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Centre Ice Podcast

Centre Ice Podcast - Episode Fifteen: The WHL Cup

Episode Fifteen of the Centre Ice Podcast is focused around the 2021 WHL Cup, which runs Oct 20-24 in Red Deer, with Team Alberta U16 Male set to battle BC, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The Western Hockey League’s Senior Manager, Hockey Operations Greg Thomson joins us to discuss what the WHL Cup is all about, and Winnipeg Ice forward and Philadelphia Flyers prospect Connor McClennon shares his experience at the event with Team Alberta back in 2017.

Hockey Alberta NewsHockey Alberta NewsHockey Alberta NewsHockey Alberta News


Episode Links: 2021 WHL Cup > | Team Alberta U16 Male Roster > | 2021 Western Regional Women’s U18 Championship Announcement > | Team Alberta U18 Female Roster Announcement > | Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge and Prospects Cup Team Staff Applications > | EOCF Commits $1.5 million to Hockey Alberta Foundation > | 2021 Hockey Alberta Life Members Announcement > | Elite Coach Development Series >

More Episodes >


Centre Ice is the brand-new Hockey Alberta podcast, featuring the latest news and views on amateur hockey across the province. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast app!

Home Ice Feature

Calgary Buffalo Trainers Called to Action

The evening of Oct. 7, Calgary Buffalo Hockey Association trainers, Haley Patyna, Shyin Dixon and Blair Olsen, were wrapping up U21 baseline concussion testing at Cardel Rec South in Calgary, when they were called to action.

Out of the rink where a 55-plus recreational league game was being played, two guys came out saying they needed an AED (automated external defibrillator), there was a guy on the ice having a heart attack.

Through quick thinking and teamwork, the trainers jumped to action. Together, they saved a life that night.

Read the full story on hockeycanada.ca.

Team Alberta

Photo credit: Rob Wallator / WHL


Alberta takes silver at 2021 WHL Cup

RED DEER - Another Team Alberta comeback fell just short on Sunday, as Team BC took gold at the 2021 WHL Cup with a 5-2 win.

After a scoreless opening period, BC got on the board first just over a minute into the second period, before Gavin Garland evened things up with his third of the tournament five minutes later.

BC would score again late in the second, and took a 2-1 lead into the third after netminder Jesse Sanche stopped Alberta forward Zane Saab on a penalty shot.

Five minutes into the third, BC took a 3-1 lead, but Alberta made it a one goal game once again as Garrett Thom scored on a short-handed breakaway with just over five minutes to go in regulation.

BC shut the door from there, and scored two empty-net goals to take it 5-2.

Netminder Madden Mulawka stood tall in goal for Team Alberta, stopping 32 of 35 shots, while his counterpart Sanche made 30 saves for the win.

Mulawka was named Alberta’s Player of the Game for the second straight day, while defenceman Keith McInnis was named a WHL Cup All-Star for his efforts throughout the tournament.

Boxscore > | Roster > | Game One Recap > | Game Two Recap > | Game Three Recap > | Game Four Recap >

Team Alberta

20 Players Lacing up for the 2021 Western Regional Women’s U18 Championship

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has named the 20-player roster that will sport the Team Alberta colours at the inaugural 2021 Western Regional Women’s U18 Championship in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, November 1-6.

Team Alberta U18 Female Roster >

The roster features 10 players who competed at the 2020 Alberta Winter Games and nine players who dressed for the 2019 Alberta Challenge.

It has been a very interesting and challenging 2021 U18 Team Alberta experience for players, parents and staff. The ability for everyone involved to pivot throughout the process leads me to believe we have a very resilient bunch heading into a western competition,” said Team Alberta U18 Head Coach, Barry Medori. “I am proud of all participants from the first camp to the final selections. All athletes made coming up with a final list of 20 athletes to represent Alberta extremely difficult.”

The selection process was different this year. In August, Hockey Alberta welcomed 136 players to Red Deer for the Summer Selection Camp. Over the course of three days, the players were evaluated with 36 invitations extended to the Fall Camp from which the 20-player roster was selected.

We are preparing to make Alberta proud with our team a few short weeks away from competing for a championship. I am excited to see what we can achieve with this group of amazing athletes, training staff and coaches,” said Medori.

Medori will be joined on the bench by assistant coaches Shanya Shwetz and Chris Leeming. Rounding out the team’s staff are Annette Jensen (Video Coach), Marlène Boissonnault (Goalie Coach), and Kendall Newell (Director of Operations).

Twelve Minor Hockey Associations are represented on the team, including: Airdrie, Beaumont, Calgary, Calmar, Chestermere, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Mundare, Red Deer, Sherwood Park, St. Albert and Strathcona. Eleven team members are competing in the AFHL this season.

Team Alberta will compete against teams from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and B.C. at the 2021 Western Regional Women’s U18 Championship. A three-game round robin will be played, followed by semi-finals with teams advancing to either the Bronze or Gold Medal final. A schedule and ticket information will be available in the coming weeks.

For more information on Team Alberta and the 2021 Western Regional Women’s U18 Championship, visit hockeyalberta.ca or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

News

2021 Western Regional Women’s U18 Championship

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, MAN. - Hockey Manitoba, Hockey Saskatchewan, Hockey Alberta and BC Hockey are pleased to announce the launch of the 2021 Western Regional Women’s U18 Championship, November 1-6 at Stride Place in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

Following the cancellation of the 2021 National Women’s U18 Championship, which is a key part of the development process for Canada’s high performance U18 female athletes, Hockey Canada’s four western provincial hockey branches agreed it was important to hold an event for these athletes. The goal of this event is to provide an elite development opportunity while also furthering the development of female hockey in Western Canada.

Planning and coordination has been a collaboration between the western branches, with welcomed support, guidance, and funding from Hockey Canada.

The 2021 Western Regional Women’s U18 Championship is a four-team tournament consisting of:

  • A three-game round robin;
  • Semi-finals;
  • Bronze Medal game;
  • Gold Medal game.

Competition commences on November 1 with all games being played at Stride Place - the home of the Portage Terriers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and host to the RBC Cup in 2015. Games will be open to the public based on the most recent public health orders with admission being charged at the gate.

Click here to see the event schedule.

The Female Program of Excellence is designed to provide high performance female players with the opportunity to develop advanced skills as well as an introduction to the concepts needed to play at an elite level. Players from the Program of Excellence go on to play at the CIS, NCAA, and international level.

Hockey Alberta Foundation

Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and the Hockey Alberta Foundation Team Up to Support Grassroots Hockey in Northern & Central Alberta

EDMONTON – In a team effort to make a significant impact in growing the game of hockey in Northern Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) has generously committed $1.5 million in funding to the Hockey Alberta Foundation (HAF).

The funding will generate support for three areas;

  1. Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community Grant Program,
  2. a new Hockey Alberta Member Grant Program, supported by the EOCF and
  3. the creation of a Hockey Alberta Volunteer Recognition/Thank You Program.

“Support for minor hockey and the growth of the game has always been an important mandate for the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation,” said Corey Smith, Board Chair, EOCF. “This past year was difficult for minor hockey participants, their families, coaches and all minor hockey associations throughout our province. This new program provides funding to continue to grow the game of hockey in our community. We are hockey and we are so proud to support programs aimed at growing the game and getting more kids, from all backgrounds involved.”

“The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation has always been a strong supporter of our efforts, contributing annually to our Every Kid Every Community program. With this new funding, we’re excited at the opportunity to increase support in Northern Alberta hockey communities while also being able to recognize the key people in those same communities,” said Dennis Zukiwsky, Board Chair, Hockey Alberta Foundation.

The new Hockey Alberta Member Grant Program will allow access to funding for Hockey Alberta members in Northern and Central Alberta. Priority for funding will be given to those in need for leadership development, introduction to hockey, female, para, indigenous hockey programming and any inclusion and diversity initiatives. Members will be able to access the funding application at hockeyalberta.ca.

Throughout the pandemic, volunteers have been the backbone of minor hockey. To thank the volunteers, the ECOF and HAF have formed the Hockey Alberta Volunteer Recognition/Thank You Program. Coaches, parents, and players will have an opportunity to be inspired by their Oilers or Oil Kings heroes by attending games and getting more connected to the teams.

The HAF works to inspire every kid in every community’s passion for hockey. In collaboration with the EOCF, the HAF can continue to grow the game in Northern Alberta.

For more information on the HAF visit hockeyalbertafoundation.ca or the EOCF visit nhl.com/oilers/eocf.

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ABOUT THE HOCKEY ALBERTA FOUNDATION

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 hockeyalbertafoundation.ca.

ABOUT THE EDMONTON OILERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is dedicated to building strong, vibrant and safe communities by demonstrating philanthropic leadership and continues its deep legacy of giving back. Thanks to the generosity of our valued hockey fans, Oilers players and alumni, the EOCF Board of Directors, Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) employees and the Katz Family, the Foundation has contributed over $56 million to charitable organizations and minor hockey programs across Oil Country since 2001. For more information, visit OilersFoundation.ca.

Team Alberta

Team Alberta U16 Male roster announced for 2021 WHL Cup

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the Team Alberta roster for the U16 Male squad that will represent the province at the 2021 WHL Cup in Red Deer.

Team Alberta U16 Male Roster >


With no Alberta Cup this year due to COVID-19, the selection process had a different look in 2021. Nearly 400 2006-born Albertans attended Summer Selection Camp in Red Deer in August, and 72 were invited back for Fall Selection Camp in September. From there, the roster was narrowed down to a shortlist, where players were scouted individually to create the final Team Alberta Roster.

"As always, we had an incredibly talented group of Albertans to select from this year," said Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Elite Male Hockey, Michael Kraichy. "Our staff did a fantastic job navigating the changes and challenges that this year brought our way, and we are confident in this group’s ability to compete at the WHL Cup.”

Joining Kraichy on the team staff are: Serge Lajoie (Head Coach), Alex Mandolidis (assistant coach), Kyle Tapp (assistant coach), James Poole (video coach), Derek Purfield (goalie coach), Brent Gaudreau (therapist), Dave Campbell (equipment manager), Bobby Fox (head scout), and Barry Medori (Coach Mentor).

Alberta’s Minor Hockey Associations are well-represented amongst the team, with nine different associations represented on the roster: Bonnyville, Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Nanton, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Sylvan Lake, and Wainwright. Seven players also currently play in the Alberta Elite Hockey League.

The 2021 WHL Cup will feature the highest-rated players in the under-16 age category from the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The four-team round robin tournament is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence for players.

While the WHL Cup usually features many players who were recently selected in the WHL Draft, this year’s tournament will happen prior to the WHL Draft, which will happen on Thursday, December 9.

The WHL Cup is made possible through financial support provided by the WHL and Hockey Canada.

The 2021 WHL Cup runs October 20-24 at the Peavey Mart Centrium (unless indicated) in Red Deer. Team Alberta’s schedule can be found below:

  • Wednesday, October 20, 7:00pm vs Manitoba
  • Thursday, October 21, 7:00pm @ Saskatchewan
  • Friday, October 22, 12:30pm at British Columbia
  • Saturday, October 23, 12:30pm - Semi-Final 1
  • Saturday, October 23, 3:15pm - Semi-Final 2 (at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre)
  • Sunday, October 24, 10:00am - Bronze Medal Game
  • Sunday, October 24, 1:00pm - Gold Medal Game