RED DEER - Is your Minor Hockey Association looking to grow its membership?
Bauer, Hockey Canada, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the application process for the 2020-21 NHL/NHLPA First Shift program. The 2020-21 season will mark the seventh year of the program, which has seen more than 800 programs executed across Canada, resulting in more than 30,000 girls and boys across the country trying hockey for the first time.
MHAs are encouraged to review the application criteria and submit an online application if they wish to be selected as a host community for Fall 2020, Winter 2021 and new this upcoming season, Spring 2021. The objective for 2020-21 season is to host a minimum of 225 programs (coed, all girls and Para hockey), with a potential of more the 8,200 participants.
The NHL/NHLPA First Shift provides boys and girls ages 6-10 an opportunity to easily try hockey for $229, which includes a six-week on-ice trial, expertly fitted head-to-toe Bauer equipment, and in-depth parent education.
Registration is limited at each position at each camp.
Only Hockey Canada/Hockey Alberta Registered Athletes are eligible to register.
All regional camps will take place March 27-29 at the following locations (dates and locations subject to change):
Calgary Regional Camp - East Calgary Twin Arenas Red Deer Regional Camp - Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre Spruce Grove Regional Camp - Spruce Grove Agrena
If you are unsure in which region you reside, or have any other questions, please contact Mike Kraichy at [email protected] prior to registration.
2020 Alberta Cup staff announced
Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the staff for each team competing in the 2020 Alberta Cup. A director of operations, coach mentor, head coach, two assistant coaches, and one trainer were selected for each of the six teams.
The Alberta Cup aids in the identification and selection of potential players for Hockey Alberta’s Team Alberta program, with hundreds of players annually trying out for 120 spots (20 positions on each of the six regional teams).
In addition to player development, the Alberta Cup also features opportunities for administrators, referees, coaches, therapists and equipment managers to be identified for potential positions at higher level events, such as the World U17 Hockey Challenge and Canada Winter Games.
Chris is currently coaching with the Trails West Novice 3 Red and GHC Senior Timbits 1 hockey teams. He has been coaching hockey for three years, with 2019-20 being his first time as a head coach.
"Both on and off the ice, Chris has excelled at his level of organization as a head coach," said the Team Manager who nominated Chris. "From his well thought out and developed practice plans - to his focus on the kids on the ice, always taking the time to engage in each member helping to develop their skills."
Away from the rink, Chris also helps coach his kids’ T-ball and soccer teams in the summer.
"I enjoy the challenge of getting a group to work together and seeing the improvement in individual and team skills over a season." said Chris. "My goal is to work hard to ensure that each player grows both on and off the ice throughout a season."
The Coach of the Month award is presented every month during the Minor Hockey season, based on nominations submitted to Hockey Alberta.
One minor hockey coach will be selected each month from October through March and will receive a coaching package from Players Bench Team Apparel valued at over $500, which includes a helmet, gloves, track suit, coach bag, puck bag, rink board, and coaching resources.
RED DEER - NHL Central Scouting has released its midterm rankings for the 2020 NHL draft, with 22 Albertans on the list.
Six Albertans landed in the top 30 of the North American Skater rankings: Kaiden Guhle, Dylan Holloway, Jake Sanderson, Ozzy Wiesblatt, Ridly Greig and Jake Neighbours.
Garin Bjorklund, Jack McNaughton, Blake Lyda and Taylor Gautier are listed among the top North American goaltenders.
The full list of Albertans appearing in the NHL Central Scouting midterm rankings can be found below:
Midterm Rank
Player
Position
Last Amateur Club
League
7
Kaiden Guhle
Defence
Prince Albert
WHL
10
Dylan Holloway
Forward
Wisconsin
Big 10
11
Jake Sanderson
Defence
USA U-18
NTDP
14
Ozzy Wiesblatt
Forward
Prince Albert
WHL
25
Ridly Greig
Forward
Brandon
WHL
30
Jake Neighbours
Forward
Edmonton
WHL
43
Connor McClennon
Forward
Winnipeg
WHL
52
Carter Savoie
Forward
Sherwood Park
AJHL
60
Michael Benning
Defence
Sherwood Park
AJHL
73
Ronan Seeley
Defence
Everett
WHL
85
Ethan Edwards
Defence
Spruce Grove
AJHL
86
Luke Prokop
Defence
Calgary
WHL
111
Rhett Rhinehart
Defence
Saskatoon
WHL
121
Owen Pederson
Forward
Winnipeg
WHL
168
Tyrel Bauer
Defence
Seattle
WHL
177
Ryker Evans
Defence
Regina
WHL
180
Noah Boyko
Forward
Lethbridge
WHL
194
Carter Souch
Forward
Edmonton
WHL
10
Garin Bjorklund
Goaltender
Medicine Hat
WHL
14
Jack McNaughton
Goaltender
Calgary
WHL
23
Blake Lyda
Goaltender
Seattle
WHL
27
Taylor Gauthier
Goaltender
Prince George
WHL
Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email [email protected].
RED DEER - Five Minor Hockey Associations have received a $1,000 Every Kid Every Community grant for their Female Hockey Day celebration events.
High Prairie, Irma, Nampa, Slave Lake, and Vermilion will all be hosting their own unique events to bring the Female Hockey Day buzz around the province. From jamborees to skills competitions, these events will work to grow the female game and show #WhyWePlay.
Female Hockey Day weekend takes place in Lethbridge January 24-26. The day will feature on and off-ice development sessions for players, goalies, coaches, and officials. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join. To conclude a full day of Female Hockey Day activities, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns will host the Mount Royal Cougars in a U SPORTS Hockey game at the Nicholas Sheran Ice Centre.
Alberta’s hockey community is always at its best during the holiday season, and we asked Minor Hockey Associations and teams from across Alberta to share their stories of giving back to the community with us. READ >
2020 ALBERTA HOCKEY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE CLASS ANNOUNCED
Seven outstanding individuals, along with the 1975 Canada Winter Games and Alberta Provincial Junior B champions, comprise the 2020 Induction Class for the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame. CLASS OF 2020 >
SPRING GOALIE, POWER EDGE PRO, AND SMALL AREA GAMES CAMPS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
Hockey Alberta is committed to providing Alberta Built development opportunities for coaches and players to grow and learn before, during, and after the season. Check out the camps in your area!ALBERTA BUILT CAMPS > | GOALTENDER GUIDE > | COACH OPPORTUNITIES >
GOOD DEEDS CUP SUBMISSION DEADLINE - JANUARY 13
The Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup seeks to inspire young Canadians to do good by transforming the positive values learned through hockey into Good Deeds within their communities. The deadline to submit your team’s Good Deeds Cup video is Monday, January 13. SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO >
FEMALE HOCKEY DAY - LETHBRIDGE ON JANUARY 25
Female Hockey Day will feature on and off-ice development sessions for players, coaches, officials, and parents – all to celebrate and grow female hockey. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join. REGISTER NOW > | EXPERIENCE THE DREAM >
SUPPORTING HOCKEY ALBERTA AND YOUR COMMUNITY - GATORADE
Gatorade sports drink was created for a single purpose, to fuel athletic performance. And over the last 50 years, Gatorade has worked to ensure that every single ingredient is a reflection of that mission. Gatorade is a proud partner of Hockey Alberta and its Alberta Built Athletes. For more information visit them HERE >
With 2019 now in the rear-view mirror, Hockey Alberta looks back on the year that was with some of our favourite moments from the past year (in no particular order).
Canada Games Gold, Bronze for Team Alberta U18 Female and U16 Male
Photo credit: Kurtis Fischer
Team Alberta U18 female defied the odds in March, taking down an undefeated Quebec team 2-1 to capture gold on home ice at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.
The gold medal was Alberta’s 100th medal of the 2019 Canada Winter Games, and second in hockey, with the Men’s team winning bronze in week one.
After an 8-4 loss in the semi-finals at the 2019 Canada Winter Games, Team Alberta U16 Male rebounded with a 12-0 win over Saskatchewan to claim the bronze medal.
After giving up the first goal of the game, Team Alberta Red scored three unanswered goals to defeat Alberta Black 3-1, capturing the 2019 Alberta Cup title in Red Deer.
The 2019 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial, had a little different look than previous years in the Peewee Division. Hockey Alberta undertook a trial that saw the Peewee A-D championships transition to Peewee Tiers 1-4 based on the new standardized tiering model implemented for the 2018-19 season. There were 40 provincial champs crowned, ranging from Atom to Senior AAA, with events hosted at locations ranging from Grande Prairie to Fort Macleod to Cold Lake.
After making history as the first team to repeat as Esso Cup champions in 2018, the St. Albert Slash of the Alberta Female Hockey League re-wrote history again in 2019, defeating the host Sudbury Lady Wolves to capture a third straight national title.
Alberta saw a number of its players and officials earn accolades and recognition in 2019:
For the fifth straight year, an Albertan was the top selection at the Western Hockey League Bantam draft, as the Winnipeg Ice took Matthew Savoie with the first overall pick. Full Story >
A total of 12 Albertans were selected at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver, including Kirby Dach, who went third overall to the Chicago Blackhawks, making him the highest-drafted Albertan since Jay Bouwmeester went third overall to the Florida Panthers in 2002. Full Story >
A number of on-ice officials achieved opportunities at high-profile national and international events. More Stories >
Albertans Get The Call To The Hall
Photo credit: Andy Devlin/Oilers Entertainment Group
Five outstanding individuals and back-to-back Memorial Cup champions were enshrined as the 2019 Induction Class for the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame (AHHF): Theoren Fleury, Kevin Lowe, Shirley Cameron, Bob Ridley, Duncan MacDougall, and the 1986-87 and 1987-88 Medicine Hat Tigers.
Leading Change was the central theme of Hockey Alberta’s 2019 Hockey Conference and Annual General Meeting in Red Deer in November, highlighted by keynote speaker Matt Symes.
Hockey Alberta has a new Chair and Vice Chair at the helm of its Board of Directors after the organization’s 112th Annual General Meeting in Red Deer. Len Samletzki was acclaimed as the new Chair, taking over from Terry Engen. Allan Mowbray was acclaimed as the Vice Chair, taking over from Fran Zinger.
The Hockey Alberta Foundation also saw a new Chair and Vice Chair of its Board of Directors in 2019. Dennis Zukiwsky (Red Deer) was acclaimed as the new Chair, taking over from John Windwick. Jeff Robson (Calgary) was acclaimed as the Vice Chair, taking over from Dennis Zukiwsky. Zukiwsky previously served as the Board’s Vice Chair, while Robson was previously a Director on the Board.
Hockey Alberta presented their annual Hockey Alberta Awards in conjunction with the Alberta Cup in April, recognizing outstanding individuals and teams for their hard work and accomplishments in making a positive difference for our participants in the game of hockey during the 2018-19 season.
More than $45,000 was dispersed to organizations across the province, through Player Assistance Grants or Program Grants. Funding was provided directly by the Hockey Alberta Foundation to several charitable groups, including: Sport Central, Comrie’s Sports Bank, KidSport, HEROS Hockey and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.
National, International Championship Tournaments in Brooks and Medicine Hat
Alberta saw a pair of high-profile events in 2019, with the National Junior A Championship taking place in Brooks in May, and the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Medicine Hat in November (split with Swift Current).
The host Brooks Bandits took home the 2019 National Junior A Championship title.
Hockey Alberta strives to ensure every coach in the province has the opportunity to receive all the proper information and training needed to provide our players with the highest level of coaching at all levels. In 2019 alone, more than 4,600 hockey coaches in Alberta attended National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) and other professional coach development clinics offered this season through Hockey Alberta.
Alberta’s Sledge Hockey season started out with a bang in Red Deer in September, with a two-day Sledge Hockey Player Development Camp for players of all ages and skill levels, led by Canada’s Women’s National Para-Ice Hockey team Head Coach, Tara Chisholm. A Sledge Hockey Coach 2 - Coach Level clinic ran in conjunction with the camp, emphasizing basic skills and the importance of having players develop confidence, self-esteem, and a love for the game.
CALGARY - Seven outstanding individuals, along with the 1975 Canada Winter Games and Alberta Provincial Junior B champions, comprise the 2020 Induction Class for the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame.
The announcement of the Class of 2020 was made on Thursday by Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary.
The 2020 inductees will be recognized at the AHHF Awards Gala on Sunday, July 19, at the Coast Hotel in Canmore:
Bill Bucyk – respected linesman, referee and leader who skated in the World Hockey Association and internationally, and helped train some of the longest-serving officials in the NHL
Bob Clark – the first-ever Minister of Youth in Alberta, and the face of Junior A hockey in Alberta with the Olds Grizzlys and the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
Cassie Campbell-Pascall – unparalled career including captain of the Canadian National Women’s hockey team, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and six-time world champion, along with trailblazing work as a broadcaster nationally and internationally.
Jamie Macoun – two-time Stanley Cup during a 17-year career with Calgary, Toronto and Detroit, and two-time World Championships silver medalist
John Davidson – outstanding NHL goaltender, award-winning broadcaster, and respected front office executive who currently is president of the New York Rangers
Ken Hitchcock – Stanley Cup champion NHL head coach, and three-time Olympic gold medalist with Team Canada over a more than 40-year coaching career.
Dr. Randy Gregg – five-time Stanley Cup champion with the Edmonton Oilers and two-time CIAU champion.
1974-75 Lethbridge Native Sons – 1975 Canada Winter Games and Alberta Junior B provincial champions
RED DEER - The Hockey Alberta Foundation is excited to once again partner with the Piper Creek Optimist Club of Red Deer for the fourth straight year to present the Battle of Alberta Fundraiser at Bo’s Bar & Stage, benefiting the Every Kid Every Community (EKEC) program. In three years, the Battle of Alberta event has raised over $50,000 for EKEC, as well as $15,000 for additional youth programs in Central Alberta.
Once again, two grand prizes will be available to win through a raffle:
Four tickets to the January 11 Calgary Flames game against the Edmonton Oilers at the Scotiabank Saddledome, and a limo ride from Red Deer to Calgary, and back.
Four tickets to the January 29 Edmonton Oilers game against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place, and a limo ride from Red Deer to Edmonton, and back.
Only 400 tickets will be sold. The draw for both grand prizes will be done on Saturday, January 4 at Bo’s Bar and Grill. You do not need to be present on January 4 to win either of the grand prizes.
Raffle tickets are $40 each (plus online fees). Your ticket will also grant you entry to Bo’s on January 4, as well as an appetizer buffet, one beverage courtesy of Molson Coors, a chance to win the early bird prize, and door prizes throughout the night. The night also features a Hockey Hot Stove, sponsored by MNP, with former Calgary Flame, two-time Stanley Cup Champion Jamie Macoun, and Dave Hunter, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Edmonton Oilers.
Doors for the event will open at 5pm, with the Early Bird Draw at 6:30pm, and the final draw at 9:30pm. You must be in attendance to win early bird and door prizes.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Every Kid Every Community program, as well as other youth initiatives in Central Alberta.
Alberta’s hockey community is always at its best during the holiday season, and we’ve asked Minor Hockey Associations and teams from across Alberta to share their stories of giving back to the community with us. If you would like to share your team’s story of giving back during the holidays, please email [email protected] with details and photos.
Airdrie Atom 1
The Airdrie Atom 1 team purchased $780 worth of groceries for the Davis ‘Fill the truck’ event, where all donations were provided to the Airdrie Food Bank.
Airdrie Atom 2 Red
Airdrie’s Atom Tier 2 Red went shopping for pillows to donate to the Airdrie Lioness Club.
Airdrie Atom and Midget Female
The Airdrie Female Atom and Midget girls teams were able to raise funds to purchase 808 turkeys to donate to the Airdrie Food Bank this holiday season.
Airdrie Peewee Female B
Airdrie’s Female Pee Wee B donated their time assisting to fill backpacks for the Stephen’s Backpacks Society for Children In Need.
Airdrie Peewee 4
Airdrie’s Pee Wee Tier 4 purchased goods and made up Care Packages for the less fortunate in their community this holiday season.
Beaverlodge Midget Female and Male
On December 22, the Beaverlodge Minor Hockey Midget Male and Midget Female teams hosted a fun game against each other, including a game with our youngest Initiation players during the intermission. The Midget teams chose to donate the proceeds from the 50/50 during this game to the local food bank in Beaverlodge, with $492.50 donated. The community came together to support our two teams playing against each other.
Bow Valley Peewee AA Timberwolves
The Bow Valley Timberwolves Peewee AA team hosted a ’Battle of the Badges’ game between local firefighters/EMS and police, raising funds for ’Project All In’, which supports first responders’ mental health and well-being. More Photos >
Calgary Fire Red Bantam Elite
The Calgary Fire Red Bantam Elite team have spread holiday cheer by bringing gifts to the Calgary Women’s Shelter and sang carols to the residents at Brentwood Care Facility.
Calgary Midget AAA North Stars
The Calgary Midget AAA Northstars have been busy giving back to the community this holiday season. The team, coaches, and parents participated in Canadian Blood Service’s #HockeyGivesBlood campaign, with seven 17 year-olds giving blood for the first time. The team also spent time shoveling sidewalks, ran a toy and coat drive to contribute to Project Warmth, and held a special mother’s game day for the leading ladies in their lives.
Calgary North Stars Minor Midget AAA Blazers
The CNHA MM AAA Blazers spent an evening packing backpacks at Stephen’s Backpacks for some of Calgary’s less fortunate children.
Edmonton Girls Hockey 603 and 605
The EG603 and EG605 teams faced off earlier this month, and challenged each other to bring food bank donations to the game.
Edmonton Girls Hockey Peewee 505 and 506
EG506 went head to head with EG505 for a league game on December 14, so they decided to add in a donation challenge. Both teams chose Boyle Street as our recipients of donations for their Donations In Kind program. They were able to fill a truck with topper to the brim, including the back seat, with all of the donations.
Fort McMurray Bouchier Peewee AA
The Fort McMurray Bouchier Peewee AA Junior Oil Barons supported the Centre of Hope this Holiday season. They served homemade chilli and soup to the patrons, and presented them with a cheque for $3,060 from fundraising efforts.
Fort Saskatchewan Midget AA Rangers
The Fort Saskatchewan Midget AA Rangers were busy helping the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank on December 21st. The team packed nearly 200 hampers including everything needed for a Christmas meal and toys for the little ones into volunteers’ vehicles for delivery.
Glenlake Hawks Atom 1 Green
The Glenlake Hawks Atom 1 Green team came together to adopt a family through the Northeast Calgary Adopt-A-Family Society, providing a family of seven necessity items to ensure they will be warm this holiday season, and beyond. From shopping to wrapping to delivery the Hawks were motivated to make this Christmas a little brighter for this family.
Grande Prairie Peewee A2 Arctic Crane Knights
Every second Sunday, the Pee Wee A2 Arctic Crane Knights get together and cook, bake and prep food for the Sunrise House in Grande Prairie. The Sunrise House is our local youth shelter that provides a home for homeless youth between the ages of 12-17. The players are required to do the shopping and all the work required in order to provide a nice meal for the youth at the Shelter.
Grande Prairie Atom 1 Knights
On November 16, the Grande Prairie Atom A Knights went out into the community to ring the Kettle Bells for the Salvation Army. Groups of players spread out through various lcoations in the city ringing the bells, accepting donations, and handing out candy canes.
Grande Prairie Bantam AA Higson Dental Group Storm
The Grande Prairie Bantam AA Higson Dental Group Storm have been spending the whole first half of the season giving back to the community. They have donated over $500 to Kev’s Kids, donated pet food and supplies to Bandaged Paws, picked up litter in the community, donated to the GP Hospital Foundation, donated food and clothing to the homeless, helped with the Festival of Trees set-up, accepted donations for the Salvation Army, volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and are supporting a teammate whose Father is battling cancer.
Lacoka Bantam Female
The Lacoka Bantam females hosted a tournament last weekend and accepted donations for the local food back. All teams involved were very supportive - Leduc, Red Deer, Lloydminster, Stettler, and West Central.
Lethbridge Timbit Pirates
The Lethbridge Timbit Pirates have joined the Lethbridge Foodbank’s "Snowball Effect" Food drive for the holiday season. The team had heard about the food drive and decided that it would be a perfect way to give back to the community. All players were asked to donate some non-perishables and bring them to weekly Saturday practice. The team was very happy to learn that they would be helping out less fortunate families have meals during the Christmas season.
Medicine Hat Atom Black Hounds
The Medicine Hat Atom CAHL Black Hounds made a difference in the life of a local family this Christmas. In the 2nd annual "Giving Christmas Away" theme, the team adopted a family, raising close to $1400 that allowed them to make a deserving family’s Christmas dreams come true. They shopped together, wrapped together, and have learned a valuable lesson of giving back to the community through a sport that has taught them what it means to "be a good person".
Medicine Hat Peewee A Female Wildcats
The Medicine Hat Peewee A Wildcats gave back to their community by ringing kettle bells for The Salvation Army on December 19.
Medicine Hat Peewee B Female Wildcats
The Medicine Hat Peewee B Wildcats have been busy with their Kindness Campaign this season, beginning with sharing homemade cookies at the Irvine rink on Random Act of Kindness Day. They have also rang kettle bells and raised money for the Salvation Army, decorating the Masterpiece Southland Meadows retirement home for Christmas, shovelled neighbours walkways, and sent out a Christmas card to every Meals on Wheels recipient.
Olds Bantam AA Grizzlys
The Olds Bantam AA Grizzlys players donated $465 to the Olds and District Christmas Angels. They collected this money by having dressing room/team standards, and if a player falters on these, they need to donate. Many of the players families added to the total once the players decided to donate the funds instead of having a team Christmas party. The team also headed to the Mountain View Seniors Lodge to fill over 90 stockings for the residents.
Onoway Bantam
Over the holiday season, the Onoway Bantam team decided to help the neighbouring community by building 100 food hampers for those in need. This is sponsored by the Alberta Beach lions club. The players helped unload the trailers full of food, sort accordingly, and help fill up the hampers.
Peace Country Storm and Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs Midget Elite
The Peace Country Storm and the Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs gave back to a family who needed some help during the holidays. Both teams donated food, water, blankets and $525.00 in gift cards. The Sutter Fund Chiefs also prepared and served a meal to approximately 150 people at Potters Hands in downtown Red Deer.
Prairie Thunder Midgets
Prairie Thunder Midgets hosted their second annual Prairie Thunder Alumni game on December 22. The local charity this year was the Brooks Elks Canada annual toy drive, which raised over $300 in cash and donations of unwrapped toys. We like to thank everybody for coming out.
Red Deer Atom A Cambridge Chiefs and Minor Midget AAA North Star Chiefs
On December 9, 2019, the Red Deer Cambridge Atom A and North Star Chiefs MM AAA spent the evening getting to know each other and the residents at Extendicare Michener Hill. The older players had the opportunity to be mentors to the young Atom players while playing games with the senior citizen residents. On December 14th, the Atoms had a follow up event where they went to cheer on their Minor Midget AAA buddies during their home game. The Atom players created personalized signs and shared snacks and smiles that led to a fun night for everyone involved.
Red Deer Atom B RCM Transport Chiefs
On Dec. 11, the Red Deer Atom B RCM Transport Chiefs met at Extendicare Michener Hill in Red Deer to help bring all the residents to the common area, where a live band performed. They then played some pool noodle hockey with one hockey loving resident. After the band performed, the team ushered all of the residents back to their rooms, and helped the band carry out their equipment, put away all the chairs, and tidy up.
Red Deer Bantam Elite and Novice Chiefs
The Red Deer Bantam Elite Sutter Fund and Novice Chiefs partnership program saw the two female teams get together and create care packages for families and their children staying at Ronald McDonald House. These care packages will be placed in the “Magic Room” where they are available to families staying at the House to provide a small sense of comfort. Afterwards the volunteers of Ronald McDonald House took time to educate the girls on their program & share stories of families that have been helped.
Rocky Mountain House Renegades
During their home game on December 20, the Rocky Renegades held an event called Renegades Help Fight the Cold Weather! The team collected warm fuzzy toques, mittens, and socks for people in need. They donated 55 warm items to our local Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter on January 2. The Renegades are hoping that their efforts can help keep several families a little bit warmer this winter.
Rocky Mountain House Royals
The Rocky Mountain House Royals (from left to right) #7 Assistant Captain Colton Bradshaw, #19 Captain Colin Muyres, #16 Assistant Captain Jason Roberts and #4 forward Hunter Girard dropped off 126lbs of food at the Lords Food Bank after their game on December 15th vs. Kneehill.
Rocky Mountain Raiders Midget AAA Female
For the second year in a row, the Rocky Mountain Raiders Midget AAA Female hockey team partnered up with a local Supportive Living Seniors Care Home in Okotoks, Tudor Manor. The group spent the day interacting and spending time with the residents while making gingerbread houses.
SE439 Millwood Bruins
The SE439 Millwoods Bruins ran a bottle drive, using the funds raised to purchase gifts for seniors who may not have anyone to give them a gift on Christmas.
SEAC Minor Midget AAA Tigers
On December 20, the SEAC Minor Midget AAA Tigers went to Chinook Village in Medicine Hat to deliver wrapped gifts to seniors in assisted living. The team collected gifts for seniors in need at a home game in Medicine Hat on November 16 at the Hockey Hounds Arena, and then worked with the Santa for Seniors organization to deliver these gifts to seniors in our community of Medicine Hat. The team delivered gifts, sang a few songs, and visited with some of the seniors. The team also volunteered at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, serving a hot meal to around 100 people. They helped with serving a meal and coffee, visiting with people as well as doing dishes and clean up of the centre after the meal.
Sexsmith Atom 1 Vipers
The Sexsmith Atom A Vipers helped out in the Town of Sexsmith’s Reverse Santa Parade on December 7th. Residents of the town put out bags of non-perishable food and toys on their front steps for donation to the community Christmas hampers. The Vipers walked through the town collecting the donated items and loaded them onto the horse drawn wagons. The Christmas hampers are given to families in Sexsmith and the surrounding area that need a little extra help during the Christmas season.
Sherwood Park Atom 2 Havoc
The Sherwood Park Atom 2 Havoc helped spread some holiday cheer by visiting a couple of local Seniors Centers. The team enjoyed sharing some cookies and holiday treats with the residents and spent some time talking and visiting with the seniors in the afternoon.
Sherwood Park Peewee 1 Aces
The Sherwood Park Peewee Aces have been busy giving back this season! On October 5, they spent the day collecting used sports equipment around Sherwood Park and area as part of SportsCentral’s Dave’s Drive, in honor of Dave Semenko. Following that, on November 13th and November 28ththey participated in Strathcona County’s Snow Busters program where they spent the evenings shovelling driveways for those in need. Lastly, the Aces dedicated a few hours to helping our local sports store - Sin Bin Sports - move to their brand new location! The boys hauled and organized all the hockey sticks for Mike (the owner) to show their support for Sin Bin Sports and all they do for our hockey community.
Sherwood Park Peewee Assassins
The Sherwood Park Peewee Assassins went door to door and collected food items for the Stratchona Food Bank. Their efforts brought in almost 740lbs of food and just over $100 in donations.
Sherwood Park Bantam 2 Royals
The Sherwood Park Royals bantam team spread some holiday cheer by helping out at their local food bank. They were helping to unload food donations from the local “Stuff A Bus” food drive.
Simons Valley Midget 2 Storm
The Simons Valley Midget 2 Storm and their families organized a bottle drive which raised $1,020. They used the money raised to purchase gifts for the Toys for Angels campaign.
St. Albert Raiders AA Bears
The St. Albert Raiders AA Bears hosted a food bank drive and game against the AA Blues Sunday evening where a total of 1932 lbs if food were collected for the St. Albert food bank. Along with a cash donation of $330.
St. Paul Bantam 1 Canadiens
Every year, a bantam or midget team from St. Paul Minor Hockey helps out with the local Christmas hamper drive. This year, the Bantam 1 Canadiens team delivered hampers out to the local people in need around the area.
Tofield Titans Peewee 2
On December 20, the Tofield Titans Peewee 2 team led a fundraiser at their local Midget game against Whitecourt. The fundraiser was for Elaiza Belda, a grade 6 student at Tofield School (where many of the players attend) who is battling Stage 4 bone cancer. The Peewee 2 team collected donations throughout the Midget game and the weekend before at their home tournament, raising over $2,000 for the family to help off- set the cost of spending many hours at the Stollery Hospital in Edmonton, AB. They hope that this helps the Belda family and allows them to concentrate on Elaiza’s health and wellness.
Trails West Bantam 5 Wolves
The Trails West Bantam 5 Wolves hosted The Season of Giving Invitational on December 9-12, where they would battle with Crowfoot, Bow River, and The Knights in the spirit of play and friendly competition. In lieu of medals, the teams were awarded a cash donation, which would be made to a charity of each team’s choice. Trails West played for Kids Cancer Care, Crowfoot for the Ronald McDonald House, and Bow River and The Knights for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. In addition, all teams came together to donate filled backpacks for The Mustard Seed.
Trails West Novice 1 Red
The Trails West 1 Novice 1 Red players decided that rather than having a gift exchange amongst themselves this year, they wanted to select gifts to donate to other less fortunate children, so the team donated their gifts to the Salvation Army’s Toy Angels program.
Trails West Peewee 2 Red
The Trails West PW Red 2 team spent a winter evening at a Silvera senior’s centre playing games and entertaining the residents. The players enjoyed interacting with the seniors and trying the Silvera Olympic games. Some amazing stories were shared and the players took away valuable life lessons. The seniors encouraged them to keep up with their sports and always work hard. It was a wonderful night for both residents and players.
RED DEER - Seventeen of the top 2001-2006 born female athletes living north of the 55th parallel have been selected to represent Team Alberta North for the 2020 Arctic Winter Games.
Simon Juckes and Stacy Cosgrove will serve as Team Alberta North Female’s Head Coach and Assistant Coach, respectively. Team Alberta North took home the bronze medal at the 2018 tournament. Selection camps ran December 20-22 in Manning, and saw over 50 athletes turn out to compete for a spot with the team.
Hockey Alberta’s Junior Female squad, along with a Bantam Male team, will compete in the Arctic Winter Games March 15-21 in Whitehorse, YK.
Staging weekend for both teams runs February 7-9.
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. Athletic competition features sports that enjoy worldwide popularity alongside traditional Arctic Sports and Dene games. The cultural component is a pillar of the Games, featuring visual arts, dance, ceremonies and galas with participants from across the circumpolar region.
Each hockey team is comprised of 17 players and two coaches. Teams participate in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for medal-round pairings. One gold ulu is awarded in each division. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Eligible communities for the Arctic Winter Games are located North of the 55th Parallel.
RED DEER – A new partnership between Indigenous Sport Council Alberta (ISCA) and Hockey Alberta will provide improved and enhanced opportunities for Indigenous hockey participants across the province.
The partnership, which was formalized in November, has a two-pronged focus:
Working together to facilitate the growth and development of Indigenous hockey across Alberta; and
Operating the Team Alberta Female and Male squads attending and competing in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.
“For Hockey Alberta, this partnership is an opportunity to grow our game for Indigenous players and communities across the province,” said Winston Delorme, Chair of Hockey Alberta’s Indigenous Hockey Committee. “We always appreciate the opportunity to partner with other provincial organizations, but ultimately this is about the players, and ensuring they get the chance to participate and compete.”
Off the ice, work undertaken by the Indigenous Hockey Committee will be the focus. A key goal of the committee is to provide a forum for Indigenous communities to discuss and develop recommendations for improved opportunities for Indigenous players.
The ISCA will be represented on the committee in its role of advocating and promoting increased participation opportunities for youth and leaders at all levels.
“ISCA has been working hard this past year to develop relationships with our Provincial Sport bodies and it is only natural this includes a partnership with Hockey Alberta. With Al Blackwater as our representative on the Indigenous Hockey Committee, we feel very strongly this partnership will be in the best interests of our youth across the province,” said Jake Hendy, Executive Director of ISCA.
On the ice, Hockey Alberta will be overseeing and coordinating the selection process for the players and coaches representing the province at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Regina in May. That process is already underway, and includes recruiting and selecting the Indigenous coaching staff, registration and selection camps for players, team training, and the procurement of equipment and uniforms.
Details on registration, selection camp dates and locations, and other information pertaining to the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships will be posted in the coming weeks at hockeyalberta.ca and indigenoussportsalberta.com.
During the holiday season, our office hours will be as such:
December 23 - Open regular hours (8:30am - 4:30pm) | December 24-27 - Closed | December 30 - Open regular hours | December 31 - 8:30am - noon | January 1 - Closed | January 2 & 3 - Open regular hours. Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
2020 PROVINCIAL HOST SITES ANNOUNCED
Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the host sites for the 2020 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial. HOST SITES >
FINAL CALL FOR HOCKEY ALBERTA CONCUSSION SAFETY PRESENTATIONS
Hockey Alberta has developed a presentation on the causes of concussions and what is involved in a proper recovery process. This two-hour presentation allows participants to interact with industry experts and enhance their understanding of this evolving injury with principles that can be applied across all sports.REQUEST A PRESENTATION >
HOCKEY ALBERTA HOLIDAY SKILLS CAMP IN RED DEER
Hockey Alberta is bringing a Holiday Skills Camp to Red Deer during the Holiday Break on January 2-3 for 2007-2010 born players. The Holiday Skills Camp focuses on additional skill sessions that will benefit your player in game situations. REGISTER > | MORE PLAYER CAMPS >
2021 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP PRIORITY DRAW
Excitement is building with the return of the IIHF World Junior Championship to Canadian ice in just over a year in Edmonton and Red Deer, and fans can be the first in line to access ticket packages. INFO >
PIPER CREEK OPTIMIST’S BATTLE OF ALBERTA FOR EKEC RETURNS FOR 2020
The Hockey Alberta Foundation and Piper Creek Optimist Club of Red Deer are offering you the chance to win one of two ticket packages to the see the Battle of Alberta in Calgary or Edmonton. Proceeds go to the Every Kid Every Community program. INFO > | RAFFLE TICKETS >
SUPPORTING HOCKEY ALBERTA AND YOUR COMMUNITY - ATB FINANCIAL
A long time supporter of hockey in Alberta, ATB finds ways to help you manage money, handle debt, or save for the future (which is tomorrow, BTW). That is what they live for. For more information on ATB and their services, CLICK HERE >
RED DEER - JOIN THE CELEBRATION & HELP US SHARE #WHYWEPLAY JANUARY 24-26 FOR FEMALE HOCKEY DAY WEEKEND.
HOCKEY ALBERTA IS OFFERING UP TO 10 ASSOCIATIONS OR TEAMS A $1000 EVERY KID EVERY COMMUNITY GRANT TO HELP US GROW THE GAME AS PART OF FEMALE HOCKEY DAY WEEKEND.
ELIGIBILITY: Hosts must include a “GROW THE GAME” component as part of their event.
IDEAS:
- Try Hockey (ice or floor) for new participants
- “Skate with the players” - Following a community game
- “Bring a Buddy” – Existing players bring a friend to try it out during a practice
- Mother / Daughter skate / scrimmage
- Other exciting ideas!
DEADLINE TO APPLY: December 20th with successful host sites contacted December 27th.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Applications will be reviewed by the Female Hockey Day Committee & those successful applications will be required to complete a brief post-event survey along with submitting of event photos.
EDMONTON/RED DEER - Excitement is building with the return of the IIHF World Junior Championship to Canadian ice in just over a year in Edmonton and Red Deer, and fans can be the first in line to access ticket packages.
On Tuesday, the 2021 host committee, in partnership with Hockey Canada and the Canadian Hockey League, officially announced the priority ticket draw for all fans interested in the 45th edition of the World Juniors, Dec. 26, 2020 to Jan. 5, 2021.
“The priority draw is the only way for fans to guarantee their chance to see the tournament live and in person, and we encourage everyone to enter the draw ahead of the Jan. 5 deadline,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties with Hockey Canada. “When Alberta last hosted the championship in 2012, over 175,000 entries were received for the priority draw. Based on the tremendous success of that tournament and the passion for hockey in the province and across the country, we’re expecting another exciting World Juniors.”
Fans can register at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets until the deadline at 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. Fans randomly selected in the priority draw will be notified in early January and given the exclusive opportunity to purchase ticket packages in Edmonton and/or Red Deer.
Edmonton offers two ticket packages of eight games each, both starting at $495. Each package includes two preliminary-round games featuring Canada’s National Junior Team and either the bronze medal game or gold medal game. The Red Deer ticket package starts at $490 and features 16 games, including two pre-tournament games featuring Canada’s National Junior Team, 10 preliminary-round games and two quarter-finals.
For more information on Hockey Canada, Canada’s National Junior Team and the IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca
RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the male rosters for the 2020 Alberta Winter Games.
Eight teams will take to the ice in Airdrie on February 14-17, with 160 male athletes born in 2007 ready to take the first step in the Team Alberta program.
Twenty players comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, coach mentor, and director of operations, as well as four trainers. Rosters were selected based on performances at regional camps held December 6-8 in Vegreville, Edmonton, Olds and Calgary.
The Alberta Winter Games is a multi-sport event for developing athletes, aged 11-17 years old. The Winter Games were first hosted in 1976 in Banff, and occur each even-numbered year. The athletes are selected to represent the eight zones in Alberta in 20 sports such as hockey, badminton, gymnastics, skiing and skating. Hockey Alberta coordinates the ice hockey portion of the Winter Games, as a core segment of its Development Program.
RED DEER - Seventeen of the top 2005 and 2006-born male athletes living north of the 55th parallel have been selected to represent Team Alberta North for the 2020 Arctic Winter Games.
Damon Jeffs and Kevin Kuryluk will serve as Team Alberta North Male’s Head Coach and Assistant Coach, respectively. Jeffs returns to Team Alberta North after winning a silver medal in 2018 as an Assistant Coach. Selection camps ran December 6-8 in Fairview, and saw over 90 athletes turn out to compete for a spot with Team Alberta North.
Hockey Alberta’s Bantam Male squad, along with a Junior Female team, will compete in the Arctic Winter Games March 15-21 in Whitehorse, YK.
Female team selection camp runs December 20-22 in Manning.
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. Athletic competition features sports that enjoy worldwide popularity alongside traditional Arctic Sports and Dene games. The cultural component is a pillar of the Games, featuring visual arts, dance, ceremonies and galas with participants from across the circumpolar region.
Each hockey team is comprised of 17 players and two coaches. Teams participate in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for medal-round pairings. One gold ulu is awarded in each division. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Eligible communities for the Arctic Winter Games are located North of the 55th Parallel.
Sheldon is currently coaching with the Slave Lake Thunder Atom 1 and Novice 2 hockey teams. He has been a head coach consecutively for five years, and spent over 15 as a goalie coach at various levels.
"Sheldon has been so good at getting everyone to be part of the team, and has done some great team building - which includes the parents as well." said the parent who nominated Sheldon. "Everyone on the team gets the same level of respect and they love to go to practices and games."
Outside of the rink, Sheldon also helps coach baseball in the summer, which he says allows him to experience new styles of coaching.
"I believe that coaching requires patience. A coach needs to be willing to take the time a player needs to meet his or her own potential. Not every player will grasp a concept at the same time and may require a different approach." said Sheldon. "Having a good understanding of each players personality, strengths, and weaknesses and applying that into how I plan practices and games will have a greater impact than having a coaching style that is a good fit to only one style of player."
The Coach of the Month award is presented every month during the Minor Hockey season, based on nominations submitted to Hockey Alberta.
One minor hockey coach will be selected each month from October through March and will receive a coaching package from Players Bench Team Apparel valued at over $500, which includes a helmet, gloves, track suit, coach bag, puck bag, rink board, and coaching resources.
Eight outstanding post-secondary students were chosen from the 2019 Future Leaders Development Program to receive a $1,000 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive an additional scholarship for achieving "distinguished leader" status. Distinguished Future Leaders will be announced in January.
The 2019 Future Leaders are:
Teagan Borbandy (University of Saskatchewan)
Laura Jardin (McGill University)
Danica L Dahlin (University of Lethbridge)
Paige Grenier (University of New Brunswick)
Braden Bystrom (Red Deer College)
Jantzen T Leslie (Red Deer College)
Ryan Graham (University of Calgary)
Annaliese Meier (University of Calgary)
“The Future Leaders Hockey Program allowed me to see the game I love from a whole new perspective, as a coach. I developed a better understanding on how to breakdown plays and skills to their basics, and then rebuild them through progressions,” said Borbandy. “This not only helped me better understand how to develop a practice plan, but also how to better explain and break down situations on the bench during a game. These are skills I believe will benefit me as I move forward in my coaching career”
For Jardin , she came away from the Future Leaders program with a different outlook on the game of hockey.
“As a player following coaches’ instructions is crucial. When you are on the receiving end of the instructions, not a lot of thought is put into what the purpose of a drill is. The Future Leaders program has broadened this view by teaching me to structure a practice, identify the key teaching points in a drill and to develop a coach’s philosophy,” said Jardin.
The Future Leader Development Program is designed to develop and train post-secondary students in the area of coaching. Areas of focus include proper instruction, administration, leadership, technical and tactical skills in hockey, so that the future leaders can carry those skills into our communities.
Learning how to coach players with a range of attitudes was a key area of growth for Leslie.
“I was able to take my learning in the Future Leaders Program and reflect on each coach’s style. The program taught me that players respond to each coaching style differently and to take elements of each coaching style I have personally experienced and add them to my own coaching style so that I can in turn find the correct coaching method for each individual ,” said Leslie.
For Grenier, she gained a better overall understanding of the work coaches undertake.
“The Future Leaders program gave me a greater respect for all the work coaches put in, not just for a single practice but all the preparation for a season. I feel more prepared and capable for all my future coaching endeavors whether that be with a team or even just for camps,” said Grenier[BEL] .
Since the Future Leaders Scholarship program was established in 1998, Hockey Alberta Foundation has invested annually in the development of great leaders for the future of the game and our communities in Alberta. The scholarship program operates in alignment with the Future Leaders Development Program, which focuses on educating and training our post-secondary student coaches to be strong and effective on-ice leaders.
"One third of all coaches in Alberta have attended a Hockey Alberta hosted clinic so far this season. These coaches are showing great dedication to the game and their players by building their knowledge,” said Stephen Pattison, Manager, Central Regional Centre and Player Development for Hockey Alberta.
While the overall numbers are impressive (4,618 coaches in total attended a clinic), the benefits experienced by players across the province are the most important outcome. For every coach who has attended a clinic and learned current coaching techniques and philosophies, that coach is able to provide learning and development for the 15-20 players on his or her team, as well as other team members and members of their minor hockey association.
“Ultimately it is the players who really see the benefits from the skills and tactics learned at these clinics,” said Pattison.
Hockey Alberta offers two types of coach development - NCCP certification clinics and Instructional Stream clinics.
Specified levels of NCCP certification are required to coach certain age divisions, and more than 3,000 coaches completed that required certification this year.
In addition, another 1,600 coaches have attended at one of 75 free Instructional Stream and Professional Development coach clinics covering such topics as Creating Offense, Developing Defencemen, Goaltending, Small Area Games, Skating, and Skill Development.
The Instructional Stream program was created by Hockey Canada to provide opportunities for coaches of all levels to enhance their knowledge and development in specified areas of the game throughout the season. The clinics consist of three hours of classroom and on-ice instruction and offer coaches practical sessions on teaching skills and tactics. The clinics provide a welcoming environment for coaches to educate themselves on new skill development techniques for their players.
Instructional Stream clinics are offered free of charge to coaches in Alberta and are delivered by Hockey Alberta-trained instructors. Clinics are ongoing at various locations around the province until the end of January.
NCCP coach clinic season begins in late August and runs until the coach certification deadline on November 15. This year, 164 NCCP clinics were hosted by Hockey Alberta instructors over the course of 15 weeks, including Coach 1, Coach 2, Development 1 and Checking Skills.
For more information on Coach development and certification, go the COACHES TAB at hockeyalberta.ca.
RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the female rosters for the 2020 Alberta Winter Games.
Six teams will take to the ice in Airdrie on February 14-17, with 120 female players (born in 2005 and 2006) ready to take the first step in the Team Alberta program.
Twenty players comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coach, apprentice coach, coach mentor, trainer, and director of operations. Rosters were selected based on performances at regional camps held November 29 - December 1 in Innisfail and Wetaskiwin.
The Alberta Winter Games is a multi-sport event for developing athletes, aged 11-17 years old. The Winter Games were first hosted in 1976 in Banff, and occur each even-numbered year. The athletes are selected to represent the eight zones in Alberta in 20 sports such as hockey, badminton, gymnastics, skiing and skating. Hockey Alberta coordinates the ice hockey portion of the Winter Games, as a core segment of its Development Program.
RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the host sites for the 2020 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial.
The month-long “March to a title” features provincial championship tournament action during three weekends in March and April, along with five champions crowned through league playoff series. Organizations interested in hosting a provincial championship tournament completed a detailed bid process, with a bid committee evaluating the submissions.
A total of 40 Provincial Championships will be hosted across the province, at locations ranging from Grimshaw in the north and west, Claresholm in the south, and Lloydminster in the east.
In addition, Hockey Alberta is expanding the Provincial Championship Model trial that started last year in the Peewee Division. The Bantam and Midget divisions are joining the Peewee division in the transition to Tiers 1-4 championships from A-D levels. Each Tier provincial championship with have eight teams - the host, a wild card, and the champions from Hockey Calgary, Hockey Edmonton, Central Alberta Hockey League, Northern Alberta Interlock, All Peace Hockey League, and North Eastern Alberta Hockey League.
Week one (March 19-22) features 17 tournaments: Minor Midget AAA, Midget Female AAA, Bantam AA, Bantam Tiers 1-4, Bantam Female Elite, Bantam Female A and B, Atom AA Major, Atom AA Minor, Atom A-D, and Atom Female.
Another 16 tournaments are set for week two (March 26-29): Senior AA, Midget AA, Midget Tiers 1-4, Midget Female Elite, Midget Female A and B, Peewee AA, Peewee Tiers 1-4, and Peewee Female A and B.
The 2020 Provincials wrap up with Junior B, the lone tournament running April 2-5.
The following provincial champions will be decided via league playoffs: Senior AAA, Junior A, Junior Female, Midget AAA, and Bantam AAA.
ATB Financial will once again headline as the presenting sponsor of the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, continuing a long-standing relationship with Hockey Alberta.
Atom teams participating in Provincial Championships qualify by winning a zone playdown. A playdown pilot is being undertaken in Bantam and Midget Female A and B, as the playdowns are being held within their respective leagues. Leagues involved in the pilot are Hockey Calgary, Hockey Edmonton, Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League, East Central Female Hockey League, and All Peace Hockey League.
Hosts for the following events are still being accepted and reviewed: Midget Female A, Midget Female B, Bantam Female B, Peewee Female A, Atom AA Minor, and Atom D. Interested applicants can contact Bryden Burrell, Coordinator, Hockey Programs.
Hockey Alberta would also like to congratulate the Wainwright Bisons and the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs, who have been selected to host the 2021 Junior B and Senior AA Provincial Championships, respectively.
HOCKEY ALBERTA HOSTS 112TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & HOCKEY CONFERENCE
Hockey Alberta held its 112th AGM and Hockey Conference on November 22-23 in Red Deer. Matt Symes was the keynote speaker, talking about the importance and challenges of change. The Hockey Alberta Board of Directors has a new Chair and Vice Chair with Len Samletzki acclaimed as the new Chair and Allan Mowbray acclaimed as the Vice Chair. The Hockey Alberta Foundation also made changes to their Board, as Dennis Zukiwsky was acclaimed as the new Chair and Jeff Robson as Vice Chair. KEYNOTE ADDRESS > | HA BOARD > |HAF BOARD >
HOCKEY CANADA ANNOUNCES CHANGE TO AGE DIVISION NAMES
Hockey Canada membership approved a regulation change proposed by the board of directors to revise the naming of the age divisions used in minor hockey across Canada. INFO >
APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2020 GLOBAL GIRLS’ GAME
Hockey Alberta, in partnership with Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), is participating in the Global Game on the weekend of February 7-9 in St. John’s, NL. The Global Game is an IIHF initiative focused on uniting female hockey players across the globe through sport in this one, global continuous game. APPLY NOW >
ARCTIC WINTER GAMES REGIONAL SELECTION CAMPS - MALE DEADLINE - NOV. 30
The deadline is fast approaching for 2005-2006 born male athletes to register for the 2020 Arctic Winter Games Selection Camps held in Fairview on Dec. 6-8. Spots are still available for the Female Selection Camps held in Manning on Dec. 20-22. The deadline to register for the female camps is December 15. MALE REGISTRATION > | FEMALE REGISTRATION >
HOCKEY ALBERTA HOLIDAY SKILLS CAMP IN RED DEER
Hockey Alberta is bringing a Holiday Skills Camp to Red Deer during the Holiday Break on January 2-3, 2020 for 2007-2010 born players. The Holiday Skills Camp is designed to provide your player with additional skill development sessions that will benefit the player during in game situations. REGISTER > | MORE PLAYER CAMPS >
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR 2020 FEMALE HOCKEY DAY IN LETHBRIDGE
Registration is now open for Hockey Alberta’s Female Hockey Day on Saturday, January 25 at the ATB Centre in Lethbridge. The day will feature on and off-ice development sessions for players, goalies, coaches, and officials – all to celebrate female hockey. INFO > | REGISTER >
SUPPORTING HOCKEY ALBERTA AND YOUR COMMUNITY - DRAYTON VALLEY AND LACOMBE FORD
Drayton Valley and Lacombe Ford are a proud partner of Hockey Alberta and powering your community. For information on your next vehicle visit their website at direct2wheels.ca >
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Hockey Alberta Foundation
Curtis Glencross, Dennis Zukiwsky (Chair, Hockey Alberta Foundation), Tim Leer (Executive Director, Hockey Alberta Foundation), Jason Evanson (CEO, Ronald McDonald House Alberta), Jennifer Clermont ( Director of Operations, Ronald McDonald House Alberta),
RED DEER – Two central Alberta charitable organizations are the beneficiaries of a contribution $170,000 for 2019 from Curtis Glencross & Friends.
The contribution includes funds raised through the 8th annual Glencross Invitational Charity Roughstock Event, and a new undertaking in 2019 in conjunction with the Roughstock, a Truck Raffle.
Hockey Alberta Foundation, and its Every Kid Every Community program, and Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta, share the proceeds from the fundraising endeavours.
As well, one lucky individual is driving home with a new 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Truck with elevation package, provided by Kipp Scott Motors in Red Deer. Mike Commodore had his ticket drawn and was presented with the truck on Friday.
The 2019 Roughstock event, which was co-sponsored by ATB and Calgary Flames Foundation, was hosted in August in Red Deer, and included a sponsor-only poker tournament and the charity rodeo. The Truck Raffle had 999 tickets available at $100 per ticket.
In total, over the eight years of the Roughstock event, more than $1.7 million has been raised for worthy organizations in Alberta.
Curtis Glencross was joined by event organizers on November 29 at the Hockey Alberta office at Red Deer College to present cheques to the event beneficiaries.
"This year, to celebrate eight years of the Charity Roughstock event, we tried something a little different to benefit Ronald McDonald House and Every Kid Every Community. The addition of the Truck Raffle allowed us an additional opportunity to raise funds to benefit families throughout central Alberta,” said Curtis Glencross. “None of this is possible without our dedicated volunteers, and the generosity of our supporters and sponsors. My thanks to everyone who worked so hard this year because otherwise there are many families across Alberta who would be looking elsewhere for support.”
The funds for Ronald McDonald House® go towards serving families, keeping the House operational, and ensuring that there are rooms available whenever they are needed.
"We want to thank Curtis, his family, and the hard-working committee and volunteers who made this event and raffle such a success. The impact of their donations over nearly a decade has increased our capacity to serve more families from more communities and we are incredibly grateful,” said Jason Evanson, CEO of RMHC Alberta. “Their efforts ensure that families are able to stay together when they need it most – during the serious illness or injury of their child.”
For the Hockey Alberta Foundation and Hockey Alberta, this funding goes to Every Kid Every Community, which has a goal of ensuring a pathway to play hockey for any child in Alberta who is interested in the sport.
“Curtis, his family, and the incredible group of volunteers supporting the Roughstock event and Truck Raffle have done an incredible job again this year raising funds to help families not just in central Alberta, but across the province,” said Tim Leer, Executive Director, Hockey Alberta Foundation. “The goal of Every Kid Every Community is to provide kids with the pathway to experience our great sport for the first time, and more kids now have that opportunity through program and player grants.”
Mike Commodore (centre) is presented with his 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 by Calvin Kokotailo (General Sales Manager) and Mike Samson (General Manager) of Kipp Scott GMC Cadillac Buick. Also on hand were Curtis Glencross and Kelsey Angeltvedt (Glencross and Friends). The winning ticket was number 0036.
RED DEER - Registration is now open for Hockey Alberta’s Female Hockey Day on Saturday, January 25 at the ATB Centre in Lethbridge.
The day will feature on and off-ice development sessions for players, goalies, coaches, and officials – all to celebrate female hockey. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join. To help us celebrate, and to conclude a full day of Female Hockey Day activities, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns will host the Mount Royal Cougars in a U SPORTS Hockey game at Nicholas Sheran Ice Centre.
Player Sessions - Player Development sessions are ongoing throughout Female Hockey Day, including on and off-ice instruction for current female players at all levels, from Intro to Hockey (Initiation and Novice) to Midget.
Goalie Sessions - An on ice goalie development session will be held for female goaltenders of all ages. A variety of skills and fundamentals will be covered by some of Alberta’s best goaltending instructors.
Try Hockey (youth and adult) -There will be Try Hockey sessions offered for both youth and adult females who are looking to play hockey for the first time. Comrie’s Sports Equipment Bank will be on site to outfit all new players with equipment.
Coach Development Session - A Coach Development Session is being hosted for all coaches involved in female hockey, which includes a classroom seminar, and on ice instruction.
Female Officials Clinic - Female officials are invited to take part in Female Hockey Day with an afternoon clinic, that includes classroom and on-ice sessions.
RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the coaching staffs for the 2020 Alberta Winter Games.
The six coaching staffs for the female program are comprised of one director of operations, one coach mentor, one head coach, one assistant coach, and one apprentice coach. The eight coaching staffs for the male program are comprised of one director of operations, one coach mentor, one head coach, and two assistant coaches.
Female regional selection camps kick off this weekend, November 29 - December 1 in Wetaskiwin (North) and Innisfail (South). Male regional selection camps run the following weekend, December 6-8 in Vegreville (North), Edmonton (Capital), Olds (South) and Calgary.
The Alberta Winter Games are set for February 14-17 in Airdrie.
RED DEER - Alberta Sledge is proud to announce the 17 player roster for the Alberta Sledge Program during the 2019-20 season.
The roster was finalized following a two-day tryout camp at Pason Centennial Arenas in Okotoks, Alberta. The camp included skills evaluations and two Intersquad games. A total of 20 players were in contention for the 17 roster spots.
This program selection is not a reflection of the final team roster that will represent Alberta in the 2020 Canadian Sledge Hockey Championships in Leduc, Alberta this upcoming May. A final Team Alberta roster announcement will be made in the spring of 2020.
Alberta Sledge’s program roster includes two goaltenders, five defensemen and ten forwards. Head Coach Steve Arsenault (Spruce Grove, AB) assembled the roster with support from Assistant Coach Chris Cederstrand (Okotoks, AB), and Team Director Dean Krawec (St. Albert, AB).
For more information on Alberta Sledge, please contact Dean Krawec, Team Director, at [email protected] or 780-991-5507.
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Hockey Alberta Foundation
(L to R) Kent Smith, Todd Thiessen, Dennis Zukiwsky, Jeff Robson and John Windwick
RED DEER – The Hockey Alberta Foundation has a new Chair and Vice Chair of its Board of Directors after the Foundation’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday at Red Deer College.
Dennis Zukiwsky (Red Deer) was acclaimed as the new Chair, taking over from John Windwick. Jeff Robson (Calgary) was acclaimed as the Vice Chair, taking over from Dennis Zukiwsky. Zukiwsky previously served as the Board’s Vice Chair, while Robson was previously a Director on the Board.
Two new Board Members were also voted in. Todd Thiessen, from Red Deer, and Kent Smith, from Medicine Hat. Both bring a wealth of experience and are sure to be an asset to the Board.
Board members continuing to support the HAF are John Windwick (Calgary) as the Past Chair, John Kosolowski (Edmonton) who remains the Board Treasurer, Bob Bartlett (Lethbridge), Graham MacLachlan (Calgary), Lorne Radbourne (Grande Prairie) and Chris Turchansky (Edmonton).
RED DEER - Hockey Alberta has a new Chair and Vice Chair at the helm of its Board of Directors after the organization’s 112th Annual General Meeting on Saturday at Red Deer College.
Len Samletzki was acclaimed as the new Chair, taking over from Terry Engen. Allan Mowbray was acclaimed as the Vice Chair, taking over from Fran Zinger.
Both step into their new positions from previous Director positions. Samletzki, from St. Albert, previously served as the Board’s Finance Director, while Mowbray, from Calgary, was a Director at Large.
Other Board members are Michael Bates of Cochrane, Francois Gagnon (Fort McMurray), Wilson Gemmill (Grande Prairie) and Brock Harrington (Drumheller). Engen remains on the Board as the Past President, taking over for Rob Virgil. Joining the Board, as the new Finance Director, is Donna Gallant of Edmonton. And Zinger is also staying on the Board for an additional year, as she was appointed to the final year of Mowbray’s Director at Large term.
In his inaugural address to the Members, Samletzki highlighted his three key priorities for the Board and Hockey Alberta over the next three years: growing the game, continuing to develop players and coaches, and the ability to be agile.
“We need to be able to react quickly to the changing face of hockey,” said Samletzki. “There is a great opportunity for us in the coming years.”
In his final formal action as Chair, Engen announced the 2019 Chair of the Board Award recipient is Aaron Rawlake. The formal presentation will be made to Rawlake at a future date.
In his closing address as Board chair, Engen reflected on how his work with Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada has “given me much more than I can ever give to them as a volunteer.”
He also reminded the organization to remember that they have great resources in the Life Members, five of whom attended this year’s AGM.
“It’s very important to be able to go to the Life Members for their input. We should never forget what history has done for us,” Engen said.
Long-time Hockey Alberta Board member, Rob Virgil (centre) was presented with a Hockey Alberta jersey at his final AGM as Past Chair. Rob Litwinski (CEO) and Terry Engen (outgoing Board Chair) made the presentation.
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