RED DEER - Two-time Olympic gold-medalist Catriona Le May Doan is set to kick off Hockey Alberta’s 2017 Hockey Conference and Annual General Meeting on Friday, September 29.

The keynote address by Le May Doan will kick off two days of sessions and discussions for members of the amateur hockey community in Alberta focused on the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete, and the role it plays in long-term player development.

In addition to being a busy hockey mom, Le May Doan currently works with Sport Calgary, helping to advance amateur sport in the City. The retired Olympian has also served as a board member with Winsport, as well as the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Winter Olympics, and is still actively involved in many other charity organizations. As an athlete, she won back-to-back gold medals in the 500 metre speed skating event in 1998 and 2002. As a speed skater, Le May Doan broke 13 world records, and won the Lou Marsh Award as Canada’s Athlete of the Year in 2002, and won the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as the Canadian Female Athlete of the Year three times.

Off the ice, Le May Doan has covered five Olympic Games, and co-hosted the primetime show Countdown to Beijing. She was given three honourary degrees, and was inducted in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Sports Hall of Fame, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada - one of Canada’s highest honours. She was one of four athletes to light the cauldron at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

As a busy sport parent and active coach, Le May Doan understands firsthand the challenges that Minor Hockey Associations face when it comes to competition within the sport and encouraging athletes to participate in other sports.

The 2017 Hockey Conference and AGM runs September 29-30 at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer. Registration for delegates is now open.

Register >

Hockey Alberta’s Hockey Conference provides the opportunity for member Minor Hockey Associations, Senior and Junior Club teams, Sport Schools, league administrators, and other hockey industry people, coaches, parents and officials to participate in interactive sessions targeted at some of the hottest topics in the game today.

A full schedule for the Hockey Conference and AGM will be available in the coming weeks.

CALGARY - A unique opportunity is available for aspiring female coaches to attend a female-only coach clinic in Calgary or Edmonton this fall.

The We Are Coaches clinic runs from 8:15 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Max Bell Arena in Calgary on September 17, and from 8:15 a.m. until 3:30 at the Clare Drake Arena in Edmonton on September 24.

The program is free of charge. Attendees will need to bring their skates, gloves, stick and helmet, as well as their own lunch. The clinic includes an in-class session in the morning, and an on-ice session after lunch.

To register, or for more information, click the appropriate link below:

Calgary > | Edmonton >

Upon completion of the Coach 2 - Coach Level course AND the HU-ONLINE Coach 1/2 one will achieve “TRAINED” status. There is no post-task associated with the Coach 2 – Coach Level Course to achieve “CERTIFIED”.

For more information, please contact Kendall Newell, Manager, Female Hockey.

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 - Hockey Alberta is hosting a Tradeshow on Friday, September 29 in conjunction with the 2017 Hockey Conference and Annual General meeting. The Tradeshow will take place from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

The goal for this tradeshow is to introduce Hockey Alberta members to high-quality, reputable vendors and businesses that can contribute to the success of their hockey season. As a vendor, this is an invaluable opportunity to showcase your brand, products, and services to Hockey Alberta’s membership.

Registrations from business and vendors are now being accepted. If your business would like to be a part of the 2017 Tradeshow, please contact Victoria Hofferd at vhofferd@hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER – World Girls Hockey Weekend is quickly approaching, and your team can help us celebrate the female game across the province, country, and world!

For the sixth year in a row, the women’s hockey world will come together for three days – this year from Oct. 6-8 – to celebrate World Girls’ Hockey Weekend.

Associations and teams from across Alberta are encouraged to join in on the global celebration by hosting an event – it doesn’t even have to be about playing the game! Need a few ideas? Click here.

Want to register an event or celebration? CLICK HERE!

In addition to local events, the centrepiece of the weekend for Canadians, as it has been for the past four years, is the Long Game, which brings together players in every province and territory for Red and White bragging rights in five age groups – Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget and Senior.

For the second straight year, Edmonton will host the Alberta leg of the Long Game, capped off with a game between the Knights of Columbus Midget AAA team and the National Women’s Team.

For more information on World Girls’ Hockey Weekend, to find out what’s happening in your area or to follow along with the Long Game, click here.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

For the celebration to be heard around the world, you can spread the word on social media! Share your story, and your pictures!

To join the conversation, use and follow the hashtags: #LongGame and #WGIHW

	@HC_Women
	/hockeycanada
	@hockeycanada

To join the conversation, use and follow the hashtags: #LongGame and #WGIHW.

RED DEER - Registration is now open for 2005-born male athletes, as well as 2003 & 2004-born female athletes to take part in regional selection camps for the 2018 Alberta Winter Games. Applications for Coaches and Trainers for the 2018 Alberta Winter Games are also now being accepted.

The Alberta Winter Games run February 16-19, 2018 in Fort McMurray, AB.

*Players must be registered with Hockey Alberta to be eligible to participate in a regional selection camp.*

Male Regional Selection Camps

All four male regional camps will take place November 23-26, 2017 at the following locations (dates and locations subject to change):

Calgary - East Calgary Twin Arenas
Capital - Leduc Recreation Centre
North - Jubilee Recreation Centre (Fort Saskatchewan)
South - Olds Sportsplex

Register >

Not sure of your region? Click here for the Regional Directory, or click here for the Boundary Map.

Space at each regional camp is limited, and registration is on a first come, first served basis. The deadline to register for a regional camp is Friday, November 3.

*Each camp has limited space for goaltenders*

Female Regional Selection Camps

Both female regional camps will take place December 8-10 at the following locations (dates and locations subject to change):

North - Ray MacDonald Sports Centre (Morinville Arena)
South - Innisfail Twin Arena

Register >

Not sure of your region? Click here for the Boundary Map.

Space at each regional camp is limited, and registration is on a first come, first served basis. The deadline to register for a regional camp is Friday, November 3.

*Each camp has limited space for goaltenders*

Coach/Trainer Applications

Hockey Alberta is now accepting applications for coaches and trainers for the 2018 Alberta Winter Games. One head coach, two assistant coaches are needed for each of the eight teams on the male side, and one head coach and one assistant coach for each of the six teams on the female side.

For more information, or to apply for a position, click the appropriate link below:

Coach Application - Male > | Coach Application - Female >

Trainer Application - Male > | Trainer Application - Female >

The deadline to submit a Coach or Trainer application is Friday, October 6.

For more information on the Alberta Winter Games, click here.

RED DEER - Six Albertans were among the 113 female hockey players selected in the 2017 Canadian Women’s Hockey League Draft.

Defender Taryn Baumgardt (Innisfail) was the first Albertan off the board, taken fifth overall by the Calgary Inferno. Goaltender Robyn Chemago (Slave Lake) was selected three picks later, eighth overall by the Boston Blades, while the Inferno used its next pick, 12th overall, on another Albertan, defender Kelly Murray (Calgary).

Cassidy Delainey (Edmonton) was the next Albertan chosen, as the Toronto Furies selected the left-winger 37th overall. The Calgary Inferno continued the trend with its 61st and 87th picks, selecting left-winger Kennedy Brown (Okotoks) and right-winger Krista Wilson (Olds), respectively.

Baumgardt, Chemago, Murray, and Brown have all represented Team Alberta at the U18 level; Baumgardt three times, Chemago and Murray twice, and Brown once. Brown is also the first graduate of the Alberta Female Hockey League to be drafted into the CWHL, having played for the Rocky Mountain Raiders (Midget AAA) during the league’s inaugural season in 2016-17.

Delainey and Wilson have both coached at the Alberta Challenge, and Delainey was the Head Coach, and Wilson the Assistant Coach of the Olds Grizzlys (Bantam Elite) of the AFHL during the 2016-17 season.

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.

LLOYDMINSTER - Hockey Alberta is proud to partner with the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Lloydminster Bobcats to present the AJHL Game Day Speaker Series on September 20 for local coaches.

The Speaker Series features a game-day seminar session, with each session offering a unique professional development opportunity to learn from high profile junior coaches - as well as a chance to catch the Lloydminster Bobcats in action.

The Seminar will be held at the Centennial Civic Centre Auditorium. There are only 45 seats available for the seminar, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is $45 (plus GST) per coach, and includes the following ($200 value):

• Presentation from Hockey Alberta led by Coach Mentor Fran Gow on Creating Offense.
• Pre- and post-game contributions from the coaches for both AJHL teams (Lloydminster Bobcats & Grande Prairie Storm)
• Food/drink provided
• A ticket to the game
• Hockey Alberta resource package, Hockey Alberta gift

Register >

For more information, please contact Mike Applegate, Regional Centre Consultant., Northeast

RED DEER - Registration is now open for Hockey Alberta’s 2017 Hockey Conference and Annual General Meeting on September 29-30 in Red Deer.

The 2017 Hockey Conference provides opportunities for member Minor Hockey Associations, Senior and Junior Club Teams, Sport Schools, League Administrators, and other hockey industry people, coaches, parents, and officials to participate in interactive sessions targeted at some of the hottest topics in the game today.

The conference includes guest speakers, presentations, panel discussions and workshops involving people from all different aspects of sport. The weekend also includes an Awards Luncheon and the Annual General Meeting.

Registration >

Friday: Hockey Alberta Awards Reception, Trade Show and Social
Saturday: Annual General Meeting (morning) and Hockey Conference (afternoon)

To book a room(s) at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer with the Hockey Alberta discount, please click the following link:

Reservations >

*The Sheraton has noted on their reservation page that they will hold the group rate for Hockey Alberta while availability permits, or until August 29^th (whichever comes first).

For more information, contact Michelle Skilnick; Manager, Hockey Operations.

GRANDE PRAIRIE - Hockey Alberta is proud to once again partner with the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Grande Prairie Storm to present the AJHL Game Day Speaker Series for local coaches on September 23.

The Speaker Series, which was first offered in February in Grande Prairie, features a game-day seminar session, with each session offering a unique professional development opportunity to learn from high profile junior coaches - as well as a chance to catch the Grande Prairie Storm in action.

The Seminar will be held at Revolution Place in Grande Prairie. There are only 20 seats available for the seminar, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is $45 (plus GST) per coach, and includes the following ($200 value):

• Presentation from Hockey Alberta led by Coach Mentor Fran Gow
• Pre- and post-game contributions from the coaches for both AJHL teams (Grande Prairie Storm & Drayton Valley Thunder)
• Food/drink voucher
• A ticket to the game
• Hockey Alberta resource package, Hockey Alberta gift

Register >

Date: Saturday September 23, 2017
Start Time: Check-in at 5:00 p.m.
Location: Revolution Place (Registration location will be emailed two days prior to start date)

For more information, please contact Blake Cosgrove, Consultant, Hockey Alberta Regional Centre Northwest.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is now accepting coach applications for the Team Alberta North Bantam Male and Junior Female squads competing at the 2018 Arctic Winter Games.

The 2018 Arctic Winter Games are set for March 17-24 in Fort Smith and Hay River, Northwest Territories.

The applications are open to coaches who reside above the 55th parallel in Alberta. Click here to view a list of eligible communities.

To apply, or for more information, click the link below.

Coach Application >

The Team Alberta North program (Bantam male team and Junior female team) is a Hockey Alberta development program unique to Northern Alberta. It provides eligible players and coaches an equal opportunity to discover the great qualities of competitive hockey in a well-organized and fair selection camp and team competition.

The Team Alberta North Male Selection Camp runs December 8-10 in High Prairie, while the Female Selection Camp runs January 5-7 in Slave Lake. Selection camp registration will open in October.

For more information, please contact Blake Cosgrove, Consultant, Regional Centre Northwest, at bcosgrove@hockeyalberta.ca

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.

RED DEER - More than 20 graduating Midget players from the Alberta Female Hockey League will be suiting up for post-secondary teams this fall.

The Alberta Female Hockey League is please to announce the following commitments for the 2017-18 season:

CALGARY - Six Team Alberta alumnae have received an invite to attend Canada’s National Women’s Development Team and Under-18 Team selection camps.

Codie Cross (Airdrie), Jess Healey (Edmonton), and Abagael Thiessen (Red Deer) are among the 25 players invited to the National Women’s Development Team camp. Karly Heffernan (Sherwood Park) was also invited, but is unable to attend. Dara Greig (Lethbridge) and Courtney Kollman (Calgary) are among the 42 Under-18 invitees.

Former Team Alberta Coaches Carla MacLeod (Calgary) and Adam Tresoor (Edmonton) will also be in attendance, as both were recently named to the Development Team’s staff.

Both camps are part of the Hockey Canada National Teams’ Summer Showcase, and run August 5-13 at the Markin MacPhail Centre at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park in Calgary.

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.

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 – Thirty 2002-born players have advanced to the next stage in Hockey Alberta’s U16 Male program.

Team Alberta has announced its shortlist roster for the squad that will participate in the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in the fall. The shortlist includes five goaltenders, 9 defencemen, and 16 forwards.

Team Alberta U16 Male Shortlist Roster >

Players were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta program performance, and at the U16 Provincial Camp in Camrose, July 4-9. Eighty players were invited to Camrose, and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

“We had a very talented group of players attend Summer Camp this year,” said Mike Kraichy, Manager of Team Alberta. “We are excited to see the final roster for the 2017 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup begin to take shape as our staff evaluates these 30 players.”

The 2017 Team Alberta U16 staff includes: Spiros Anastas (head coach), Brandin Cote and Marian Gmitter (assistant coaches), Alex Mandolidis (video coach), Derek Purfield (goalie coach), Jamie Porter (head scout), Curtis Aresenault (athletic therapist), and Dave Campbell (equipment manager).

The shortlisted players will be scouted with their club teams in the fall, prior to final decisions on the 20 players selected to the Team Alberta roster. The Challenge Cup brings together the top U16 players from Western Canada with teams representing British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

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 - Athletes born in 2005-2010 have the opportunity to take part in Hockey Alberta’s Summer Super Skills Camps in Calgary, Medicine Hat and Grande Prairie in August.

The Summer Super Skills Camps run in Calgary August 8-11, and in Medicine Hat and Grande Prairie August 14-18.

Each camp costs between $395-$499, depending on age category (Novice, Atom or Peewee), and includes:

- 5 consecutive days of activities (Grande Prairie & Medicine Hat), 4 for Calgary
- 5-10 on-ice sessions (1-2 daily, depending on category and location)
- 10-20 off-ice sessions (1-2 daily depending on category and location)
- Team Alberta practice jersey
- Team Alberta issue t-shirt and shorts

The camp will focus on individual skill development on and off the ice. On-ice drills focus on skating, puck control, passing and shooting. Off-ice sessions will work on agility, balance, and coordination, following the principles of Hockey Canada’s Long Term Player Development Model. Off-ice sessions will also incorporate other sports, to foster overall athleticism within the LTPD model.

This is a FULL DAY CAMP. This camp will allow parents to drop off players at the rink in the morning and pick them up at the conclusion of each day.

Register:

Calgary > | Medicine Hat > | Grande Prairie >

If you have any questions, or require more information, please contact Jesse Hale, Manager of Hockey Development.

RED DEER - Female hockey is currently one of the fastest growing sports in our province, with close to 8,000 females already participating. Hockey Alberta and our associations are working hard to create new programs to introduce the game to new female hockey players as well as developing our current participants.

Female hockey offers the opportunity for young girls to engage in a healthy, active lifestyle while learning valuable life lessons and developing new friendships that will last after the hockey season ends. Whether your daughter is just starting out or has been playing for a number of years – there are a number of great opportunities for her to become involved in female hockey at the grassroots level.

As the number of female hockey players in Alberta grows, the need for female coaches and officials grows with it. You can join our team as a coach or official, and help inspire the next generation of players in your local association by sharing, your knowledge, skills and memories.

For more information on Minor Female Hockey, and for a list of FAQs, please click here.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce its six Regional Goaltending Leads, as part of the Provincial Goaltender Development Plan.

The Goaltending Leads are strategically located around the province, and will work as part of Hockey Alberta’s Regional Centre network. Each Regional Goalie Lead will provide leadership and support to minor hockey associations and Regional Centre Consultants in implementing Hockey Alberta’s Goaltending Development Plan throughout their region.

These goaltending consultants are available for Minor Hockey Associations and teams to aid in the development of goaltenders from the grassroots to elite levels. Our Regional Goaltender Leads can provide:

• Instructional Stream: Goaltending Training for Coaches
• Try Goalie Events
• MHA Goalie Nights
• Training to MHA/Team Goaltender Coaches
• Practice Integration Skills; Good Habits to including goalies in practices
• Support for Teams, Coaches, Goalies and Parents

To work with a Regional Goaltender Lead, or for more information, please contact the appropriate Regional Centre.

All six Goaltending Leads attended Hockey Alberta’s 2017 Development Seminars in Sylvan Lake in June, where they took part in a weekend of training and strategizing on how to carry out Hockey Alberta’s Goaltender Development Plan throughout the Province.

In addition to the Development Seminars, Hockey Alberta held three Goaltender Development Camps in May and June; a North and South Goaltender Camp in Edmonton and Cochrane, and an Elite Goaltender Development Camp in Sylvan Lake.

“Hockey Alberta is excited to launch our new goaltending development plan, as well as enlist passionate volunteers and regional coaches to provide resources for local minor hockey associations to utilize in their day to day goaltender development," said Kendall Newell, Hockey Alberta’s Manager, Female Hockey. "We have only just begun to provide information to our members, coaches, goaltenders and their parents and we are excited to launch more resources in the Fall of 2017.”

With the initial stages of the plan now complete, Hockey Alberta will continue to prepare for full operation of the Provincial Goaltender Development Plan starting in September for the 2017-18 season.

For more information, please contact Matt Weninger, Consultant, Regional Centre South.

EDMONTON - The home of the Edmonton Oilers, Rogers Place, will be the setting of the 2017 Hockey Alberta Coaches Conference this weekend.

The two-day event offers a unique learning experiences for coaches of all levels from across Alberta, and features coaches from the NHL, WHL, Hockey Canada, CIS, international teams, and other industry experts. Along with presentations, coaches will take part in interactive breakout sessions, a coaches social, and other networking opportunities.

The 2017 Coaches Conference is hosted in conjunction with the Oilers Community Foundation, and will include Edmonton Oilers Assistant Coaches Jay Woodcroft and Ian Herbers, and Oilers Goaltending Coach Dustin Schwartz.

A full list of speakers can be found below:

CAMROSE – Hockey Alberta’s summer provincial development and evaluation camps begin this week in Camrose and run throughout the month of July.

Some of Alberta’s best hockey talent will be on display at these camps, with more than 200 athletes take part in a variety of on-ice and off-ice development opportunities. All camps are open to the public and take place at the Border Paving Arena at the Camrose Recreation Centre.

U16 Female Summer Camp, June 29 – July 2

The U16 Female Provincial Camp is the second stage of development and identification process that feeds into the Team Alberta U18 Female program. The top 60 players participate in on and off-ice training and classroom sessions, and compete in game environments.

U16 Male Provincial Camp, July 4-9

The U16 Male Provincial Camp features the top 80 U16 athletes identified by Hockey Alberta working out in off-ice sessions, as well as on-ice games and practices. From Provincial Camp, a short list will be created, and players scouted with their club teams until the 20-player Team Alberta roster is named for the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in Calgary.

Officials Development Camp, July 4-9

The Officials Development Camp runs in conjunction with the U16 Male summer camp, as officials work provincial camp games and receive mentoring and evaluation. This is third stage of development for officials, starting with ATB Alberta Cup zone camps, and progressing to the ATB Alberta Cup competition.

Team Alberta U18 Female Summer Camp, July 11-116

The top 46 U18 female hockey players, selected from a spring camp held in Spruce Grove, take part in a variety of games and practices. After the summer camp, players are shortlisted to continue through a fall training camp and scouting process. From there, the final 20-player Team Alberta roster will be selected for the National Women’s Under 18 Championship in Regina, Saskatchewan November 9-13.

AJHL Development Camp, July 18-23

Selected athletes receive both on and off-ice development directed by AJHL/Hockey Alberta staff, and facilitated by the High Performance I Coaching Seminar delegates. The on-ice program will consist of both practice and game sessions, and the off-ice portion will cover athleticism, mental skills and team building as well as the technical and tactical skills required to play in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

RED DEER - In what many are calling a long over-due honour, Clare Drake is finally headed to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The legendary University of Alberta coach will join Dave Andreychuck, Danielle Goyette, Jeremy Jacobs, Paul Kariya, Mark Recchi, and Teemu Selanne as the Class of 2017.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Drake moved to Edmonton following his graduation from the University of British Columbia in the early 1950’s. He played one season of hockey with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, and earned a Bachelor of Education Degree there. Drake then completed his Master of Science degree at the University of Washington, and continued on to the University of Oregon.

Drake returned to Edmonton as a teacher, and in 1955, he joined the Golden Bears as interim Head Coach, winning his first league championship. He was named the full-time Head Coach in 1958, a post he held for 28 season, amassing 697 wins, 17 Canada West titles, and six national championships behind the bench. Popularly-known as "the dean of coaching", Drake is the only university coach to win a national championship in both hockey and football in the same year, a feat he accomplished in 1967.

In the inaugural Canada Winter Games in 1967, Drake led the Golden Bears, who represented Team Alberta, to a gold medal.

Drake also coached the Edmonton Oilers during the 1975-76 World Hockey Association season, served as an Assistant Coach with the Winnipeg Jets in 1989-90, and worked with the Dallas Stars during the 2001 Stanley Cup playoffs. Internationally, Drake was the co-coach of the 1980 Canadian Olympic Hockey team, and the mentor coach for Canada’s National Women’s Team leading up to the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Drake was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1989, the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006, and had the University of Alberta’s hockey rink, formerly the Varsity Arena, named after him.

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 is seeking qualified candidates to fill two vacancies on its Board of Directors.

Candidates interested in serving as a Director should have a passion for the sport of hockey. Previous experience on a not-for-profit board and knowledge of the workings of a board from a good governance perspective are preferred. Experience and understanding of the workings of a Provincial Sport Organization is also an asset, but is not required.

The Board of Hockey Alberta operates under a policy governance model. The Board provides oversight and approves the vision and policy framework for the organization to carry out its operations. Operations are delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.

Hockey Alberta is particularly looking for candidates with experience in the areas of Marketing, Public Relations and Lobbying. Candidates will possess some, or all, of the following attributes:

• Broad Knowledge of Board Governance
• Demonstrated Experience in:
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Risk Management
  • Policy Development
  • Financial Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing/Public Relations
  • Lobbying

For more information on the Hockey Alberta Board of Director vacancies, and the application process, please click here.

RED DEER - It was another solid year for Albertans at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft in Chicago, including a history-making selection in the first round.

Thirteen players from Alberta were taken over the weekend, including Brooks Bandits defenceman Cale Makar, who became the highest drafted player in Alberta Junior Hockey League history when then Colorado Avalanche selected him fourth overall.

Spokane Chiefs forward Jaret-Anderson Dolan was the next Alberta off the board, selected in the second round by the LA Kings. Another AJHL defender, Ian Mitchell of the Spruce Grove Saints, was selected in the second round as well, taken 57th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks.

A pair of Albertan netminders also heard their names called on Saturday, as the Lethbridge Hurricane’s Stuart Skinner was selected in the third round by his hometown Edmonton Oilers, and Price Albert Raider Ian Scott was taken in the fourth round by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

A full list of Albertans drafted can be found below:

CALGARY - The RBC Cup is coming back to Alberta in 2019.

Hockey Canada announced today (Thursday) that the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League will host the 49th edition of Canada’s National Junior A Championship May 11-19, 2019 at the Centennial Regional Arena.

“Hockey Alberta is excited to have this prestigious event return to Alberta. We are always proud of how our Alberta host communities raise the bar when it comes to hosting a major event and welcoming teams from across the country,” said Rob Litwinski, CEO, Hockey Alberta. “We look forward to working with Hockey Canada and the Alberta Junior Hockey League to provide support for the Brooks Bandits and their host committee to make the 2019 RBC Cup a successful event.”

This will be the third time in the span of 10 years the RBC Cup will be hosted in Alberta (Lloydminster in 2016, Camrose in 2011), and the seventh time in tournament history (Grande Prairie in 2004, FortMcMurray in 2000, Olds in 1994, and Edmonton in 1975).

The 2019 RBC Cup will bring together the top Junior A teams from across the country, along with the host Bandits, to face off for the national championship. Historically, the event has generated more than $2 million in local economic impact, with event proceeds being directed to supporting hockey development in the community.

“We are immensely grateful to Hockey Canada for the opportunity to showcase our community’s passion for Junior A hockey on the national stage, and to the local businesses, government, and organizations that helped to support our bid and make this event possible,” said Tyler King, chair of the bid committee and Bandits communications manager. “We are already looking forward to the next two years of preparation to ensure an unforgettable national championship."

Brooks Bandits’ Manager of Communications, and chair of the RBC Cup bid committee, Tyler King.
(Photo credit: Bruce Parker / Brooks Bulletin)

Having previously captured Canada’s National Junior A Championship in 2013 in Summerside, P.E.I., the Bandits also appeared at the RBC Cup in 2016 and 2017 and will look to carry momentum from their runner-up finish at this year’s championship in Cobourg, Ont.

Tournament ticket packages are tentatively scheduled to go on sale in May 2018 and season ticket holders will be given the first opportunity to reserve seats for the tournament.

Schedule information for the 2019 RBC Cup will be announced at a later date.

CALGARY - Thirty hockey players from Alberta are among the 197 invited to Hockey Canada’s annual National Team’s Summer Showcase in July.

Fifteen Albertans will head to the under-17 development camp in Calgary: goaltenders Byron Fancy (Claresholm) and Taylor Gauthier (Calgary), defencemen Daniel Baker (Edmonton), Bowen Byram (Lethbridge), Jake Lee (Sherwood Park), Kirby Proctor (Okotoks), Rhett Rhinehart (Lloydminster), and Matthew Robertson (Sherwood Park), and forwards Connor Bouchard (Cochrane), Ethan Browne (Sherwood Park), Carter Chorney (Sherwood Park), Kirby Dach (Fort Saskatchewan), Liam Keeler (Edmonton), Peyton Krebs (Okotoks), and Brayden Tracey (Calgary).

Goaltender Carl Stankowski (Calgary), defenceman Ty Smith (Lloydminster) and forward Chase Wouters (Lloydminster) will vie for a spot on Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 team.

Meanwhile, 12 more Albertans will head to Plymouth, Mich., for the Canada’s National Junior Team Summer Development Camp: Goaltenders Carter Hart (Sherwood Park) and Stuart Skinner (Edmonton), defencemen Jake Bean (Calgary), Kale Clague (Lloydminster), Josh Mahura (St. Albert), Cale Makar (Calgary), and David Quenneville (Edmonton), and forwards Tyler Benson (Edmonton), Dillon Dubé (Cochrane), Matthew Phillips (Calgary), Mason Shaw (Wainwright), and Sam Steele (Sherwood Park).

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.