Edmonton), and Linesmen Jason Nedinis (Calgary), Will Moss (Calgary), and Przemek Iwaniec (Calgary).

RED DEER - William (Doug) McKenzie, a Life Member of Hockey Alberta, died on Tuesday, December 4 at the age of 94.

Doug was involved with amateur hockey for more than seven decades – working at the local, regional, provincial and national levels.

His lifelong involvement with hockey began as a minor and junior player with Edmonton’s Canadian Athletic Club. After years of administrative involvement with the Edmonton Minor Hockey Association, Doug became involved with Hockey Alberta as Minor Council North Vice Chair and Vice President. Doug served as President of Hockey Alberta from 1975-80, and Past President for six years. In 1981, Doug became involved at the national level with the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, serving as a Director and Senior Hockey Chair.

Doug was instrumental in building hockey relations with Japan and the Hokkaido Ice Hockey Federation. He first travelled with the University of Alberta Golden Bears to play in the Pacific Rim Tournament. This led to many exchanges with Japan and Hockey Alberta over the years. During his last trip to Japan, Doug presented the "McKenzie Friendship Cup" to the Hokkaido National Team.

Among his numerous accolades, Doug received Hockey Alberta’s President’s Award in 1981, was named a Hockey Alberta Life Member in 1992, and was inducted into both the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame (1989) and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame (2009). As well, in 1993, the McKenzie Cup, awarded to the Alberta/British Columbia Senior AAA champion, was named in his honour.

Doug is lovingly remembered by his wife of 71 years, Peggy; sons George (Gloria), Richard (Marla), Alex (Wendy), and Tom (Karen); grandchildren Kim (Scott), Sheri (Marc), Maria (Mike), Jordie (Jen), Melissa (Mark), Ashley (Myles), and Michelle (Sam); and great-grandchildren Makayla, Jordan, Tristan, Taisyia, Kaleah, Brooklynn. Doug is predeceased by his parents, George and Francis, and sister Anita.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 11 from 4-8 pm at Evergreen Funeral Home (16204 Fort Road) in Edmonton. A funeral is scheduled for Mount Zion Lutheran Church (11533-135 Street NW) in Edmonton on Wednesday, December 12 at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Zion Lutheran Church or Youth Emergency Shelter Society.

EDMONTON – The world’s best junior hockey players will be skating for gold on Alberta ice at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.

From Hockey Canada:

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), has awarded the 45th edition of the international tournament to the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer.

“To return to Alberta is an incredible opportunity for Hockey Canada and the IIHF World Junior Championship,” said Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer of Hockey Canada. “The province of Alberta and the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer have a history of hosting successful, world-class events, including the 1995 IIHF World Junior Championship in Red Deer, the 2012 edition of the tournament in Edmonton and the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer. We are confident in this committee’s ability to successfully execute on its vision for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, and we look forward to working with them to ensure we leave a lasting legacy in Alberta and across the country that helps us continue to grow and foster the game from the grassroots to elite levels.”

Smith was chair of the site-selection committee, which also included Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney, former Hockey Canada board chair Joe Drago and CHL president David Branch, and was supported by Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties for Hockey Canada as the committee’s resource staff.

Hockey Canada has played host to the IIHF World Junior Championship 12 times in the tournament’s 41-year history; the 13th IIHF World Junior Championship on Canadian ice officially kicks off this month in Vancouver and Victoria. Organizers of the 2021 tournament will take part in the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship as part of the preparation and planning for Edmonton and Red Deer.

Leading the committee are Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) in partnership with the City of Edmonton, and the Red Deer Rebels Hockey Club in partnership with the City of Red Deer.

“Oilers Entertainment Group is thrilled to be able to continue our partnership with Hockey Canada, this time to help bring the IIHF World Junior Championship to Edmonton and Red Deer,” said Bob Nicholson, OEG CEO & vice chair. “We are continuing to build Edmonton’s international reputation as a destination for hockey and we know the hockey fans in our community will be excited to cheer on Team Canada on home ice.”

“On behalf of the Rebels organization, the City of Red Deer, our partners at Westerner Park and all junior hockey fans across Central Alberta, we are beyond excited to bring the IIHF World Junior Championship back to our community,” said Brent Sutter, owner, general manager and head coach of the Red Deer Rebels. “This marquee event was a game-changer for the region in 1995, and we’re sure fans from around the world will be embraced once again.”

“As a site-selection committee, finding the optimal site for the IIHF World Junior Championship is always our priority,” said Branch. As a partner, the CHL is instrumental in the hosting of the IIHF World Junior Championship on Canadian ice, sharing in the event legacy for the development of high-performance junior hockey across the country, and lending its players, coaches and support staff to participating teams. “The interest and excitement to host this special event remains high as we look to 2021 and beyond. Today is about celebrating the selection of Edmonton and Red Deer as co-hosts in 2021 and the teams, volunteers, staff and fans who will make the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship in Vancouver and Victoria an unforgettable experience beginning later this month.”

The Government of Alberta has committed its support to the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.

“Alberta’s towns and cities are rich with hockey culture and our government is proud to support the 2021 World Juniors,” said the Honourable Ricardo Miranda, minister of culture and tourism for the Government of Alberta. “These championships will bring top-notch athletes and tourists from around the world to explore our beautiful province. This is an incredible opportunity for Alberta and I know co-hosting the games in Edmonton and Red Deer will be a winning combination.”

The 2021 World Juniors will be co-hosted at Rogers Place, the home of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), and at the ENMAX Centrium, home of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels with regional economic impact expected to exceed $50-million.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Red Deer again after a great Hlinka Gretzky Cup this summer,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our outstanding hosting skills as well as Edmonton’s Rogers Place and Ice District to the world. Events like this have a significant local economic impact that will benefit Edmontonians and allow them to enjoy their ongoing love for hockey.”

"World Juniors is more than a hockey tournament. It is our national tradition. Red Deer is honoured to be a partner host City for the 2020/2021 World Juniors, especially given our strong community history of hosting Juniors in 1995", said Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer. "We will build on this proud heritage with our government and hockey partners. Hockey Canada, the Oilers Entertainment Group and the Red Deer Rebels are to be applauded for the hockey and Canadian history we are writing today, and for the opportunity they have secured for us".

Tickets for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship will be available to Edmonton Oilers, Oil Kings and Rebels season-seat holders in the spring. Tickets will go on sale to the public at a later date.

A legacy plan for potential profits from the event will provide for grassroots hockey program support across the province and throughout Hockey Canada’s 13 regional members, as well as the CHL. A portion of the profits are used by the IIHF to grow the game internationally.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the Team Alberta roster for the 2019 U18 Female team that will represent the province at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.

Team Alberta U18 Female Roster >

"Our staff is really excited about this team," said Head Coach Carla MacLeod. "It has been a process to get to this point and all the girls involved have been a pleasure to work with. The 20 girls selected are all individually skilled and driven and we are looking forward to the next step of becoming an Alberta Built team. To play at the Canada Winter Games in Alberta is an honour that we cannot wait to experience."

Team staff includes: Carla MacLeod (head coach), Cassea Schols and Craig Perrett (assistant coaches), Amanda Tapp (goalie coach), Ally Bendfeld (video coach), Doug MacLeod (head scout), Farah Mukadam (athletic therapist), Amanda Bergen Henengouwen (equipment manager), Heather Osgood (strength and conditioning), Kendall Newell (Director of Hockey Operations), and Barry Medori (Coach Mentor).

The 2019 U18 Female roster features six returning players from the 2017 U18 Nationals team: Kassy Betinol, Teghan Inglis, Stephanie Markowski, Jordan Mortlock, Danielle Serdachny, and Rachel Weiss. This will be the third time representing Alberta for Markowski and Weiss, who also played in the 2016 U18 Nationals.

Alberta’s Minor Hockey Associations are well-represented amongst the team, with 13 different associations represented on the roster: Beaverlodge, Calgary, Cochrane, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Irma, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat, Okotoks, St. Albert, Wainwright and Whitecourt.

Team Alberta is coming off a bronze medal finish in women’s hockey at the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George, BC, a feat also accomplished by the 1999 team in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Team Alberta is a two-time gold medalist at the Canada Winter Games, most recently in 2011 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the inaugural gold medal in 1991 in Charlottetown, P.E.I., the first year women’s hockey was incorporated into the Games.

The Team Alberta selection process began at the Team Alberta U18 Spring Camp in May, followed by Summer Camp in July and Fall Camp in September. The Canada Winter Games run February 15 - March 3 in Red Deer, with the Female Hockey competition set for February 24 - March 2.

The roster for Team Alberta U16 Male will be announce at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 6.

RED DEER - The second month of the 2018-19 Alberta Female Hockey League is now in the books, with the Lloydminster PWM Steelers (Midget AAA), Calgary Fire White (Midget Elite), and Sherwood Park Royals (Bantam Elite) sitting atop the standings in their respective leagues.

Midget AAA

Heading into December, the Midget AAA Female standings are:

1) Lloydminster PWM Steelers (41 pts)
2) St. Albert Slash (40 pts)
3) Calgary Fire (31 pts)
4) Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs (21 pts)
5) Edmonton Pandas (14 pts)
6) Rocky Mountain Raiders (12 pts)

Slash forward Madison Willan leads the league across the board, with 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points.

St. Albert’s goaltending tandem of Holly Borrett and Brianna Sank are off to red-hot starts to the season. Borrett leads the league with a 0.71 GAA and a 7-0-0 record, and sits second with three shutouts, while Sank is right behind with a 0.75 GAA and six wins, and leads all Midget AAA goaltenders with four shutouts.

Midget AAA Leaderboard >

Midget Elite

After two months of play, the Midget Elite standings are:

North Division:
1) Sherwood Park Fury (25 pts)
2) Peace Country PCFAC Storm (22 pts)
3) St. Albert Sharks (21 pts)
4) Lloydminster Elite Steelers (12 pts)
5) North Central Impact (7 pts)
6) Edmonton Pandas (5 pts)

South Division:
1) Calgary Fire White (30 pts)
2) Airdrie Lightning (28 pts)
3) Calgary Fire Red (18 pts)
4) Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs (17 pts)
5) Rocky Mountain Raiders (6 pts)
6) Lethbridge Cyclones (4 pts)

Sherwood Park forward Madison Porter leads all Midget Elite skaters in goals (13) and points (16). Meanwhile, Calgary Fire White’s Sarah Gaiser sits atop the assist leaderboard with 10.

With a 4-0 record with the Calgary Fire Red, Rebecca Boswell’s minuscule 0.50 GAA leads the league, while Airdrie’s Jocelynn Pearce sits atop the leaderboard with seven wins, and is tied with Calgary Fire White netminder Cienna Kinghorn with three shutouts.

Midget Elite Leaderboard >

Bantam Elite

In the Bantam Elite division, it has been exciting first two months of league play. The Bantam Elite standings heading into December are:

North Division:
1) Sherwood Park Royals (29 pts)
2) Lloydminster Junior Steelers (29 pts)
3) North Central Impact (27 pts)
4) Edmonton Pandas (18 pts)
5) St. Albert Raiders (12 pts)
6) Peace Country Bonnett’s Storm (5 pts)

South Division:
1) Calgary Fire White (24 pts)
2) Calgary Fire Red (17 pts)
3) Rocky Mountain Raiders (17 pts)
4) Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs (15 pts)
5) Olds Grizzlys (14 pts)
6) Lethbridge Cyclones (3 pts)

With 12 goals and 19 points, Lloydminster’s Lana Duriez leads the league in both categories, while North Central’s Jorja Nystrom leads all Bantam Elite skaters with 10 assists.

Asia Kachuk sits atop the league with a 0.71 GAA, while her Sherwood Park teammate Teegan Fedoruk leads the league with four shutouts. Lloydminster’s Tiana Stafford is tops in Bantam Elite with six wins.

Bantam Elite Leaderboard >

CALGARY - Six Albertans are among the 34 players invited to Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp for the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Goaltender Ian Scott, defencemen Jacob Bernard-Docker, Ian Mitchell and Ty Smith, and forwards Jaret-Anderson Dolan and Brett Leason will all vie for a spot on Team Canada.

All six players are Team Alberta alumni. Scott, Mitchell, Smith, Anderson-Dolan and Leason all played for Team Alberta U16 Male at the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Smith also represented Alberta at the 2015 WHL Cup, along with Smith, winning gold.

Calgary native Tim Hunter will serve as the Head Coach of Team Canada, joined by fellow Calgarian Brent Kisio, who was selected as an Assistant Coach.

The National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp runs December 11-14 in Victoria. The World Junior Championship is set for December 26 - January 5 in Vancouver and Victoria.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. 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 info@hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta Foundation, in support of the Every Kid Every Community Grant Program, is reaching out to our TEAMMATES in minor hockey communities across Alberta.

Throughout the hockey season many teams, focus fundraising efforts on a charity of choice to support. We hope you will consider your teammates at the Hockey Alberta Foundation as your hockey charity of choice.

Here’s how:

We have launched the Teammates helping Teammates raffle in support of the Every Kid Every Community Grant Program.

There are only 100 tickets available. Tickets are available for $100 each and can be purchased by cash, cheque or credit card by contacting the Hockey Alberta Foundation office or completing the online form.

The deadline to purchase tickets is 12 noon on March 25, 2019, or once all 100 tickets are sold. Draws will take place at 2:00pm on March 25 at the Hockey Alberta Office in Red Deer.

There are 2 identical grand prizes available:

• 25 tickets to the Calgary Flames vs Anaheim Ducks game on Friday, March 29^th, 2019.
• Transportation via motorcoach to and from Scotiabank Saddledome.

Buy your ticket today and help us raise $10,000, and together, we as TEAMMATES can give Every Kid in Every Community a chance to play hockey.

Contest Rules > | About Every Kid Every Community >

If you have any questions about the Teammates Helping Teammates raffle, please email Danielle Kraichy at dkraichy@hockeyalberta.ca

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta welcomed three new members to the Board of Directors on Saturday at the organization’s 111^th Annual General Meeting.

Michael Bates of Cochrane, Francois Gagnon of Fort McMurray, and Wilson Gemmill of Grande Prairie were elected as new Directors at Large. A total of six individuals let their names stand for election for three positions.

Bates, Gagnon and Gemmill will join current members Terry Engen (Chair), Fran Zinger (Vice Chair), Rob Virgil (Past Chair), Len Samletzki (Finance Director), Brock Harrington and Allan Mowbray (Directors at Large).

Also recognized during the AGM for their years of volunteer service were:

• 20 Years: Terry Engen
• 10 Years: Randy Hupka, Danny Povaschuk
• 5 Years: Barry Brost, Seema King, Gord Lane, Todd Vance
• Retiring Long-Term Volunteers: Debbie Northcott (Minor Administration Committee), Danny Povaschuk (Minor Regulations Committee)

HOCKEY ALBERTA AWARDS

Prior to the AGM, six individuals, one team, and two minor hockey associations were recognized for their outstanding contributions to hockey in Alberta, as the 2018 Hockey Alberta Awards, sponsored by BFL Canada, were presented.

The Hockey Alberta Awards program was restructured this year to include awards that are open to nominations from Hockey Alberta member organization, staff member or volunteer, and others that are determined by Hockey Alberta through a review of eligible candidates.

The 2018 Hockey Alberta Award recipients are:

• Order of Merit: Debbie Northcott (Caroline) and Brenda Dyck (Edmonton). A maximum of two awards presented to recognize exceptional leadership and distinguished service to amateur hockey in Alberta for 10 years or more. Recipients have dedicated significant effort, time, and leadership to growing and/or developing amateur hockey, not only in their own community, but across the Province.
• Coach of the Year: Kyle McLaughlin (Canmore). Presented to a coach who has made an outstanding contribution to amateur hockey during the current season.
• Official of the Year: Chad Huseby (Red Deer). Presented to an official who has made an outstanding contribution to amateur hockey during the current season.
• Team of the Year: St. Albert Slash Midget Female AAA. Presented to recognize a Team’s significant achievements, performances and contributions within amateur hockey during the current season.
• Exceptional Provincials Host Site: Whitecourt (Atom A) and Rimbey (Midget C). Presented to the Minor Hockey Association/ Host Committee judged to have implemented the most outstanding Hockey Alberta Provincial Championship during the current season.
• Ernie Boruk Award: Kumail Moledina (Edmonton). Presented for outstanding dedication and contribution to Hockey Alberta Officials Committee.
• Dave Ganley Award: Gary Goreniuk (Bonnyville). Presented for outstanding contribution to hockey officiating in Alberta

RED DEER – Hockey is changing, but more importantly, the kids who play it are changing.

And these changes have a significant impact on the role of minor hockey coaches and administrators.

Change, and its impact on the sport of hockey, was one of the themes stressed by Allyson Tufts, in her keynote address Friday night to open the 111^th Annual General Meeting weekend for Hockey Alberta.

“When you talk about the game changing, you need to remember our youth is changing. So, if you start to see something funny with one of the kids, you don’t need to fix it, but you need to recognize it and tell somebody. It’s important,” said Tufts.

Tufts is a hockey mom from eastern Ontario who, in 2015, wrote about her experiences in a book entitled “Lessons from Behind the Glass.” Since then, she has worked with Hockey Canada and BC Hockey, and toured with former CFLer Mike ’Pinball’ Clemons and former NHL goalie Kirk Maclean, talking about creating a better atmosphere for young athletes.

In her presentation to more than 100 minor hockey association representatives and Hockey Alberta volunteers, Tufts reminded them of the key role they play in the development of our youth.

“When you think of you all here as volunteers, on a Friday night, in crappy weather, if you don’t think what you do is important, you are so wrong. What you do matters, and it matters for our youth,” said Tufts. “Our youth needs hockey, it needs sports, and it needs to learn how to be resilient.”

Tufts reflected on what her son gained from hockey while he was a player - integrity, strength, friendship and resilience.

“We didn’t teach him that, hockey did,” Tufts said.

And in this digital age of cell phones and social media, the hockey rink has emerged as the new “safe house” for our youth – where the phone is put away, and there is an opportunity for adults to talk and be heard.

“The one place where you can have influence is in the dressing room, in the arena. When they are on the ice, they’re there doing something they love,” Tufts said. “And we need to use the moments with them, when they’re listening, and they’re not on their phones, and they’re in the dressing room, to teach them to be strong good individuals, as well as good players.”

For more information on Allyson Tufts, go to her website: lessonsfrombehindtheglass.com.

The AGM weekend continues on Saturday at Red Deer College. In the morning, minor hockey association executive members will participate in a session with representatives from Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada. The focus is on building a new national direction, and resetting the focus of hockey in Alberta by building a plan that develops players, grows the game and educates parents. In the afternoon, Hockey Alberta Awards will be presented, followed by the AGM itself starting at 2:30 pm.

RED DEER – For the second consecutive year, the Glencross Invitational Charity Roughstock Event is contributing $190,000 to two central Alberta charitable organizations.

Hockey Alberta Foundation, and its Every Kid Every Community program, and the Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer, will share the proceeds. The 2018 event, which was co-sponsored by ATB and Calgary Flames Foundation, was hosted August 23-24, and included a sponsor-only poker tournament and the charity rodeo.

In total, over the seven years of the Roughstock event, more than $1.6 million has been raised.

Curtis Glencross was joined by several event organizers on November 23 at Ronald McDonald House to present cheques to the event beneficiaries.

“For the past seven years, the Charity Roughstock event has benefitted from the hard work of a dedicated group of volunteers, and from the generosity of supporters and sponsors who return each year to enjoy the event and the camaraderie that goes with it,” said Curtis Glencross. “I want to say thank you to everyone who makes this event a success because, without your efforts, there are many families across Alberta who would be looking elsewhere for support. Your efforts help Albertans experience opportunities they might not have otherwise.”

The funds delivered to the Ronald McDonald House go towards serving families, keeping the House operational – and ensuring that there are rooms available whenever they are needed.

“This significant donation benefits every single family who will need the Ronald McDonald House this year”, said Jason Evanson, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta, “Their support over the past seven years translates over 4,700 nights of comfort for families – their impact on Albertans facing serious childhood illness or injury is profound. The Glencross family, and their friends, are lifelines for the families of the Ronald McDonald House”.

For the Hockey Alberta Foundation and Hockey Alberta, this funding goes to the Every Kid Every Community (EKEC) program. EKEC has a goal of ensuring a pathway to play hockey for any child in Alberta who is interested in the sport.

“Each year for the past seven years, it has been a privilege to work with Curtis, his family and the organizing committee for this event,” said Tim Leer, Executive Director, Hockey Alberta Foundation. “As Teammates in support of the Every Kid Every Community program, their efforts and generosity are felt not just in central Alberta, but across the province as more and more kids have the opportunity to experience our great sport for the first time through program and player grants.”

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to present the second installment of the Western Hockey League’s officiating partnership video series.

The partnership will see the production of a series of videos that will be shared with all officials in Alberta and the other Western Branches.

This is an exciting opportunity for all officials to learn from some of the best officials in the country. The link to the first video is included below, and you will receive an email from Hockey Alberta each time that a new video is available for viewing. The videos will be uploaded to Hockey Alberta’s YouTube channel, so you can always access them on your computer, tablet or mobile device.

Missed the first video? View it here:

RED DEER - Allyson Tufts, author of Lessons from Behind the Glass, will serve as the keynote speaker on Friday night for the 2018 Hockey Alberta Annual General Meeting.

A book designed specifically for parents with a child in organized sports, Lessons from Behind the Glass outlines the ups and downs that come from being a hockey parent, based on Tuft’s first-hand experience as a hockey mom.

"If I could go back and do all these things differently, I would’ve," said Tufts in a promotional video for the book. "So, in realizing I couldn’t, I thought the best way to deal with it was to write something to help other people."

Since the launch of her book in April 2015, Tufts has seen great success, selling thousands of copies across Canada and the United States. She’s been on an exciting speaking tour, presenting along side Tom Renney, the President of Hockey Canada, Pinball Clemons, CFL football star and motivational speaker and Kirk MacLean former NHL goalie. Allyson continues to spread her message to parents about creating a better atmosphere for our young athletes in whatever sport they choose.

Tufts will kick off the 2018 AGM weekend by speaking to the 100-plus delegates from Hockey Alberta’s member organizations from across province about her book, and the lessons stemming from it.

MHAs and club teams still have time to sign up for the Hockey Alberta AGM, which runs Friday and Saturday in Red Deer. Registration information and AGM details can be found on hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER - Parents are integral part of the minor hockey system, and are a key to ensuring that their children have the opportunity to play hockey.

Parents have many roles for their children, teams, and teammates. Depending on the day, a parent can be a supporter, advocate, chauffeur, equipment manager, or dietician, making sure that their children can experience and have fun participating in the sport of hockey.

Hockey Alberta has a new set of resources designed to support and assist our parents in providing the most positive experience for your young players.

Check out the new Parents tab at hockeyalberta.ca.

Information available on the Parents tab includes articles from various publications, tips from experts in areas such as nutrition, and updates from Hockey Alberta. Parents are encouraged to check back regularly to see new information as it is added.

RED DEER - Registration is now open for Hockey Alberta’s inaugural Female Hockey Day, Saturday, December 15 – with everything happening at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer.

The day will feature on and off-ice development sessions for players, coaches, and officials – all to celebrate female hockey. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join. To help us celebrate, and to conclude a full day of Female Hockey Day activities, the Calgary Inferno will host the Toronto Furies in a Canadian Women’s Hockey League game.

FEMALE HOCKEY DAY SCHEDULE >

Player Development sessions are ongoing throughout Female Hockey Day, including on and off-ice instruction for current female players at all levels, from Intro to Hockey (Initiation and Novice) to Midget. Player Development sessions have a registration fee of $15 per participant, which includes a ticket to the Inferno/Furies game.

REGISTER – PLAYER SESSIONS >

There will also be Try Hockey sessions offered for both youth and adult females who are looking to play hockey for the first time. Comrie’s Sports Equipment Bank will be on site to outfit all new players with equipment, and to accept donations of the following new or gently used equipment:

• Skis & Snowboards (Under 120cm)
• Large Skating & Hockey Helmets
• Small Goalie Equipment
• Baseball, Soccer & Football Gear
• Badminton Racquets
• Rollerblades (Size 4 and Under)
• Basketball Shoes (All Sizes)

*All participants in the Try Hockey sessions must complete an EQUIPMENT OUTFITTING PACKAGE and attach it to their registration.*

REGISTER – TRY HOCKEY >

In conjunction with the CWHL Game, a Game Day Speaker Series is being hosted for all coaches involved in female hockey, which includes a seminar, a ticket to the Inferno/Furies game, and a de-brief after the game. Registration for the Game Day Speaker Series is $15 per person.

REGISTER – GAME DAY SPEAKER SERIES >

Female officials are also invited to take part in Female Hockey Day with a FREE afternoon clinic, that includes classroom and on-ice sessions.

REGISTER – FEMALE OFFICIALS CLINIC >

Additional tickets for the CWHL game are available for purchase online, or at the door at $15 each (plus GST).

Experience the Dream Contest

Hockey Alberta invites YOU to enter the Experience the Dream contest for a chance to skate with the Calgary Inferno of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League!

The Inferno will battle the Toronto Furies during Female Hockey Day on Saturday, December 15 in Red Deer, and one winner will be chosen to join them on ice during the warm-up and National Anthem.

To enter, tell us who your female role model is (hockey or non-hockey related) in a paragraph or short essay, outlining why you look up to them. Please also include a photo or drawing of your female role model.

The deadline for submissions is Sunday, December 2 at 11:59 p.m. (MT).

*The Experience the Dream contest is open to female residents of Alberta under the age of 18. By entering this contest, you agree to travel to Red Deer on December 15*

Enter Contest >

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s October Coach of the Month, sponsored by Players Bench Team Apparel, is Dan Cavanagh of Calgary.

Cavanagh currently coaches three different teams in the Crowfoot Coyotes Minor Hockey Association; Peewee 4 Black, Minor Novice 3 and Jr. Timbits 2.

He’s been coaching for 7 years, and is also a Head Coach with Northwest Little League Baseball.

"I most enjoy seeing kids develop their skills as players and people," said Cavanagh. "Coaching provides an opportunity to pass on a love for the game. I also enjoy working with the other coaches to help athletes realize their potential. My coaching philosophy is to promote an atmosphere of hard work, respect for others, team play and fun. When we achieve that, success can come in many ways."

"Dan is a phenomenal coach who is knowledgeable, level-headed and inclusive," said one of Dan’s fellow coaches, who nominated him for the award. "He coaches or assistant coaches in three different levels of hockey for Crowfoot! I have coached with him for three years and he rarely misses an event. Dan Cavanagh is an asset to the Crowfoot Hockey organization!"

Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce Players Bench Team Apparel as the new sponsor of the Coach of the Month Award.

The Coach of the Month award is presented every month during the Minor Hockey season, based on nominations submitted to Hockey Alberta.

One minor hockey coach will be selected each month from October through March and will receive a coaching package from Players Bench Team Apparel valued at over $500, which includes a helmet, gloves, track suit, coach bag, puck bag, rink board, and coaching resources.

Nominations are open throughout the 2018-19 season.

Nomination Form >

CALGARY - The Western Hockey League announced today the WHL and Hockey Alberta have extended their current partnership agreement through the 2020-21 season. The new three-year partnership agreement will encompass the current 2018-19 season along with the upcoming 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.

The agreement includes the WHL continuing to be a major sponsor of Hockey Alberta’s High Performance Programs and the Alberta Cup. Within the partnership, Hockey Alberta will continue to recognize the WHL as an official partner in Hockey Alberta’s Male Alberta Development Model, which includes the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League and the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey League. The WHL will also continue as an official sponsor of other grassroots development programs.

“The WHL is very proud to continue serving as a major supporter of Hockey Alberta’s high performance and minor hockey system,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “We are committed to assisting Hockey Alberta with the growth and development of the game throughout the province.”

“We have worked collaboratively with the Western Hockey League for several years to provide many positive development opportunities for players throughout the minor hockey system,” said Rob Litwinski, Hockey Alberta’s CEO. “We look forward to continuing this work for the benefit of players throughout the minor hockey system.”

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 350 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

About Hockey Alberta

Hockey Alberta is the Provincial Sports Organization and governing body for organized amateur hockey in the Province of Alberta. Hockey Alberta’s Vision is Hockey for Life, and Hockey Alberta encourages participation on both a competitive and recreational level for those who enjoy hockey for the sportsmanship, skill and enjoyment it can provide. Hockey Alberta’s Regional Centre network includes offices in Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Calgary and Lethbridge. In 2017-18, there were more than 105,000 registered participants, including more than 86,000 players in Alberta.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta and the Alberta Junior Hockey League are pleased to announce the AJHL Game Day Speaker Series is returning for the 2018-19 season, with Finning Canada as the new presenting sponsor.

Coaches of all levels are invited join us for a game in a city near you, and have the opportunity to listen to both the home and visiting team coaches speak before and after the game. Fran Gow, Hockey Alberta’s Provincial Coach Mentor will also provide a Professional Development session for Coaches before each game on a variety of topics.

Each Game Day experience costs $40 and includes (a $200 value):

• Sessions with both Home and Away AJHL Coaches
• Ticket to the AJHL game
• Food/beverage voucher
• Professional Development from Hockey Alberta
• Hockey Alberta Resource Package
• Hockey Alberta Gift

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Dates & Locations:

November 2 - Sherwood Park Crusaders @ Whitecourt Wolverines
Topic: Transition

December 7 - Canmore Eagles @ Brooks Bandits
Topic: Developing Defensive Play

January 15 - Sherwood Park Crusaders @ Fort McMurray Oil Barons
Topic: Penalty Kill

January 18 - Drumheller Dragons @ Camrose Kodiaks
Topic: Tying Tactics to Structure

February 1 - Spruce Grove Saints @ Lloydminister Bobcats
Topic: Faceoffs

November 2 - Sherwood Park Crusaders @ Whitecourt Wolverines
Topic: Transition

December 7 - Canmore Eagles @ Brooks Bandits
Topic: Developing Defensive Play

January 15 - Sherwood Park Crusaders @ Fort McMurray Oil Barons
Topic: Penalty Kill

January 18 - Drumheller Dragons @ Camrose Kodiaks
Topic: Tying Tactics to Structure

February 1 - Spruce Grove Saints @ Lloydminister Bobcats
Topic: Faceoffs

For more information, please contact Jesse Hale, Manager, Hockey Development at jhale@hockeyalberta.ca

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24 in Red Deer.

Please refer to Information Bulletin 18:06 for updates pertaining to the AGM, including accommodation and schedule details, as well as a notice of motion.

Info Bulletin 18:06 >

RED DEER – The Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup is back for 2018-19, and Peewee coaches in Alberta can now register to receive their Team Kit.

Coach’s Kit Signup >

Your free Good Deeds Cup Team Kit has everything you need to develop your players on the ice, and create awareness off the ice, all the while reaffirming important values learned through hockey. Every kit is a premium coach’s hockey bag that comes with 10 practice pucks, 24 lace bracelets, 20 emblem stickers and 20 vehicle decals.

As well, all coaches of registered Peewee hockey teams in Canada are eligible to compete for the Good Deeds Cup. This season marks the third year of the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup, during which time hundreds of good deeds have been completed by Peewee teams in communities across Alberta and the country.

2018-19 Good Deeds Cup >

The Chevrolet Hockey program seeks to inspire young Canadians to be better people by promoting the positive values learned through hockey, and acting on them by performing Good Deeds in their community. The goal is to develop our future hockey players on and off the ice. Through the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup, Chevrolet makes donations to causes on behalf of Peewee Hockey teams across the country.

A limited number of kits are available, one kit per team. Don’t delay; go to chevrolethockey.ca today and register for your Good Deeds Cup Coach’s Kit.

MORE INFORMATION AND FAQ >

RED DEER - As outlined in Hockey Alberta Information Bulletin 18:05, there are three (3) positions of Director at Large up for election to the Hockey Alberta Board at the 2018 Hockey Alberta Annual General Meeting on Saturday, November 24 in Red Deer.

Each successful candidate will be elected to serve a term of three (3) years.

The individuals listed in the information bulletin have filed a proper nomination application with the Nominations Committee.

Information Bulletin 18:05 >

To learn more about the candidates, please review the short video and summary of credentials for each nominee.

Nominee Videos >

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is proud to recognize the four officials selected to represent the province on the national and international stage this season.

Referee Taylor Burzminski (St. Albert) has been assigned to Hockey Canada’s officiating team for the 2018 World Under-17 Challenge, which runs November 3-10 in Saint John/Quispamsis, New Brunswick.

Internationally, linesman Cody Huseby (Red Deer) is one of 23 Canadian officials selected for IIHF championships in 2018-19. Huseby will work the Group A games at the World Under-20 Division II Championships in Estonia, January 13-19.

Referee Fraser Lawrence (Edmonton) will also officiate at the IIHF World Championships in Division III in Iceland, January 14-20.

On the female side, referee Lacy Senuk (St. Albert) is doubling up this season, as she will work both the 2018 4 Nations Cup November 6-10 in Saskatoon, and the IIHF Women’s World Championship April 4-14 in Finland.

"A national or international assignment is the ultimate goal for an amateur official," said Craig DeCoursey, Chair of the Hockey Alberta Official’s Committee. "The selection of these four officials is a reflection of their commitment, dedication, and perseverance in their field. Not only are they leaders on the ice in Alberta, but their participation off the ice in supervision, mentorship and develepment programs makes their selection even more rewarding."

RED DEER - Registration is now open for Dodge Caravan Kids for Novice teams across Alberta.

The Dodge Caravan Kids Program is a joint effort between participating minor hockey associations and Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram retailers that provides up to $500 in funding and access to exclusive hockey benefits to novice level hockey teams across Canada.

The goal of the Dodge Caravan Kids Program is to help enrich the game of hockey for participating coaches, players and their families and represents one of FCA Canada’s key community efforts.

Learn more at http://www.dodgecaravankids.ca/en/

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Program Benefits

Each team enrolled in the Dodge Caravan Kids Program will receive:

• Up to $500 in funding.
• The opportunity to enter the Dodge Caravan Kids Photo Contest to win up to $500 in extra funding.
• Team kits including an exclusive Dodge Caravan Kids gift for all players and an important information booklet for all parents/guardians.
• The opportunity to enter our Score & Win contest for a chance to win a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 and $5,000 for your local Minor Hockey Association.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s 111th Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24 in Red Deer.

The meeting will consist of presentations, information seminars and discussion forms for Executive Members of Minor Hockey Associations, Sports Schools and Junior/Senior Club Teams, as well as Executive Members of our sanctioned leagues.

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Attending the AGM is important for your organization - to exercise your right to vote in the election and for Notices of Motion, and to participate in discussions about the future of the game.

Hockey Alberta is challenging the membership to make this our best-attended Annual General Meeting weekend ever. Friday evening features a special presentation, trade show and networking social. Saturday opens with a series of President Meetings followed by the Awards Presentations and Annual General Meeting.

In addition to the meetings, we are hosting our first ever ‘Every Kid, Every Community Cup’. In partnership with NHL Alumni and other special guests, we are inviting Executive members from member organizations to participate in a game of shinny in the new Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Space in the game is limited to the first 40 participants to sign up. More information and a registration link for the ‘Every Kid, Every Community Cup’ will be circulated in the coming weeks.

Hockey Alberta has partnered with the Best Western Hotel and the Sheraton Red Deer Hotel to provide the best possible rates for accommodations. Please book your accommodations as soon as possible to access these rates. If you are booking by phone, please indicate you are with the Hockey Alberta Annual General Meeting.

Information regarding Nominations for the Board of Directors and potential Notices of Motion will be circulated no less than thirty (30) days prior to the AGM. Please note that Member Dues for the 2018-2019 season and any overdue accounts must be paid in full for Members to be eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting. Please refer to Article 4, 4.6 (b) of the Hockey Alberta Bylaws and Regulations for information about voting privileges/procedures.

For any further information please contact either Michelle Skilnick (mskilnick@hockeyalberta.ca) or Allison Marriott (amarriott@hockeyalberta.ca).

Boston Pizza and Bauer are excited to once again partner with Hockey Canada to give young Canadians the opportunity to get into the game on a global level and show their creativity through the Design-A-Mask program.

Guests of the restaurant are invited to design a goalie mask featuring the Hockey Canada logo and a Canadian theme. Two winners will be chosen, one in the under-13 category and one in the 13-to-18 category. The masks designed by the winner will be worn by Canada’s National Junior Team goaltenders during the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, December 26, 2018 to January 5, 2019 in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia.

In addition to having their designs featured on a global stage, both winners will also receive a trip for two to a game at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship along with a $50 Boston Pizza gift card, a Team Canada jersey, and their own painted mask autographed by Team Canada.

The contest closes November 7^th, 2018. Head to your closest Boston Pizza to get your contest colouring sheet and submit your design to any participating Boston Pizza restaurant, email to bpdesign@hockeycanada.ca or mail to:

Attn: BP Design a Mask Contest
Hockey Canada
400 Kipling Ave
Toronto, ON
M8V 3L1

Visit https://bostonpizza.com/en/locations.html to find your local Boston Pizza.

RED DEER - The Paralympic Sports Association has started a new Sledge Hockey Program for Central Alberta. The program, operating in Red Deer, is available for participants of all ages looking to learn and improve their sledge hockey skills. The program will run out of the GH Dawe Arena on Fridays and the Kinex Arena on Sundays. Sleds and sticks are provided.

This program is open to all ages and abilities wanting to learn and play sledge hockey! Learn the basics and participate in drills and scrimmages. The program runs from October- March on Friday and Sunday evenings (please refer to schedule for exact dates- it is not a weekly program). The program will run out of the GH Dawe Arena on Fridays and the Kinex Arena on Sundays. Sleds and sticks are provided. Please bring your own protective equipment.

Who: Anyone!

Dates: October 5, 2018- March 15, 2019

Locations: GH Dawe Community Centre (56 Holt Street) | Kinex Arena (4309 48 Avenue)

Cost: Full Season- $180 | Drop In- $10

Cash will be accepted on site for drop in fees.

More Information >