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.

RED DEER - Hockey Canada has adopted a policy requiring Initiation level hockey be played on cross-ice or half-ice surfaces. To help our Minor Hockey Associations facilitate this requirement, Hockey Alberta is providing an opportunity for MHAs to purchase ice dividers at a discounted price, if there is sufficient interest. Any MHA in Alberta is eligible to participate.

The approximate cost for the ice dividers will be:

• Foam Rink Dividers – $1,650 + shipping and GST
• Hard Board Rink Dividers – $6,800 + shipping and GST

If your MHA would like to participate, please complete the online registration form by July 5, 2017. Once the deadline passes, Hockey Alberta will decide on whether to move forward and will confirm with all MHAs who expressed interest.

To access the online submission form, or if you have any questions about the submission process or the status of your application, please contact Melissa Drake in the Hockey Alberta Office by email at mdrake@hockeyalberta.ca or phone 403-967-0064.

Do you have a child aged 6-10 that is ready to fall in love with hockey? Registration is now open for the 2017-18 Canadian Tire First Shift program.

The First Shift is a truly unique experience designed to help your child fall in love with hockey before you buy all the gear. The six-week learn to play program focuses on having fun while learning basic skills. Registration is just $199, which includes full head-to-toe equipment.

The First Shift will be offered in eight locations throughout Alberta in the fall, and two in the winter:

Fall Programs:

• Edmonton
• Grande Prairie
• Calgary (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
• Lethbridge
• Medicine Hat
• Lloydminster
• Leduc

Winter Programs:

• Calgary
• Edmonton

To register for a First Shift program near you, click here.

The First Shift’s mission is to change the way hockey is offered, to inspire new families to join our community and enroll their kids in our sport. Because we believe in all that hockey has to offer kids, their families and our communities, we designed The First Shift to break down barriers to entry by offering a program that is accessible, affordable, and most importantly, fun!

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

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

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

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

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

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

CALGARY - Six netminders will be among the 30 attending Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence goaltending Camp, which runs June 9-11 in Calgary.

Carter Hart (Sherwood Park), Ian Scott (Calgary), and Stuart Skinner (Edmonton) will take part at the Under-20 level, Carl Stankowski (Calgary) at the Under-18 level, while Byron Fancy (Claresholm) and Taylor Gauthier (Calgary) will attend the Under-17 development camp.

The weekend-long camp brings together some of the country’s top goaltending talent with elite-level instructors from across North America. The camp is the initial evaluation stage for summer development and selection camps in the under-17, under-18 and under-20 levels.

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 – While it’s a common sight every winter to see outdoor rinks across Canada full of youngsters learning to skate, you’ll also see the odd adult hitting the ice for the very first time.

Although admittedly “late to the party”, Duane Moleni took the opportunity this past winter to embrace Canada’s pastime. Originally from New Zealand, he moved to Canada 11 years ago, but only decided to learn to skate this year.

“Peer pressure,” Moleni said of his motivation to take up hockey. “When you’re in a country like Canada, and hockey’s a national sport, I think I’d being doing a disservice to myself if I didn’t come out and try to at least learn to skate. Winter in most parts of this country is six-plus months long, so I’d go crazy if I didn’t come out and do this.”

Moleni works with the Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E.), which hosted the Learn to Skate in Red Deer, an initiative the Hockey Alberta Foundation partnered to help deliver. The Learn to Skate program ran Saturdays during the winter at an outdoor community rink, offering New Canadians of all skill levels a chance to play hockey, or learn the basics of the game.

“It’s fantastic, the facility and the ice is fantastic, as is the support from the Hockey Alberta Foundation,” Moleni said. “You’ve got kids playing hockey, and you’ve got kids who are learning to skate working with coaches as well, which is where I’m at. It’s fantastic, just little techniques that when I first started learning how to skate, I had no idea, and no one showed me what to do or gave me any tips, so it’s just helping me get that confidence to keep going and try and a little bit harder, and do a little bit more, and lo and behold, I’ll be doing a toe-pick triple-axle in no time.”

A former Rugby player, Moleni said the concept of hockey is something he’s still learning, even after living in Canada for more than ten years.

“It blows my mind that in this sport, you can go crazy fast on a surface like ice, with steel blades that are miniscule, and you make it look effortless," he said. "Then you throw in a puck and stick-handling, and navigating through players that are out there that are allowed to hit you, it blows my mind, that’s why I love the sport.”

After more than a decade of watching the sport, Moleni can pinpoint his love of the sport to one source – one of the hardest-hitting, toughest hockey players of all-time.

“When I first started watching the sport, Scott Stevens was (my idol), he was awesome," Moleni said. "He’s big, he’s strong, skates really well obviously, but the guy was just physically dominant. That’s not what hockey’s about, and hockey has changed since then.”

Moleni’s determination and attitude caught the attention of many at the rink, especially the people who were helping him.

"Duane is one of the big reasons why we had so much fun working with the C.A.R.E. program this winter," said Tim Leer, the Hockey Albert Foundation’s Executive Director. "Although we were there as part of the Every Kid Every Community program, Duane proved that it’s never too late to learn how to play."

With a full season on the ice now under his belt, Moleni said he’ll continue to work on his skating and skills, and without a doubt will be found out on the ice once again every Saturday this coming winter.

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 currently accepting applications to fill vacant volunteer roles within our Operational Committees for the 2017-2018 hockey season.

Hockey Alberta has 17 established, standing operational committees that help to administer the game of hockey throughout the season. The volunteers on the committees provide service to member MHAs and Club Teams, interpret regulations and contribute to discussions about future changes to the game.

All Hockey Alberta Operational Committee Chair positions are appointed for two year terms while Coordinator and Committee Delegate positions are each appointed annually. Detailed information about each of these positions is linked below.

Anyone interested in a particular role should fill out the Volunteer Application Form and submit via email to info@hockeyalberta.ca.

Application Form >

Available Positions

Female ADM Committee Chair | Delegates

AA Hockey Committee Chair | Terms of Reference

Aboriginal Hockey Committee Chair | Terms of Reference

Zone Minor Regulation Coordinators | Terms of Reference

Zone Minor Administration Coordinators | Terms of Reference

Zone Minor Discipline Coordinators | Terms of Reference

MHA Ambassadors

Minor Female Regulation Coordinators | Terms of Reference

Sledge Hockey Committee Delegates

SPRUCE GROVE - The next step in the Team Alberta U18 Female selection process is underway, as 88 of the top 2000, 2001 and 2002-born female hockey players come together in Spruce Grove for the 2017 Spring Selection Camp.

Players are invited to the camp based on previous Team Alberta programs, as well as scouting of players through their Midget club teams. The camp is a four-day test of fitness, skill and mental preparedness.

The 2017 Spring Selection Camp runs through to Sunday at the Tri-Leisure Centre in Spruce Grove.

Spring Camp Rosters > | Schedule >

From the Spring Selection Camp, 46 athletes are invited to attend the week-long Team Alberta Program U18 Provincial Summer Selection Camp in July. Players participate in high intensity on and off-ice training as well as classroom sessions and fitness testing.

The 2017 Summer Selection Camp will be held July 11-16 in Camrose.

After the provincial camp, a shortlist of players are identified to continue through a fall training camp and scouting process. The fall camp will include on and off-ice sessions, and some exhibition games. From there, the Team Alberta coaching staff announce the final 20-player roster.

The 2017 National Women’s Under-18 Hockey Championship will be held November 1-5 in Quebec City.

RED DEER - Eighty 2002-born males and 63 2002 and 2003-born females have been invited to take the next step with Hockey Alberta’s U16 programs.

Invitations have been extended to the players to attend the Team Alberta U16 Female Summer Camp June 29 - July 2, and the Team Alberta U16 Male Summer Camp July 4-9 in Camrose.

U16 Male Summer Camp Invites > | U16 Female Summer Camp Invites >

The male list includes eight goalies, 24 defence, and 48 forwards. The selection process is based on the Team Alberta scouting process throughout the 2016-17 season, as well as the 2017 Alberta Cup in Canmore in April. From the camp in Camrose, a shortlist will be established, with those players scouted with their club teams until the 20 players who will comprise the roster for Team Alberta are named in the fall.

"We have a very talented group coming to Camrose for Summer Camp," said Mike Kraichy, Manager of Team Alberta. "We’re looking forward to seeing these players elevate their game for a chance to compete at the 2017 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup."

The female invitees include nine goalies, 18 defence, and 36 forwards. Players were scouted by Team Alberta staff at the 2017 Alberta Challenge in Olds in May. This group of athletes is eligible to compete at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer as part of the Team Alberta U18 Female squad.

"We’re very happy with the list of players we’ve invited to our U16 Summer Camp this year," said Mathieu Provencher, Coordinator of Team Alberta Female. "These athletes are the future of our U18 program, and have a chance to make a good impression as we move towards the 2019 Canada Winter Games."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RED DEER - As part of its three-year strategic planning process, Hockey Alberta is developing a new Parent Engagement Program (PEP) strategy.

Hockey Alberta’s PEP strategy will focus on better serving and supporting the parents, family members and coaches of hockey participants across the province. The strategy will focus on education on several core topics including:

• Cyber-Bullying
• Pre-Season Parent Meetings
• Conversations on the Car Ride Home
• Concussions
• Behavior in the Arena
• Supporting the athlete with good nutrition, hydration and sleep habits

A key component the PEP strategy are the Respect in Sport Parent and Activity Leader/Coach programs. Hockey Alberta has required successful completion of those programs since partnering with Respect Group in 2012.

Effective for the 2018-19 season, Hockey Alberta will require re-certification every four seasons for the RIS Parent and Activity Leader/Coach online programs. This will be mandatory for all families with players in sanctioned minor hockey and team officials. A minimum of one parent/caregiver per household must complete the Parent program. As well, Speak Out certification will no longer be recognized; those with Speak Out will require the appropriate Respect in Sport program.

An FAQ sheet has been developed to answer some questions. Over the course of the 2017-18 season, full details will be provided, including a renewal schedule and information about the PEP strategy.

For questions, please contact Mike Klass, Senior Manager, Business Operations at mklass@hockeyalberta.ca or 403-342-6777.

FAQs >

LETHBRIDGE – After a slow start to the tournament, South Black defeated North Grey 4-1 to capture the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup.

South Black and North Grey both lost their first games of the week, but both rebounded to finish second in their respective pools, and won their semi-final games to earn a berth in the championship final.

It’s an extra-special victory for South Black Captain Liam Watkins and teammate Gavin Schmidt, as their older brothers Lucas and Hayden won the Alberta Cup with Team South just two weeks prior.

South Black’s win also marked a clean sweep for South teams this year, with South winning the Alberta Cup, and South Black winning the Alberta Challenge.

Prior to the Championship game, the 2015 Peewee Prospects Cup Champions, Capital Green claimed third place with a 5-1 win over Calgary White.

The next Peewee Prospects Cup will be held in 2019.

Schedule/Results > | Roster >

LETHBRIDGE - With semi-final Saturday in the books, North Grey and South Black will go head-to-head for the Peewee Prospect’s Cup.

South Black won the first semi-final game of the day over Capital Green 6-2, and North Grey defeated Calgary White 7-3.

Capital Green and Calgary White play in the bronze medal game at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, while South Black and North Grey battle for the title at 11.

Meanwhile, South Yellow took the C Final with a 5-4 overtime win over Capital Orange, and North Blue won the D Final against Calgary Red 9-1.

Schedule/Results > | Roster >

LETHBRIDGE - Day two of the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup marked the end of round-robin play, with Capital Green, North Grey, Calgary White and South Black advancing to the semi-finals.

In their lone games of the day, Pool B wrapped up with Calgary White clinching first place after a 5-2 win over Capital Orange. A 6-1 victory over North Blue gave South Black the same 1-1-1 record as Capital Orange, but South Black finished second in Pool B by virtue of a tie-breaker.

Capital Green won both games against South Yellow and Calgary Red to as the lone undefeated team, landing in first place in Pool A. North Grey earned a berth in the semi-finals as well, winning both games against Calgary Red and South Yellow to finish second.

Capital Green and South Black will battle in the first semi-final of the day at 1:00 p.m., with North Grey and Calgary White to follow at 3:30. Capital Orange and Calgary South play in the C final at 6:00 p.m., and the D final between North Blue and Calgary Red goes at 8:30 p.m.

Schedule/Results > | Roster >

CALGARY - Six Albertans were on the list as Hockey Canada announced it’s 28-player Olympic Centralized roster on Thursday.

Goaltender Shannon Szabados (Edmonton) and Defender Meaghan Mikkelson (St. Albert) were both selected as players. Melody Davidson, James Emery (Calgary), Brad Kirkwood (Calgary), and Christine Atkins (Fort Mcleod) are all a part of the team staff.

Szabados, Mikkelson, and 26 other players will be centralized in Calgary throughout the 2017-18 season in preparation for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Emerance Maschmeyer (Bruderheim) is one of two alternate goaltenders who will be available to support the centralization roster throughout the 2017-18 season but will remain with their club teams.

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.