Ice Times Newsletter
TEAM STAFFS ANNOUNCED FOR 2023 SPRING SHOWCASE
Hockey Alberta has selected the 111 volunteers who will lead teams at the 2023 Spring Showcase. Each team will consist of a director of operations, coach mentor, head coach and two assistant coaches. Teams at the Alberta Cup and Alberta Challenge will include a trainer. Staff for each Alberta Challenge team also includes an apprentice coach.
Team Alberta
RED DEER - Hockey Alberta has selected the 111 volunteers who will lead teams at the 2023 Spring Showcase.
Each team will consist of a director of operations, coach mentor, head coach and two assistant coaches. Teams at the Alberta Cup and Alberta Challenge will include a trainer. Staff for each Alberta Challenge team also includes an apprentice coach.
Volunteers for each team are listed below. The Prospects Cup is still accepting applications for trainers.
2023 Alberta Challenge Team Staff
The Spring Showcase features the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge and Prospects Cup in back-to-back-to-back weekend action, beginning with the Alberta Cup on April 26. Events take place at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic.
Registration and details regarding regional camps for each event will be released in the new year.
Home Ice Feature
Throughout 2022, the hockey community has rallied together. This holiday season, teams from across the province have committed good deeds in their communities. Hockey Alberta is featuring some of those teams who have given back this season.
Red Deer U15 AAA Rebels held a food drive at their game on November 26 against the Calgary Northstars, generating an impressive food donation to the Red Deer Food Bank and a $265 cash donation.
The Red Deer Minor Hockey U13 A APLS Chiefs collected and assembled over 50 hygiene kits for at-risk youth. Items were donated by organizations in the Red Deer area and are being donated to the Red Deer High Risk Youth Coalition. Kits include soap, towels, dental health, deodorant and a card filled out by each player with a message of kindness, hope and inspiration.
Lacombe MInor Hockey Association has launched the "Rockets Give Back" program, in partnership with the Broom Tree, an organization that focuses on serving women in Central Alberta facing a variety of challenges. U5 - U18 teams can choose a way to give back to the Broom Tree through donating for their Blessing Bags, the Noel Family Project, purchases in their cafe, volunteering, donating money or goods. Launching on November 15, the Rockets Give Back has raised the equivalent to $1,200 so far.
Hockey Edmonton’s NE401 Crush has dedicated their time to giving back this season. The U11 HADP team has collected food to donate to the Veterans Food Bank in Edmonton, where they met veterans and heard their stories. They stocked shelves and created family hampers for families in need. On December 28, the team will be volunteering at the Junior C Tyler Palmowski Memorial Game to help raise money for DIPG research.
The St. Albert U15 A Sting have filled six boxes for children in need for Operation Christmas Child. Each box is filled with love in hopes to make a child smile this holiday season.
The Junior Oilers are supported the fourth annual Ty’s Toy Drive. When the Junior Oilers Orange faced off against the Junior Oilers Blue on November 30, the AEHL U18 AAA teams collected two overflowing boxes of toys and a $280 cash donation for the drive.
On December 11, the Calgary Buffaloes U17 AAA Bulls will be hosting the Veterans Food Bank Drive and Teddy Bear Toss in support of the Women’s Centre at the Cardel Rec Centre.
To share how your team or association is giving back this season, complete the following form:
For any questions or to send pictures, please contact Kara Spady, Marketing and Communications Coordinator.
Team Alberta
RED DEER – Twenty female athletes will lace ‘em up for Team Alberta at the Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island.
Two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards comprise the Team Alberta lineup playing in the U18 competition in Charlottetown, February 27 – March 5.
Team Alberta’s roster features:
“These athletes have worked incredible hard through this process and we are excited to announce the roster of athletes who will be competing for Team Alberta in Charlottetown,” said Kendall Newell, Director of Operations for Team Alberta. “The staff is confident that we’ve selected a strong group of athletes and we are excited to get this group together in the coming weeks to begin our final team preparations heading into the competition in February.”
The selection process for the Canada Winter Games began in the 2021-22 season, where athletes were evaluated with their Hockey Canada sanctioned club team. In July, Hockey Alberta invited 72 female athletes born in 2005-07 to the U18 Summer Camp, in Red Deer. Twenty-eight players were shortlisted and invited back to Red Deer in September for the U18 Fall Selection Camp. Following the selection camp, athletes continued to be scouted with their club teams through the fall.
Round robin action begins on February 27 vs Nova Scotia. Other Team Alberta games include: February 28 vs Manitoba and March 1 vs Ontario. Playoffs start March 2 with medal games on March 5.
Team Alberta are the defending champions, after winning gold in 2019 in Red Deer. Historically, Team Alberta has three golds (2019, 2011, 1991) and two bronze medals (2015, 1999).
Female hockey was added to the Canada Winter Games in 1991. The Winter Games brings together thousands of athletes for the largest amateur multi-sport event in the country. They span over 25 different sports and is held every four years.
Hockey Alberta has set up an online store to purchase additional Team Alberta apparel. Please feel free to share the link with family and friends who wish to cheer on Team Alberta at the Canada Winter Games. There are a number of items to choose from, but jerseys are not available for purchase. The store is open until January 3. Orders will be shipped by February 1.
Any questions related to merchandise can be directed to Manager of Marketing and Communications, Danielle Kraichy, [email protected].
News
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Len Samletzki |
Allan Mowbray |
Danielle Paradis |
RED DEER – Len Samletzki of St. Albert was re-elected as chair of the Hockey Alberta Board of Directors during the 115th Annual General Meeting held virtually on December 1.
Also re-elected to the Board of Directors for a three-year term is Calgary’s Allan Mowbray. Joining the Board for her first term is Danielle Paradis of Edmonton after being elected as a new Director.
Paradis will step into a new elected Director position created through the approval of two Bylaw amendments during the AGM. In part, the amendments remove the position of Past Chair, and replace that with an elected director.
Biographies and short videos for Samletzki, Mowbray and Paradis can be found on the Hockey Alberta website. They join returning directors Al-Amin Vira, Karen Lee, Bill Gourlay, Kirstan Jewell and Francois Gagnon.
In his opening remarks, Samletzki thanked everyone who worked hard during the 2021-22 season as hockey returned after the COVID-19 pandemic. He also cited the work undertaken by the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee in working to ensure that hockey is free from maltreatment and discrimination.
Samletzki also recognized the recent announcement of a new Hockey Alberta Life Member – Loren Krukowski (Warburg). A video tribute on Krukowski’s career as a hockey volunteer can be found by clicking the link below or going to Hockey Alberta’s YouTube channel.
To conclude the meeting, it was announced that Fran Zinger is stepping down from the Board of Directors. Samletzki thanked Fran for her 16 years of service, and introduced a special tribute video that includes memories and reflections from Zinger, fellow board members and staff at Hockey Alberta.
In addition to the elections, two Notices of Motion were passed by the Members pertaining to amendments of Hockey Alberta’s Bylaws. The Notices of Motion pertain to Article 5 – Nominations, and Articles 1, 5, 7 – Board Positions.
Following the completion of the formal AGM agenda, operational updates were provided to the Members. Dennis Zukiwsky, chair of the Hockey Alberta Foundation, recapped a very busy year for the Foundation. Mike Klass, Director of Business Operations for Hockey Alberta, provided a financial update. And Hockey Alberta’s CEO Rob Litwinski provided a review of the 2021-22 and an update on work undertaken in 2021-22 towards achieving the Objectives and Key Results that are shaping the organization’s strategic priorities between now and 2025.
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Fran Zinger receiving her Hockey Alberta jersey from Board Chair Len
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News
RED DEER - Twenty male athletes from Alberta have been selected to represent their province at the 2023 Canada Winter Games.
Two goaltenders, six defence, and 12 forwards have been named to the team that will travel to Prince Edward Island in February to participate in the Games which run February 18-March 5.
Team Alberta U16 Male Roster >
Players were selected to the roster based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta scouting process, past Team Alberta programs, and at the U16 Summer Camp in Red Deer, July 4-10. Eighty players were invited to Red Deer, and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions. From summer camp, thirty-three players were placed on a shortlist, and scouted with their club teams throughout the fall.
“Our staff has worked incredibly hard throughout this process, and we are thrilled to announce our final roster," said Serge Lajoie, Head Coach of Team Alberta U16 Male. “We are confident in the players we have chosen, and are excited to begin our preparations for the competition in February."
The Hockey competition will be split between Credit Union Place in Summerside and the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown, PEI.
TEAM ALBERTA APPAREL
Hockey Alberta has set up an online store to purchase additional Team Alberta apparel. Please feel free to share the link with family and friends who wish to cheer on Team Alberta at the Canada Winter Games. There are a number of items to choose from, but jerseys are not available for purchase. The store is open until January 3. Orders will be shipped by February 1.
Any questions related to merchandise can be directed to – [email protected]
News
GivingTuesday celebrates its 10th anniversary today in Canada today.
The day that focuses on supporting charitable organizations got its start in 2012 in the United States, coming north of the border in 2013.
According to givingtuesday.ca, the Tuesday following American Thanksgiving has become a global generosity movement where “charities, companies and individuals join together and rally for favorite causes.”
Hockey Alberta believes everyone should have the opportunity to play hockey. That’s why the Hockey Alberta Foundation (HAF) gave more than $974,000 to support communities and programs across Alberta throughout the 2021-22 season.
During the season, more than 80 communities were supported in order to get kids on the ice, female, para and Indigenous programming and coach education.
The HAF also supports and partners with organizations that continue to make hockey accessible for everyone:
Because of the efforts of the HAF and its partners across the province, thousands of kids are able to pick up a stick each year.
GivingTuesday is not just about donating funds – it is also about volunteers working hard to carry out good deeds and give back to their community
In the spirit of GivingTuesday, Hockey Alberta is launching Hockey Gives Back. Throughout the holiday season, Hockey Alberta will feature teams and associations who are taking the time to help others. Whether it’s a food drive, shoveling snow or donating toys, teams and associations are giving back to their communities and Hockey Alberta wants to share it.
To share how your team or association is giving back this season, complete the following form:
For any questions or to send pictures, please contact Kara Spady, Marketing and Communications Coordinator.
News
ONLINE COACH DEVELOPMENT - DEFENDING THE RUSH
Spokane Chiefs Associate Coach Stefan Legein will lead the group on November 29 through a variety of techniques and tactics currently being implemented at the WHL level. The presentation will include discussion on the following components: Skating & Edgework Techniques, Stick detail, Setting and Maintaining Gaps, Sorting, and Tracking.
Home Ice Feature
Carla MacLeod is Alberta built.
The three-time Olympian began playing her minor hockey in Spruce Grove. As a teenager, she moved to Calgary to play for the Oval X-treme in the Western Women’s Hockey League before committing to the University of Wisconsin.
MacLeod made her first appearance on the international stage with Canada’s National Women’s Under 22 Team in 2002. The five-foot, four-inch defender cracked the National Women’s Team roster in 2005, where she participated in her first of four IIHF World Championships. The team struck gold at the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, Italy and again at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. Following the 2010 Olympics, MacLeod retired from playing with two Olympic gold medals, one World Championship gold medal and three silver medals.
Over the course of her playing career – whether it was with the national team or the Oval X-treme - the road always led her back to home in Calgary.
“I’m really fortunate to have grown up in Alberta and be a product of the Alberta built model,” said MacLeod. “I think the main reason I’ve always tried to give back to Hockey Alberta, even when I was still playing, was understanding that you want that impact and that opportunity for the next generation and the next group coming up.… We see these women at the Olympics or at the World stage, but really the starting point is the provincial branch and that’s something I’ve never forgotten.”
Following her playing days, MacLeod took the step behind the bench, coaching at every level over the past decade.
Her coaching career started as an assistant coach at Mount Royal University. In 2012, MacLeod made her international coaching debut as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team at the World Championships. That season, MacLeod became an assistant coach with the Japanese Women’s National Team.
For three seasons, MacLeod travelled back and forth to Japan, while balancing her position at Mount Royal and a job in banking. During her tenure, Japan qualified for their first Olympic Games since hosting the tournament in 1998. In 2014, MacLeod made her third appearance at the Olympic Games, her first as a coach.
“English was very limited in that situation, so everything was translated,” said MacLeod. “A small example, you call a timeout in the game and instead of having 30 seconds, you have 15 because everything has to be translated. The impact of language is profound but having said that, it’s also the privilege of coaching internationally.”
Following the 2014 Olympics, MacLeod returned to Calgary as head coach of the U18 Prep Team at the Edge School. She also availed herself of coaching opportunities offered by Hockey Alberta, including assistant coach with Team Alberta at the National Women’s Under-18 Championships in 2015 before taking over as head coach in 2016.
“Short-term competition in general is very unique, I think it’s one of the greatest pieces of sport because everything is expedited and your preparation is so critical in short-term,” said MacLeod. “As a coach, you’re trying to make sure 30 of you are in the right state, that you’re ready to go and everyone is comfortable and confident – and everyone needs something a little different to get there.”
MacLeod returned as Alberta’s bench boss at the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Under her direction, Alberta won its third-ever gold medal, the first since 2011.
“It was just a privilege to coach that group. All we wanted to do as a staff was to ensure that those girls had the best experience possible at that level. That’s not a result-based goal, that’s a process-based goal, ultimately for us the result took care of it as well,” said MacLeod.
In 2021, MacLeod took the next step in her career – head coach of the University of Calgary Dinos.
Then, a year later, she was offered a new challenge ahead of the Women’s World Championships – head coach of Czechia’s National Women’s Team. In recent years, Czechia had built a strong foundation, but it was up to MacLeod to get them to the next level. After nearly upsetting the United States at the 2022 Olympics, all eyes were on them at the World Championships.
“Anyone who watched the World Championships or the Olympic Games could see that there was momentum within the Czech Women’s Team. We did a lot from a coaching perspective to get to know the players as people,” said MacLeod. “We wanted to maintain and build on that foundation that had been laid but we knew that if we wanted to take that next step and push for a medal in the ‘A’ pool, we’d have to do some things differently. That was part of the growing process and it’s part of the journey.”
MacLeod found the next step with Czechia. With the first female coach in federation history, Czechia won their first-ever medal when they claimed bronze at the World Championships.
Through MacLeod’s Alberta roots, she is delivering the same level of game to the world.
News
The 2022 Hockey Alberta Annual General Meeting (AGM) is being held on Thursday, December 1. The meeting will be held virtually, using Zoom, starting at 7 PM (MST). The agenda and a package of supporting documents for the AGM can be found on the 2022 AGM page on the Hockey Alberta website.
It is important for Executive Members of Member organizations (MHAs, Recreational/ Pond Hockey Programs, Para/ Sledge Hockey Programs, Accredited Schools, Junior Leagues and Senior Leagues) to attend the AGM to exercise your right to vote in the elections and on Notices of Motion. It is also important for sanctioned Minor Hockey Leagues to attend to obtain valuable information.
The Annual Meeting of Hockey Alberta is held within six (6) months of the conclusion of the fiscal year. Hockey Alberta’s fiscal year runs August 1 to July 31. In addition to any other business that may be transacted, the following business shall be conducted this year:
Additionally, the 2022 AGM will include two Notices of Motion that are being presented by Hockey Alberta’s Board of Directors to amend Bylaws related to ‘Nominations’ and ‘Board Positions’ (see the Notices of Motion posted to the 2022 AGM webpage).
Based on the outcome the Notices of Motion, the business of the AGM may include the election of one Director at Large position, for a three-year term.
NOMINATION COMMITTEE FINAL REPORT
Hockey Alberta’s Board of Director positions are elected by the members of Hockey Alberta at the AGM. The Chair and Vice Chair positions are up for election at this year’s AGM. Additionally, based on the outcome of the Notices of Motion, one (1) Director at Large position may be up for election. Each successful candidate will serve a term of three (3) years. Per Hockey Alberta Bylaw 5.2, the final date for nominations to be accepted for Board of Directors elections was November 17, 2022 and therefore the nomination process is now closed.
Per the Hockey Alberta Bylaws, the following recommended candidates will be presented for election to the Board of Directors at the 2022 Hockey Alberta AGM on Thursday, December 1:
| Position | Nominee | Hometown |
| Chair | Len Samletzki | St. Albert |
| Vice Chair | Allan Mowbray | Calgary |
| Director at Large | Danielle Paradis | Edmonton |
A credentials summary and short video of each candidate can be accessed at the following link on the Hockey Alberta website:
2022 Board of Directors Candidates >
Information Bulletin 22-06, 2022 Annual General Meeting - Final Update was distributed earlier this afternoon (November 18) to Hockey Alberta Member organizations, and includes important information on ensuring voting delegates are registered, as well as other information that will be covered at the AGM. The full text of the Bulletin is available on the Bulletins page on the Hockey Alberta website.
News
RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is hosting two free online professional development opportunities on November 29 and December 5.
Spokane Chiefs Associate Coach Stefan Legein will lead the group through a variety of techniques and tactics currently being implemented at the WHL level. The presentation will include discussion on the following components:
The presentation will be 30-40 minutes followed by a question period.
The target audience for this presentation is AA and AAA coaches, but is open to anyone who would like to attend.
Hockey Alberta is excited to have Coach Brian Keane share his thought-provoking views on player development and skill acquisition. Brian has been immersed in the skill acquisition process for many years, not only in theory but also in practical application through his various coaching roles. Ever wonder why your players can execute in practice but not the game? Coach Keane will share various strategies and insights on how to best convert practice time into game results!
Brian Keane is a Former Umass Minuteman hockey player who naturally transitioned into a hockey development professional. He currently lives in the Chicago area and works with the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Mission Hockey Club, and also operates Prodigy Hockey Development.
The presentation will be 45 minutes followed by a question period.
The target audience for this presentation is AA and AAA coaches, but is open to anyone who would like to attend.
News
STRATHCONA – Jason Michaud is just trying to create better people. Nikolas Michaud is just using the lessons his dad is teaching him.
Jason and Nikolas were named the 2022 the Coach of the Year and Player of the Year, two of the prestigious Hockey Alberta Awards presented by ATB. This marks the first time a father and son duo has received these awards.
“I’m honoured and humbled myself, but I’m super proud of (Nikolas),” said Jason. “I was blessed to have great coaches. I’ve always just wanted to model my craft to not only be a good hockey coach, but a coach of humans, to make kids better people.”
Tamara Dawson saw first-hand the positive influence the Michauds had on the team and in the community. She was one of the numerous people from the Strathcona area who nominated Jason and Nikolas.
“My son had been in hockey for a couple years before he had Jason as a coach,” said Dawson. “We really noticed a big difference with positive role modeling and encouraging the kids on sportsmanship, being a good person and working your hardest.”
Jason has now coached Dawson’s son for three years in the Strathcona Minor Hockey Association.
“It’s not always about winning, it’s about trying your best and developing the players as people first and then as players. He’s always done a really good job at that,” said Dawson.
Growing up playing hockey, Jason is now a teacher by trade. When his sons began playing hockey, he saw the chance to coach as an opportunity to join his love of the game and teaching skills.
“I’ve always said if I can have every single player sign up to play next year, that’s how I rate myself as a coach,” said Jason. “All 16 of my players last year are playing again this year. They’re all good people, doing wonderful things in the community. That’s the most important thing – kids who want to play hockey for life long and just be good people on and off the ice.”
The apples have not fallen far from the tree. Jason’s emphasis on the importance of being active in the community and giving back has been instilled into his sons, Ryan and Nikolas.
Jillian Michaud, Jason’s daughter and sister of Ryan and Nikolas, has a rare genetic disorder called Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). The syndrome is a developmental disorder. Over the years, Ryan and Nikolas have hosted various events to raise funds and awareness for SMS. Most recently, they completed ‘Saves for SMS’.
“They had a garage sale and lemonade stand a couple years ago and it made $400 or $500,” said Jason. “With Saves for SMS, they were hoping to make $1,000. It was a modest goal.”
Saves for SMS was the brainchild of Ryan and Nikolas. Nikolas, a goaltender for the Tier 4 Strathcona Warriors ST505, wanted to use his goalie skills to raise awareness for SMS. In February, Ryan tallied each save that Nikolas made. Together, they collected pledges, sent weekly emails with statistics and posted videos to social media. After 83 saves, they raised over $25,000.
The money was donated to PRISMS (Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome), an organization that has helped the Michaud family with Jillian. Their hope is all the money goes to SMS research to improve the life of Jillian and children living with SMS.
“Our boys are blessed. They live with this so they are naturally innate with empathy, but to see it come out in the other boys … if you watch my daughter, there are other kids watching her, other boys in the association. This community is awesome. Strathcona Minor Hockey has embraced our family, has embraced this crazy life with our daughter,” said Jason.
To wrap up the month-long initiative, the Strathcona Warriors ST505 played the “Saves for SMS Celebration Game” at Saikers Acres – a well-known local outdoor rink for hosting charity events. With over 100 people in attendance, the game celebrated Jillian, Saves for SMS and continued to raise awareness.
“It was a really good experience for the kids and the parents to be a part of that and a part of the community,” said Dawson. “The kids really got to know Jillian and to know that being different is good and to be comfortable with it.”
Often talking about his sister, Nikolas makes her a part of his everyday life. So much so, Jillian became part of the team, calling them “her boys”.
“It felt great to have the team’s support,” said Nikolas. “The team did good with Jillian. Jillian had lots of friends on the team, they would hang out with her and give her hugs.”
Having a sibling with Smith-Magenis Syndrome comes with many challenges, but Nikolas is her biggest supporter.
“He is a good example of showing and embracing people who are different and working your hardest against all odds,” said Dawson of Nikolas. “It was just a really good feel-good community feeling and it’s really special to see Jason and Nikolas be such a positive influence on the players and the community.”
As part of the Hockey Alberta Awards program, award recipients receive $1,000 for their association. The Michauds couldn’t be more appreciative of their association.
“I’m blessed to coach these awesome kids and he’s blessed to have lifelong friends here,” said Jason. “They say it takes a village and Strathcona County, this association, has been a huge village for our family and we’re just blessed to be a part of it.”
Do you know someone who impacts your association or the game of hockey like Jason and Nikolas? Nominate them for a 2023 Hockey Alberta Award presented by ATB.
Nominations are being accepted until February 8.
Team Alberta
RED DEER – Twenty-two male players will represent Alberta at the 2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Winnipeg, May 7-13.
The team consists of 11 forwards, eight defence and three goaltenders. Twenty athletes were named, with the final two selections to be made at a later date.
Players attended the selection camp August 4-6, in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Over 100 athletes tried out for the team, with the roster selected from a shortlist of 46 players. Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, coordinated the selection process for the players and coaches. The process included recruiting and selecting the Indigenous coaching staff, registration and selection camps for players, team training, and designing the uniforms.
The national championships provide a forum for elite U18-aged Indigenous male youth and attracts participation from First Nation, Inuit and Metis players across 13 provinces and territories. The annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride as well as an opportunity to celebrate the athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes from across the country.
Ice Times Newsletter
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2023 FEMALE HOCKEY DAY
Female Hockey Day, presented by ATB, is coming to Calgary! Girls Hockey Calgary will host the celebration of female hockey on January 7 at the Max Bell Centre. Registration is now open for the day of development, growth and celebration.
News
RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the recipients of the annual Hockey Alberta Awards, presented by ATB. These awards allow Hockey Alberta and the Alberta hockey community to recognize outstanding individuals, teams and associations for their hard work and accomplishments in making a positive difference for our participants in the game of hockey during the 2021-22 season.
The Hockey Alberta Awards program, presented by ATB, includes awards that are open to nominations from Hockey Alberta member organizations, staff members or volunteers, and others that are determined by Hockey Alberta through a review of eligible candidates. Award recipients will also receive $1,000 for their association (not including the Chair of the Board Award recipients).
The 2021-22 Hockey Alberta Award recipients are:
Volunteer of the Year: Jody Dickau (Wetaskiwin). Jody has been involved in minor hockey for over 14 years as a parent, coach, and board member. Currently the Vice President of Wetaskiwin Minor Hockey, Jody created the Heart of the Game Foundation in memory of a local coach who passed away to cancer. Through this foundation, Jody is committed to raising funds to keep kids on the ice.
Coach of the Year: Jason Michaud (Strathcona). Jason coached in the Strathcona Minor Hockey Association. He is passionate about developing the human first by creating opportunities and encouraging his players to positively contribute to the community. He helps players improve individually and as a team both on and off the ice.
Player of the Year: Nikolas Michaud (Strathcona). During the 2021-22 season, Nikolas created a fundraising initiative called “Saves for SMS” to raise awareness for Smith Magenis Syndrome (SMS). Through the initiative, Nikolas educated his teammates on SMS and encouraged them to give back to their community.
Official of the Year: Brayden Arcand (Edmonton). Brayden is a National High-Performance Referee who worked the final series of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He also represented Alberta at the Centennial Cup, officiating the championship game.
Team of the Year: Lloydminster Female U13 Blazers. The Blazers were the winners of the 2022 Good Deeds Cup for their plan to make their local arena more accessible. The team also hosted Try Para Hockey event to raise awareness about the sport and the importance of ensuring arenas across the province are accessible for individuals with different kinds of disabilities.
Minor Hockey Association of the Year: Whitecourt Minor Hockey Association. Whitecourt Minor Hockey and their key volunteers showed great leadership throughout the 2021-2022 season not only in their community but regionally and provincially as well. Significant steps were taken to review their overall governance, policies and overall delivery of Hockey within Whitecourt. Whitecourt is a proud member of Hockey Alberta and have always contributed to discussion and collaboration sessions in efforts of improving the participant experience. A key area of focus for WMHA was in growing and supporting the opportunities for female hockey, which will continue to benefit both Whitecourt and surrounding communities.
Exceptional Provincial Host Site Award:
Chair of the Board Award (2020): Dean Hengel (Edmonton). Dean spent 11 years as the Executive Director of Hockey Edmonton. Throughout his time, he served on various Hockey Alberta committees and was devoted to evolving the game, including his work in the development of the Alberta Elite Hockey League.
Chair of the Board Award (2021): Denise Broadbent (Leduc). Denise is the Vice President of Female Hockey for Leduc Minor Hockey. Her dedication and passion for the game is a direct correlation to the growth and success Leduc’s female program has experienced throughout Denise’s involvement.
Congratulations to all the award recipients and nominees. Hockey Alberta and the hockey community thank you for your contributions to our sport.
Nominations for the 2022-23 Hockey Alberta awards, presented by ATB, are now being accepted.
Hockey Alberta is looking for individuals/teams who are doing outstanding work in their communities to make the game better.
Nominations are now being accepted for:
Award recipients will receive $1,000 for their association.
Deadline to submit nominations is February 8.
News
CALGARY – Female Hockey Day, presented by ATB, is coming to Calgary! Girls Hockey Calgary will host the celebration of female hockey on January 7 at the Max Bell Centre.
Registration is now open for the day of development, growth and celebration of the game. The day will include:
Girls Hockey Calgary will be offering a parent information session for parents looking for more information GHC programming.
The day-long event also features an Alberta Female Hockey League U18 AA game, as Calgary Fire White hosts the Airdrie Lightning.
Female Hockey Day activities can be hosted anywhere across Alberta. For associations or teams interested in hosting a local Female Hockey Day event in their community, the Hockey Alberta Foundation is offering $1,000 Every Kid Every Community Grants to help support the activity. Applications for funding must be submitted by December 15.
News
11.4 Maltreatment Awareness Day
RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is proud to introduce a new initiative on Friday, November 4 – 11.4 Maltreatment Awareness Day.
Falling on November 4, the day coincides with Rule 11.4 in the Hockey Canada rulebook on Discrimination. The goal of the day is to educate and provide resources to make our game more inclusive. To help achieve this goal, Hockey Alberta is posting 11 times throughout the day on our social media platforms with informative pieces about the rule and the enhanced measures we are taking moving forward.
“All forms of discrimination are unacceptable in our game. Community is one of Hockey Alberta’s Values, and we know that a sense of belonging is important for our participants and stakeholders in our sport. We also know that establishing and maintaining that sense of community is hard work,” said Rob Litwinski, CEO of Hockey Alberta.
“Hockey Alberta has taken steps in dealing with maltreatment and discrimination with our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, along with the work undertaken in tracking and acting upon reported cases of Maltreatment. But there is still much work to do. Today is another step in that process for Hockey Alberta as we continue to educate and create awareness to remove discrimination and maltreatment from our game.”
Prior to the 2021-22 season, Section 11 - Maltreatment was implemented in the Hockey Canada rulebook. The rule encompasses five areas:
Hockey Alberta, along with the rest of the provincial branches began tracking infractions, allegations, and complaints of 11.4 Discrimination. The data tracked can be found on the Hockey Alberta website’s Maltreatment, Bullying and Harassment page under the “2021-22 Statistics” tab.
New this season, a confidential reporting mechanism overseen by an Independent Third Party (ITP) has been established for the reporting of all complaints of abuse, discrimination, and harassment.
INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT PROCESS
As an additional resource for 11.4 Maltreatment Awareness Day, Hockey Alberta’s Centre Ice Podcast interviewed Bryden Burrell, Manager of Minor Hockey, and Brett Kelly, Manager of Officiating, about the creation, implementation, and review of the Maltreatment rule and tracking process.
11.4 Maltreatment Awareness Day is a springboard to the ongoing work of Hockey Alberta and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Thanks to funding provided from Safe & Welcoming Sport Grant through the InMotion Network and Government of Alberta, Hockey Alberta has set a goal to get informative signage up in 30 arenas around the province by the end of November. The messaging will focus on educating parents, participants, coaches, and others about Maltreatment.
News
RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is looking for host locations for the 2023 Provincial Championships presented by ATB.
The deadline for bids is November 30.
A total of 34 events will be held in communities around the province next March and April.
The Provincial Championships will open during the week of March 23-26, and carry on for three consecutive weeks until April 6-9. Below is a breakdown of events during each week:
| Dates | Number of Events |
| March 23 - 26 | 17 |
| March 30 - April 2 | 11 |
| April 6 - 9 | 2 |
| League Playoffs | 4 |
Most Minor Tiered and Minor Female events will feature eight teams - the host, a wild card and the champions from each division’s respective leagues: Hockey Calgary, Edmonton Federation Hockey League, Central Alberta Hockey League, Northern Alberta Interlock, All Peace Hockey League, North Eastern Alberta Hockey League, Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League, and East Central Female Hockey League.
Week one will feature the most events with 17, with a large majority of them taking place in the U13 and U15 divisions. Week two features 11 events, most of which will be in the U18 division. Junior B Male and U17 AAA will be the only events on the April 6-9 weekend, while four champions will be decided via playoffs.
| CATEGORY/DIVISION | DATES | LOCATION/HOST |
|---|---|---|
| Senior AAA | Provincial Playoff |
N/A |
| Senior AA | March 30 - April 2 |
TBD |
| Junior A | League Playoffs | N/A |
| Junior B | April 6-9 | Okotoks Bisons |
| Junior C | March 31 - April 2 | Hockey Calgary |
| Junior Female | League Playoffs | N/A |
| U18 AAA | League Playoffs | N/A |
| U18 AA | March 30 - April 2 | TBD - Bids open to SCAHL teams only |
| U18 Tier 1 | March 30 - April 2 | TBD |
| U18 Tier 2 | March 30 - April 2 | TBD |
| U18 Tier 3 | March 30 - April 2 | TBD |
| U18 Tier 4 | March 30 - April 2 | TBD |
| U18 Female AAA | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U18 Female AA | March 30 - April 2 | TBD |
| U18 Female A | March 30 - April 2 | TBD |
| U18 Female B | March 30 - April 2 | TBD |
| U17 AAA | April 6-9 | TBD |
| U16 AA | March 23-26 | TBD - Bids open to Hockey Calgary teams only |
| U15 AAA | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U15 AA | March 23-26 | TBD - Bids open to NAHL teams only |
| U15 Tier 1 | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U15 Tier 2 | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U15 Tier 3 | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U15 Tier 4 | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U15 Female AA | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U15 Female A | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U15 Female B | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U13 AA | March 30 - April 2 | TBD - Bids open to Hockey Edmonton teams only |
| U13 Tier 1 | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U13 Tier 2 | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U13 Tier 3 | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U13 Tier 4 | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U13 Female A | March 23-26 | TBD |
| U13 Female B | March 23-26 | TBD |
News
The Alberta Female Hockey League is excited to announce several significant growth and expansion plans.
Over the past year, the AFHL has been reviewing the structure of elite female hockey in Alberta, to ensure alignment and progression within the entire hockey system. As a result, the following will occur starting in the 2023-2024 season:
1. Addition of a U13 AA division, to provide a competitive all-female option and development pathway for female athletes through the elite system.
2. Expansion of the number of teams within the U15 AA division, due to increased numbers of female players graduating through the system.
Within the new U13 AA division, the intent is to operate teams within three or four regionally-based divisions under the AFHL banner. Draw Zones will be developed to help support existing U15 AA draw zones. Tournament-style playoffs would lead to a provincial championship tournament.
Within the U15 AA division, new teams will be added to the league as part of a review of the existing Draw Zones based on current registration numbers.
All teams in the U13 AA division, and expansion teams in the U15 AA division, will be selected as part of a bid process where interested Hockey Alberta Member organizations can submit franchise hosting applications. Bid applications will be accepted starting November 15, with a December 15 deadline. The application package will be available on the Hockey Alberta and AFHL websites.
February 1 is the target date for finalizing U13 and U15 division changes for the 2023-24 season.
Additionally, during the 2022-2023 season, the Elite Female Committee will review the structure and alignment at U18 AAA for changes and potential expansion in the 2024-25 season.
For questions or more information, emails can be submitted to:
Lise Cote
Chair, Elite Female Committee
Kendall Newell
Manager, Female Hockey
News
Hockey Alberta is hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, December 1. The meeting will be held virtually, using Zoom, starting at 7:00 PM (MST).
It is important for Executive Members of Member organizations (MHAs, Recreational/ Pond Hockey Programs, Para/ Sledge Hockey Programs, Accredited Schools, Junior Leagues and Senior Leagues) to attend the AGM to exercise your right to vote in the elections and for Notices of Motion. It is also important for sanctioned Minor Hockey Leagues to attend to obtain valuable information.
Full details on the Annual General Meeting can be found on the Hockey Alberta website. Current information includes the following:
Additional information for the AGM will be added to the website as it becomes available.
Team Alberta
RED DEER – Twenty-three female players will represent Alberta at the 2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Winnipeg, May 7-13.
The team consists of 14 forwards, seven defence and two goaltenders.
Players attended the selection camp in August in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. The top 36 athletes were shortlisted for a camp on September 25. Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, coordinated the selection process for the players and coaches. The process included recruiting and selecting the Indigenous coaching staff, registration and selection camps for players, team training, and designing the uniforms.
The national championships provide a forum for elite U18-aged Indigenous female youth and attracts participation from First Nation, Inuit and Metis players across 13 provinces and territories. The annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride as well as an opportunity to celebrate the athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes from across the country.
News
RED DEER – The house won as more than $165,000 was raised at the Curtis Glencross Invitational Charity Event.
Proceeds from the event go to the Hockey Alberta Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta.
“We are thrilled to be able to host the Glencross Invitational once again. I can’t thank everyone enough for the support,” said Curtis Glencross. “Hockey is a huge part of my life and I believe that all kids should experience a love for the game like I have. Having friends who have used the Ronald McDonald House, it’s a home away from home in times of need. Having the Hockey Alberta Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta as beneficiaries to our event was a natural fit.”
The October 19 event started with four teams facing off for the Glencross Charity Camp Championship at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer. Each team featured 15 skaters (including four NHL alumni) and one goalie, with celebrity coaches Tim Hunter, Joel Otto, Ron Stern and Brian Sutter behind the bench. After going undefeated, Team Sutter skated away with the inaugural championship.
That evening, players put it all on the table in the ninth annual Charity Poker Event at Westerner Park. Knowing when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em rewarded Jason Volk as he took home the trophy buckle at the ninth Glencross Invitational Charity Poker Event.
“It’s an honour to continue to work with Curtis, his family and the organizing committee on this event,” said Dennis Zukiwsky, Chair of the Hockey Alberta Foundation. “The impact from this event is felt throughout the province as we work to provide grant opportunities to help get kids on the ice in all Alberta communities. Curtis and his committee have been long time supporters of the Hockey Alberta Foundation and we can’t thank them enough for all they have done and continue to do in Alberta.”
To cap off the event, the Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta presented Curtis with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of his significant contributions to the province. Curtis is one of only 7,000 Albertans to receive the Platinum Jubilee Medal which commemorates the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II to the Throne as Queen of Canada.
“Curtis Glencross has contributed so much to Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta. We were honoured to acknowledge his impact by presenting the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal at the Glencross Invitational while he was surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues,” said Jason Evanson, CEO of RMHC Alberta. “Curtis is an advocate and supporter of families with sick children who have to travel for medical care and need a home-away-from-home. His efforts to fundraise and bring awareness to our cause have profoundly impacted innumerable Albertans. We could think of no more deserving award recipient.”
In total, more than $1.8 million has been raised by the Glencross Invitational for charities across Alberta. This year marked the ninth annual Glencross Invitational. Previously the Glencross Invitational Roughstock Rodeo, the committee chose to send the broncs to pasture and instead feature a charity hockey camp.
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About the Hockey Alberta Foundation (HAF)
The Hockey Alberta Foundation’s goal is to raise funds to provide EVERY KID in EVERY COMMUNITY the opportunity to play hockey in Alberta. We work in collaboration with partners to fund those who need us, invest in those who will lead us and honour those before us. For more information on the HAF or to make a donation, visit hockeyalberta.ca.
For more information from Hockey Alberta Foundation contact:
Tim Leer
403-967-0053
About the Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta
RMHC Alberta helps keep families together when they need it most. Our Houses in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat provide a home-away-from-home to over 1,200 families each year who must travel for their child’s vital medical treatment. By enabling families to stay together, in close proximity to a hospital, Ronald McDonald House vastly improves the quality and experience of the care of the child and the wellbeing of the family, while reducing the family’s stress, sense of isolation, and financial burden.
For more information from RMHC Alberta contact:
Suzanne Pescod
780-904-2885
News
COACH CERTIFICATION DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 15
Registration is still open for coaching clinics around the province. All head coaches are required to have their proper certifications completed by November 15. No clinics will be held after the 15th, so make sure you register for a clinic as soon as possible. Click here to view the coaching requirements for 2022-23.
News
RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has partnered with the House of Leaders to offer an exciting education-based program focused on developing young leaders.
Becoming Player X is a remote learning, three-credit high school course available to students currently in grades 10-12. Those registered with Hockey Alberta are eligible to participate at no cost.
Becoming Player X was created by Willie Desjardins and Mike Valley. Currently the General Manager and Head Coach of the Medicine Hat Tigers, Desjardins has dedicated his life to the game with a resume that includes coaching stints with the Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings. After an extensive professional playing career, Valley proceeded to become a goaltender coach with the Dallas Stars, before transitioning to Director of Player Development and now offers mentorship and training to developing athletes. The course features 26 lessons from sports legends and mentors, including Desjardins and Valley, who have been to the top of the game.
“The concept originated from the Navy Seals. We looked at how great it would be to get leadership qualities in our young athletes,” said Desjardins. “Leadership can be learned as well. I think it’s inside all of us, but I think it can be learned and taken to a different level with training.”
Students receive a new 25-minute lesson every Monday, Wednesday and Friday that is sent directly to their phones. Following each video, students must answer questions to complete the lesson. As a division of the Prairie Rose School Division, students have access to a teacher throughout the course.
To date, over 275 students have completed the course, including Nate Corbet and Tyler Mackenzie.
For Corbet of the U16 AAA Northwest Calgary Flames, Becoming Player X has helped in more than just his hockey career.
“Through hockey you learn so many life lessons, but learning these lessons through Becoming Player X is obviously going to translate to real life,” said Corbet. “If you’re passionate about the game and passionate about the learning and trying to better yourself, you have to take this course. It’s only 20-25 minutes out of your day every second day and it’s going to help you tremendously.”
For Mackenzie of the Medicine Hat Tigers, the course changed his outlook on life.
“One thing you can take away from the course is leadership and becoming a great person. There’s a lot that talks about who you are off the ice just as much as who you are on the ice,” said Mackenzie. “I think it’s a huge thing in building great character and becoming the best version of you in life. It teaches you a lot about becoming a great teammate, good whatever it may be. It really changed my outlook on a lot of things toward hockey – not just hockey, but life.”
Players considering taking the course need to be registered by November 4. The course begins November 7. For more information visit becomingplayerx.com.
Program mentors include:
Ice Times Newsletter
COACH, TRAINER, AND DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2023 SPRING SHOWCASE
Hockey Alberta is now accepting applications for Coaches, Trainers, and Directors of Operations for the 2023 Spring Showcase. The three-week event featuring the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge, and Prospects Cup will be returning to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic in April and May.
News
MISSISSAUGA – The 13 leaders of the provincial and territorial Hockey Canada Branches gathered for critical meetings on Saturday. Branch leaders embraced the recommendations of Justice Thomas Cromwell, C.C. in his Interim Governance Review Report and approved a number of Hockey Canada bylaw changes to support upcoming Hockey Canada Board elections on December 17, 2022.
Branch leaders felt that the frank and sometimes difficult conversations resulted in a productive day that puts us on a path to a better structure, greater transparency and restoring trust.
There was unanimous sentiment that this is a critical first step in support of the transformational change needed to get more and diverse voices to the table and the game in Canada to where it needs to be.
The full Cromwell Report, which will be received later this month, will serve as the blueprint for the 13 provincial and territorial Branches as well as the interim Hockey Canada Board.
News
RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is proud to announce that Loren Krukowski of Warburg has been recognized with Life Membership status for his decades of service to minor hockey.
Life Membership is the highest honour which may be bestowed by Hockey Alberta, recognizing individuals who have dedicated their time and support to making the game of hockey better in Alberta.
"Loren Krukowski was an exceptional representative for minor hockey from the Warburg area, before becoming a key volunteer at provincial level, including serving as a President of Hockey Alberta. We are pleased to be able to recognize his commitment to hockey for life in Alberta,” said Fran Zinger, a member of the Hockey Alberta Board of Directors, and Chair of the Life Member committee.
Krukowski originally got involved in minor hockey in Warburg when his children started to play, coaching both his sons and his daughter throughout their careers. Along the way, he attended numerous coaching clinics to help his players improve their skills. His coaching philosophy focused on team spirit, fairness and respect for others.
In addition to coaching, Krukowski was instrumental in starting a female hockey program in Warburg, and eventually became a board member and president of the local association. He was Warburg’s representative for the Sturgeon Hockey League including overseeing discipline.
Krukowski believed in the importance of development in all areas of the sport, and he was known as a great problem solver. He organized and instructed skills clinics, player development camps and management seminars, and was involved provincially with the Alberta Cup, Alberta Winter Games, and various jamborees. He also served as the Hockey Alberta representative on a team tour to Czechoslovakia.
Provincially, Krukowski was elected to Minor Council for Zone 4 1n 1992 and served until 1997. He also served in the following roles:
Krukowski passed away in October 2021
He will be recognized formally at Hockey Alberta’s 2022 annual general meeting on December 1.
Team Alberta
RED DEER – Seventeen players will be suiting up for Team Alberta North Junior Female. The team will participate in the 2023 Arctic Winter Games hosted by Wood Buffalo, January 29 – February 4.
Two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards will make up the team. Three players have participated in a Hockey Alberta sanctioned short-term competition (Jordan Brown - 2022 Alberta Challenge, Taylor Breen and Victoria Willsey – 2020 Alberta Winter Games).
To be eligible to participate in the Arctic Winter Games, athletes and coaches must reside in a community located north of the 55th parallel. Tryouts were held in Manning, October 7-9 for athletes born in 2004-2009.
Team Alberta North Junior Female will participate in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for the medal-round pairings in hopes of qualifying for the playoffs to compete for the gold ulu. The tournament will be played at Centrefire Place in Fort McMurray.
The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Arctic Winter Games are a celebration of athletic completion, culture, friendship and cooperation between northern contingents. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
News
Hockey Alberta is committed to making our game safer and more inclusive for participants in Alberta and across the country.
Hockey Alberta has identified that allegations of maltreatment, regardless of where or when they occur in our sport, need to be investigated and adjudicated by individuals with specialized skills. As a result, for the 2022-23 season, we have appointed a new Maltreatment Officer, and four new Maltreatment Investigators.
Hockey Alberta has also identified that Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives require leaders with special skills and experience. An EDI Task Force was created in October 2021 to help improve the experience of everyone in our sport. That Task Force has been shifted to full Committee status, with its members helping set a new and improved direction for our sport across Alberta.
Hockey Alberta has requested that Hockey Canada take certain actions and provide answers by specific deadlines. We have outlined that a lack of action may lead to Hockey Alberta taking other actions which include, but are not limited to, withholding participant fees.
We believe it is important to establish a set of actions within a national framework to improve the overall culture of our sport. We have provided input for Justice Cromwell’s governance review, and we are awaiting the report’s final recommendations. Our participation will continue during review sessions this month, and other processes moving forward.
Hockey Alberta continues to meet with Hockey Canada and our Branch partners across the country. We continue to ask the questions for which our Members and stakeholders are seeking answers. That is our commitment – to continue working towards an improved and stronger hockey system for Albertans and participants across the country.
Finally, to the entire hockey community in Alberta – hockey is being played across the province. That is not going to stop regardless of what is happening at the national level. Thank you to the tens of thousands of individuals – Members, volunteers, and parents – who continue to work hard every day to ensure that games and practices occur for our players.
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