RED DEER – The hockey competition at the 2024 Alberta Winter Games will have a slightly different look than previous events.

New for 2024, the competing teams at the Alberta Winter Games will be club teams - U15 AA for the Male competition and U13 AA for the Female competition. The Games take place February 16-19 in Grande Prairie.

In keeping with the Zone format established for the Alberta Winter Games, teams will be selected to represent each of the eight zones.

For the Male competition, U15 AA teams had to declare their interest in representing their zone by October 12. The team in each zone with the highest win percentage in its respective league, as of December 19, will be selected to compete at the Games. Male teams that have declared their interest in participating in the Alberta Winter Games are:

For the Female competition, U13 AA teams in the Alberta Female Hockey League will have a different selection process. Zones with more than one team eligible will see those teams face off in a play down tournament, with each winning team earning the right represent its zone at the Games.

RED DEER – After a hard-fought gold medal game against Team Manitoba, Team Alberta came away from the 2023 WHL Cup with a silver medal after a 6-5 shootout loss on Sunday, October 22.

The Albertans got off on the right note early in the contest when Patrick Sopiarz (Edmonton) opened the scoring with his third marker of the tournament 2:21 into the first period. The remainder of the period was a back-and-forth affair, as the two teams would trade off goals with Caelan Joudrey (Airdrie) potting Alberta’s second goal of the game to level the playing field at 2-2 after one.

The deadlock would only last 56 seconds into the second as Cruz Pavao (Calgary) found the back of the net with his third of the event to make it 3-2 in favour of Team Alberta. Midway through the second stanza, Manitoba broke the game open with three consecutive goals to turn a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 lead heading into the final period.

Jordan Duguay (Edmonton) made it 5-4 six minutes into the third and Sopiarz tied the game at 5-5 with his second goal of the afternoon and fourth of the tournament. The game headed into a 10-minute overtime period, and while there were chances at both ends, neither team found the back of the net which pushed the championship game to a shootout.

The shootout went six rounds and while Pavao found the net on Alberta’s fifth attempt, Manitoba scored on their fifth and sixth tries to take a 6-5 victory and the gold medal.

Joudrey wrapped up his strong tournament with a goal and three assists in the final game, while Ty Meunier (St. Albert) chipped in with three assists. Goaltender Ryley Budd (Calgary) turned aside 29 of the 34 shots he faced throughout the game. Joudrey was tied for the team lead in points (8) with Meunier and Jordan Duguay, and goals (4) with Patrick Sopiarz. The trio of Joudrey, Duguay and Meunier were tied for third overall in tournament point leaders.

Alberta’s path to the gold medal game began on Wednesday, October 18 when they defeated Manitoba 4-2. The group followed up that performance with 3-2 loss to Saskatchewan and a convincing 8-1 victory over British Columbia to close out round robin play with a 2-1 record. Alberta would exact a measure of revenge on Team Saskatchewan in the semi-finals with a 7-3 victory that pushed them to the final against Manitoba.

To say Sebastian Cossa has been part of some big games would be an understatement.

Cossa, who is now suiting up for the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, was part of the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship Gold Medal Game where Team Canada defeated Team Finland 3-2 in overtime.

He also played in multiple Western Hockey League playoff series during his final junior season which concluded with Cossa and his Edmonton Oil Kings teammates hoisting the Ed Chynoweth Cup after defeating the Seattle Thunderbirds in six games. He then played every minute for the Oil Kings that same spring when Edmonton went to the 2022 Memorial Cup in Saint John, NB.

But before he was backstopping his team to WHL glory or part of the group that helped return the gold medal to Canada, before he was drafted with the 15^th overall selection in the 2021 NHL draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Cossa was part of the goaltending tandem for Team Alberta at the 2017 WHL Cup.

“Ah, the high stick goal that got us a silver medal,” said Cossa, when asked about what he remembers from that tournament.

Team Alberta went undefeated through the round robin, with Cossa splitting the netminding duties with Washington Capitals prospect Garin Bjorklund. Team Alberta earned a spot in the gold medal final against Team British Columbia, but lost 4-3 when BC’s Ben King deflected a high shot past Cossa. Team Alberta immediately called for the goal to be disallowed due to a high stick, but there wasn’t a review process so the call on the ice stood.

While the result of the tournament didn’t fall in the favour of Cossa and his teammates, it was an unbelievable experience.

“It was really fun and really competitive,” Cossa said. “Obviously the best players from BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta all gathering at Winsport in Calgary. I have a lot of good memories from that tournament.”

“We had a strong round robin, fell a little bit short there in overtime against BC, but looking back at the rosters, there’s a lot of guys on both teams that are now playing professional hockey. That tournament overall over the years has had a lot of players get drafted to the NHL, a lot of first-round picks as well so playing with and against a lot of those guys was really good for me and my development.”

Cossa, who was originally born in Hamilton, ON, moved to Alberta at a young age. He played his minor hockey with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons as well as the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers, where he helped the U15 AAA Rangers win the provincial title in the 2016-17 season.

He said playing in the WHL Cup with so many other elite prospects really gave him the confidence that he could compete at the Western Hockey League level.

“That’s the highest level of competition I had played at to that date. It’s the best of the best from each province and there’s a couple of steps you have to go through in order to make Team Alberta,” Cossa said.

Cossa also had accolades for the volunteer coaches and Hockey Alberta staff for creating a solid program that ensures a positive experience for the participants.

“They’ve been doing it for a long time and have had a lot of players go through their program and make the NHL. They know what they’re doing, and it was a lot of fun to go through that process,” said Cossa.

The 2023 edition of the WHL Cup is set to get underway on Wednesday, October 18 when Team Alberta takes on Team Manitoba. Alberta will then take on Saskatchewan on Thursday and British Columbia on Friday. Semi-finals are Saturday, with the finals on Sunday.

RED DEER – Team Alberta has selected the group of 20 athletes representing Alberta at the 2023 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, November 5-11 in Dawson Creek, BC.

Two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards were selected for this year’s squad, which features six players who represented Alberta earlier this year at the 2023 Canada Winter Games. Those players are and forwards Paige Smith (Gibbons), Raedyn Spademan (Cochrane), Rylee Mcleod (Grande Prairie), Emelia McDermid (Airdrie) and Chloe Goofers (Leduc), and defence Makayla Watson (Rockyview County)

The team has representation from 17 different communities across Alberta – Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Hythe, Ardrossan, Fort Saskatchewan, Carstairs, Red Deer, Rockyview County, Crossfield, Chestermere, Leduc, Bay Tree, Cochrane, Airdrie, Grande Prairie, and Gibbons.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S U18 ROSTER >

Team Alberta’s selection process included the U18 Summer Camp in July in Red Deer with 72 players involved in on and off-ice sessions and eight scrimmages. A shortlist of 28 took part in the Team Alberta Fall Camp, September 22-24, in Edmonton which included three games against USports women’s teams.

Team staff members are Chris Leeming (Edmonton) Head Coach; Ashley Shrode (Barrhead) and Jessie Olfert (Edmonton) assistant coaches; Erin O’Toole (Lethbridge) Video Coach; Jane Kish (Medicine Hat) Goalie Coach; Erin Gordon (Edmonton) Athletic Therapist; Dave Campbell (Grande Prairie) Equipment Manager; and Kendall Newell (Red Deer) Director of Operations.

“There are so many talented athletes in this province that it made for some extremely difficult decisions,” said Newell. “We are confident that this group has what it takes to compete with the best from the rest of the country.”

Team Alberta, who is powered by Gatorade, will begin its tournament on November 5 against Quebec. The team’s full schedule can be found below:

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has announced the roster for the Team Alberta U16 Male squad that is representing the province at the 2023 WHL Cup at the Peavey Mart Centrium in Red Deer.

Two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards comprise this year’s club - including eight players who were selected in the first round of the 2023 Western Hockey League Prospects Draft. In addition, six players were taken in the second round, three in the third round, two in the fouth round and one in the seventh. This list includes Daxon Rudolph (Lacombe) and Riley Boychuk (Cochrane) who went first and second overall to the Prince Albert Raiders and Keaton Verhoeff (Fort Saskatchewan) who was taken by the Victoria Royals with the fourth pick.

This year’s squad has players from 13 different communities across Alberta - Calgary, Edmonton, Okotoks, Olds, Didsbury, Lacombe, Fort Saskatchewan, Cochrane, Spruce Grove, Airdrie, Leduc, St. Albert and Brooks. Eight play in the Alberta Elite Hockey League, while the other 12 play in the CSSHL.

TEAM ALBERTA U16 WHL CUP ROSTER >

The selection process saw 80 players attend the Summer Selection Camp in Red Deer in July. A shortlist of 32 was selected from that camp before the roster of 20 players was finalized to represent the province at the tournament.

“We had a lot of tough decisions to make this year,” said Mike Kraichy, Manager, Elite Male Hockey for Hockey Alberta. “But we’re confident that this is a group that can compete with the best from Western Canada.”

The team’s staff includes James Poole (Calgary), Head Coach; Derrick Martin (Edmonton), Associate Coach; Brady Bakke (Red Deer), Video Coach; Derek Purfield (Calgary), Goalie Coach; Paige Shannon (Calgary), Therapist; Dave Campbell (Grande Prairie), Equipment Manager; Bobby Fox (Calgary), Head Scout; Barry Medori (Spruce Grove), Coach Mentor; and Kraichy (Red Deer), Director of Operations.

The 2023 WHL Cup showcases the top-2008 born players 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.

Team Alberta, powered by Gatorade, will kick off their tournament against Manitoba on October 18. Full schedule can be found below:

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is excited to announce the dates for the 2024 Spring Showcase.

The three-week event features the Alberta Cup (April 24-28), Alberta Challenge (May 1-5), and Prospects Cup (May 8-12), and is returning to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic.

For the Alberta Challenge and Prospects Cup, this is the first step for athletes entering into the Team Alberta program. For Alberta Cup athletes, it is an opportunity for players to showcase their talents in hopes of being invited to U16 Team Alberta Summer Camp and ultimately representing Team Alberta at the 2024 WHL Cup.

Prior to the spring competitions, regional camps are hosted at various locations across Alberta to identify the players who will compete at each event. Each regional camp includes three virtual sessions from guest speakers to prepare players for the camp, a jersey and four ice-sessions. Cost is $250 per participant. Dates and locations for regional camps are outlined below.

Applications are now being accepted from individuals interested in volunteering as a team staff member for any of the three events. Application deadline is October 30. Interested applicants should fill out the form(s) located at the applicable link(s) below.

2024 Alberta Cup - April 24-28

• Male players born in 2009.
• Regional camp registration opens on January 8.
• Regional camps run March 29-31 in Calgary, Red Deer, and Spruce Grove.

Team Staff Applications:

Hockey Alberta is seeking one head coach, two assistant coaches and one trainer for each of the six Alberta Cup teams.

AB Cup Coach Application > | AB Cup Trainer Application >

Go to the Alberta Cup website >

2024 Alberta Challenge - May 1-5

• Female players born in 2009 and 2010.
• Regional camp registration opens on January 15.
• Regional camps run April 5-7, locations Cochrane and Beaumont.

Team Staff Applications:

Hockey Alberta is seeking one head coach, two assistant coaches, one apprentice coach and one trainer for each of the six Alberta Challenge teams.

AB Challenge Coach Application > | AB Challenge Apprentice Coach Application > | AB Challenge Trainer Application >

Go to the Alberta Challenge website >

2024 Prospects Cup - May 8-12

• Male players born in 2011.
• Regional camp registration opens on January 22.
• Regional camps run April 12-14 in Calgary, Edmonton, Olds, and Vegreville.

Team Staff Applications:

Hockey Alberta is seeking one head coach, two assistant coaches, one trainer, and one director of operations for each of the eight Prospect Cup regional teams.

Prospects Cup Coach Application > | Prospects Cup Trainer Application > | Prospects Cup Director of Operations Application >

Go to Prospects Cup website >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, has selected 21 male athletes to Team Alberta competing at the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC).

2024 NAHC Team Alberta Male >

“We are very excited to be working with such a great group of athletes from across Alberta,” said Darren Reid, Head Coach of Team Alberta Male. “The team looks to have more offence and got bigger in size. The boys are stronger this year and we have a great core.”

Tryouts were held in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, Aug. 3-6. Males born in 2006-2009 of Indigenous heritage (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) were eligible to try out.

The 2024 championships are coming to Alberta for the first time ever. Grande Prairie is host to NAHC May 6-12, where Team Alberta Male looks to claim their first gold medal.

The Aboriginal Sport Circle established NAHC in 2002 to serve as the premiere competition for Under-18 aged Indigenous athletes. The annual event garners participation from First Nation, Métis and Inuit athletes across the 13 provinces and territories. The event helps foster cultural unity and pride to celebrate the athletic abilities of Indigenous players.

Since its inception, Alberta has medalled five times with three silvers (2015, 2013 and 2012) and two bronze (2014 and 2008).

RED DEER – Twenty-two female athletes are suiting up in the blue and white to represent Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, at the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC).

2024 NAHC Team Alberta Female >

“Our coaching staff and management group is very excited about the group of athletes that we have selected to represent Team Alberta at these championships,” said Jason Mercier, Head Coach of Team Alberta Female. “We have 11 returning players that were a huge part of our bronze medal team in Winnipeg, and we have an excellent group of new players that will play key roles in our success.”

Tryouts were held in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, Aug. 3-6. Females born in 2006-2009 of Indigenous heritage (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) were eligible to try out.

The 2024 edition of the NAHC is being hosted in Alberta for the first time ever - May 6-12 in Grande Prairie.

“Having the 2024 NAHC on home soil in Grande Prairie for the first time in its history is going to add to the story that these girls are going to write for themselves, the memories will last a lifetime,” said Mercier.

The Aboriginal Sport Circle established NAHC in 2002 to serve as the premiere competition for Under-18 aged Indigenous athletes. The annual event garners participation from First Nation, Métis and Inuit athletes across the 13 provinces and territories. The event helps foster cultural unity and pride to celebrate the athletic abilities of Indigenous players.

RED DEER – Player registration is open for the 2024 Arctic Winter Games Selection Camps.

Team Alberta North is sending a Junior Female and U15 Male team to the 2024 games in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska, March 9-16.

The U15 Male Selection Camp is in Peace River, Nov. 24-26. Male athletes born in 2009-2010 and who are not playing at the AAA-level in the 2023-24 season are eligible to try out.

A week later, the Junior Female Selection Camp is scheduled in Manning, Dec. 1-3. Females born in 2005-2010, playing at any level, are eligible to try out.

All athletes must reside north of the 55th parallel to be eligible to try out.

Eligible communities >

Male Selection Camp Registration >

Female Selection Camp Registration >

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Games are a celebration of athletic competition, culture, friendship and cooperation between north contingents. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

In 2023, Alberta’s Wood Buffalo Region hosted the Arctic Winter Games with Alberta’s Junior Female squad winning the gold medal, and the U15 Male team claiming silver.

For more information on the Arctic Winter Games, visit awg2024.org.

RED DEER – Team Alberta tryouts for the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship (NAHC) are taking place at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer, August 3-6.

Of the 187 athletes competing for a roster position, 132 are eyeing a spot on the male team and 55 are vying for a position on the female team. Both the Male and Female camp feature on-ice sessions including small area games, practices and games. On Saturday, shortlists will be posted with the Top 44 Males and Top 33 Females.

Camp Schedule >

Top 44 Males >

Top 33 Females >

Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council – Alberta, will send a U18 Male and U18 Female team to the 2024 tournament, scheduled for May 6-12 in Grande Prairie. It will mark the first time Alberta has ever hosted the event.

NAHC was established in 2002 by the Aboriginal Sport Circle, to serve as the premiere competition for young Aboriginal hockey players in Canada.

The annual event provides a forum for elite U18 aged Indigenous male and female youth and attracts participation from First Nations. Métis and Inuit across the 13 provinces and territories. This annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride to celebrate Indigenous athletes and sport.

Coaching Staff Announced for 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

RED DEER – The coaching staff for Team Alberta Female and Male, competing at the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) have been named.

After a bronze medal finish in 2023, Jason Mercier (Edmonton) is making the step to head coach of Team Alberta Female. While Kendra Rosychuk (Calgary) is returning to the team as assistant coach. Joining them on the bench as assistant coach is Sage Sansregret (Red Deer). Trevor Lamabe (Edmonton) is back as Director of Operations and Alyssa Ross (Inuvik) joins the team as the athletic therapist.

Darren Reid (Caslan) is returning as the head coach of Team Alberta Male. He is joined by assistant coaches: Denesha Big Plume (Tsuut’ina Nation), Richard Demery (Edmonton) and Damien Kulynych (Calgary). Once again, Winston Delorme (Grande Cache) joins the team as the Director of Operations and Kevin McLarty.

Completing the Team Alberta’s staff for NAHC is General Manager, Mike Applegate (Mayerthorpe) and Lead Trainer/Equipment Manager, Kayla Cordingley (Calgary).

RED DEER – Twenty-eight athletes have been selected to attend the Team Alberta Female Fall Camp.

Three goaltenders, nine defence and 16 forwards are contending for a roster position on Team Alberta Under-18 Female.

Team Alberta Under-18 Female Fall Camp Invites >

“Our staff is confident in these 28 players that we have selected for the next step in our process as they have demonstrated the ability to consistently execute our style of play, concepts and habits,” said Chris Leeming, Head Coach of Team Alberta Under-18 Female. “Because of this, we are excited to continue working with this group, with the expectation that they will present us with some difficult decisions moving forward.”

Athletes will be evaluated at the Fall Camp, September 22-24, in Edmonton, where they will participate in on and off-ice sessions and face-off against three women’s teams of the USports hockey league. Following the camp, athletes will continue to be evaluated with their club teams.

Team Alberta Under-18 Female, fueled by Gatorade, is scheduled to compete at the National Women’s Under-18 Championship, November 5-11 in Dawson Creek, B.C.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is one step closer to naming the Under-16 Male team that will represent the province at the WHL Cup in October.

There are 32 athletes in contention to compete at the tournament. The shortlist includes four goaltenders, 10 defence and 18 forwards.

Team Alberta Under-16 Male Shortlist Roster >

Athletes were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta scouting process, past Team Alberta programs, and at the Under-16 Summer Camp in Red Deer, July 3-9. Eighty players were invited to Red Deer and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

“Alberta has a lot of talented players in this age group, we saw it at the Alberta Cup and we saw it at summer camp,” said James Poole, Head Coach of Team Alberta Under-16 Male. “We’re constructing a team that can compete at an elite level in short-term competition, the decisions don’t get easier and now it’s up to these 32 players to show us why they belong in the jersey.”

Team Alberta, fueled by Gatorade, is slated to compete at the WHL Cup, October 17-22 in Red Deer, against Team B.C., Team Saskatchewan and Team Manitoba.

RED DEER – One hundred and sixteen athletes are gathering in Red Deer for the 2023 Team Alberta Female Summer Camp, July 11-16.

The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre welcomes 72 Under-18 athletes on Tuesday, while 44 Under-16 players arrive on Thursday to kick off camp.

Eight goalies, 24 defence and 40 forwards are attending the Under-18 camp. Athletes will be evaluated and shortlisted for Fall Camp, in hopes of securing a position on Team Alberta to compete at the national event this fall.

Meanwhile, the Under-16 Camp serves as a development camp to introduce athletes to the Team Alberta process. Six goalies, 14 defence and 24 forwards will experience their first Team Alberta camp.

Both camps feature on and off-ice sessions and games. Games are being live streamed on HockeyTV.

Athletes attending camps were evaluated throughout the season and at past Hockey Alberta experiences. All athletes who are registered with a Hockey Alberta or Hockey Canada sanctioned minor hockey association are eligible for Team Alberta programming.

Team Alberta Female U18 Summer Camp Invites >

Team Alberta Female U16 Summer Camp Invites >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has invited 116 athletes to attend the 2023 Team Alberta Female Summer Camp.

The Under-18 Camp is scheduled for July 11-16 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer. A total of 72 female athletes were invited to camp, with eight goalies, 24 defence and 40 forwards in attendance. Throughout the camp, athletes will be evaluated and shortlisted for Fall Camp in hopes of securing a position on Team Alberta to compete at the national event this fall.

Team Alberta Female U18 Summer Camp Invites >

On Thursday, the Under-16’s will join the U18’s in Red Deer to kick off their own camp that will wrap on July 16. Six goalies, 14 defence and 24 forwards were invited to camp after being evaluated throughout the season and at the Alberta Challenge. The Under-16 Summer Camp serves as a development camp to introduce the U16’s to the Team Alberta process.

Team Alberta Female U16 Summer Camp Invites >

“We’ve had the opportunity to watch and evaluate these players at various events and have watched them develop over the years,” said Kendall Newell, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Female Hockey. “We are confident that the talent that will be showcased at camp represents a bright future for Team Alberta.”

Both camps include on and off-ice sessions and games.

RED DEER – Eighty athletes are in Red Deer for the 2023 Team Alberta Male Under-16 Summer Camp.

The camp takes place July 4-9 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

Eight goalies, 24 defence and 48 forwards born in 2008 were invited to attend the camp. Athletes invited are vying for a spot on the roster that will be competing in the 2023 WHL Cup.

Selections were determined based on the Team Alberta scouting process throughout the 2022-23 season and the 2023 Alberta Cup. From summer camp, a short list will be set and those players will be scouted with their club teams until the 20 player-roster is named.

Team Alberta Male U16 Summer Camp Invites >

RED DEER – Coach applications are open for the Arctic Winter Games.

Team Alberta North Junior Female and U15 Male are each looking for a head coach and two assistant coaches to lead them at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska, March 9-16.

Eligible applicants must reside on or above the 55th parallel in Alberta, hold a valid passport and provide a Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Check. Coaches are required to be certified in the relevant coaching certification and Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders.

Successful applicants must be available for selection camp (U15 Male – November 24-26 in Peace River; Junior Female – December 1-3 in Manning), coaches meetings, team training and staging and the duration of the Arctic Winter Games.

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The 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. 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.

Arctic Winter Games Coach Application >

Deadline to submit an application is September 1.

For any questions, please contact Blake Cosgrove, Manager of Elite Hockey Development, [email protected].

RED DEER – Player registration is now open for the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) Selection Camp.

The camp is taking place August 3-6, in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Male and female athletes born in 2006 – 2009, who are of Indigenous heritage (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) and registered with a Hockey Alberta or a Hockey Canada sanctioned minor hockey association are eligible to try out.

The camp costs $250 plus GST and includes a jersey, warm-up shirt and shorts, on-ice practices and games for each participant.

In partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council – Alberta, Hockey Alberta sends a U18 Male Team and U18 Female Team to compete at the championship.

The Aboriginal Sport Circle established the NAHC in 2002 as the premiere competition for young Aboriginal hockey players in Canada. For the first time, the NAHC is taking place in Alberta in 2024 – May 6-12 in Grande Prairie.

The annual event provides a forum for elite U18 aged Indigenous male and female youth and attracts participation from First Nations, Métis and Inuit across the 13 provinces and territories. This annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride to celebrate Indigenous athletes and sport.

Deadline to register is Friday, July 14.

For any questions, please contact Mike Applegate, Regional Manager North, Hockey Development, at [email protected].

NAHC Selection Camp - Male Registration >

NAHC Selection Camp – Female Registration >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta and Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta are now taking staff applications for the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC).

Applications are open for head coaches, assistant coaches, trainers and apprentice coaches for both Team Alberta Female and Male. To be eligible to apply, applicants must be of First Nations, Métis or Inuit heritage and coaching Tier 1 or above during the 2023-2024 season.

Successful applicants must be available for the NAHC Summer Camp, August 3-6 in Red Deer and the NAHC scheduled for May 5-11 in Grande Prairie.

The Aboriginal Sport Circle established the NAHC in 2002 to serve as the premiere competition for young Aboriginal hockey players in Canada.

The annual event provides a forum for elite U18 aged Indigenous male and female youth and attracts participation from First Nations, Métis and Inuit across the 13 provinces and territories. This annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride to celebrate Indigenous athletes and sport.

NAHC Team Alberta Male Coach Application >

NAHC Team Alberta Female Coach Application >

NAHC Trainer Application >

NAHC Apprentice Coach Application >

Deadline to submit an application is June 9.

Inquiries on coaching with Team Alberta at the NAHC, can be directed to Mike Applegate, Regional Manager North, Hockey Development, at [email protected].

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the staff selected to lead Team Alberta U18 Female.

Chris Leeming (Edmonton) heads the bench staff with Ashley Shrode (Barrhead) and Jessie Olfert (Edmonton) as assistant coaches. Erin O’Toole (Lethbridge) joins the staff as the video coach and Jane Kish (Medicine Hat) as the goaltender coach.

The support roles include Rob Dawson (St. Albert) as the coach mentor, Dave Campbell (Grande Prairie) as the equipment manager, and Erin Gordon (Edmonton) as the athletic therapist. Completing the staff as Director of Operations is Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Female Hockey, Kendall Newell (Red Deer).

“It is an honour to be named head coach of Team Alberta and have the opportunity to represent the province at a National Championship,” said Leeming. “We’ve assembled a strong staff, consisting of great humans, who I am eager to collaborate with and to learn from. Ultimately, if we find a way to align with our measures of success, and make the experience a memorable one for our athletes, we have won.”

Leeming makes his second appearance with Team Alberta U18 Female, after joining the bench staff at the 2021 U18 Western Championships as an assistant coach. Currently the MacEwan University Griffins head coach competing in USport, he’s served as a coach mentor at the Alberta Challenge in 2022 and 2023 and spent time with the U16 program over the last five years in various roles.

Shrode has come full circle, playing for Team Alberta at the National Women’s Under-18 Championship, she now coaches with Barrhead Minor Hockey Association. She has an extensive coaching resume that includes coach mentoring at the 2020 Alberta Winter Games, head coach at the 2019 Alberta Challenge and at the 2018 Alberta Winter Games.

Olfert is making the jump to assistant coach after supporting the 2023 Team Alberta Canada Winter Games squad as the video coach. Most recently coaching with the Alberta Female Hockey League’s U18 AAA Jr. Oilers White Female team, she has experience in the Team Alberta program as a head coach at the 2022 Alberta Challenge, and assistant coach at the 2020 Alberta Winter Games and 2019 Alberta Challenge.

O’Toole is fresh off an appearance as a head coach at the Alberta Challenge with South Black and coaches with the Lethbridge Eagles of the Alberta Junior Female Hockey League. A U18 Nationals alumna, Kish, joined South Black as an assistant coach at the Alberta Challenge and coaches with the South Alberta Hockey Academy of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League.

Team Alberta U18 Female is slated to compete at a national competition November 3-11.

Team Alberta U18 Female

Team Alberta U18 Female, fueled by Gatorade, is one of the stages of identification for Canada’s national programs. The team competes at the national competition, November 3-11.

Team Alberta U18 Female program is open to 2006 and 2007 born athletes who are Alberta residents and who were registered with a Hockey Canada/Hockey Alberta sanctioned program for the 2022-23 season. Athletes are invited to camp based on previous Team Alberta programs, as well as scouting of players at sanctioned Hockey Canada/Hockey Alberta games or events.

Athletes identified for the program are invited to Summer Camp, July 11-16. Following the camp, athletes are shortlisted and selected for Fall Camp, September 22-24. Athletes need to be registered with a sanctioned program in the 2023-24 season in order to remain eligible for final team selection in the fall.

Invitations to Summer Camp will be extended May 26, only successful athletes are notified at this time. Camp attendees are to be posted publicly in July.

Key Dates:

Invitations: May 26

Summer Camp: July 11-16

Fall Camp: September 22-24

Competition: November 3-11

For more information, contact Kendall Newell, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Female Hockey.

RED DEER – After competing in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship (NAHC) May 8-13, Team Alberta has returned home from Winnipeg.

Team Alberta Female brought home their second-ever medal, after claiming bronze in a double overtime thriller. Berry Rosychuk chipped in a pass from Megan Tipton to seal the 3-2 victory. Team Alberta Female finished the tournament with a 4-3 record, and Phoenix Big Snake was named the team’s Most Sportsmanlike Player.

“They believed in themselves, they believed in me and they believed in each other and that’s what helped us be successful in this tournament,” said Kendra Rosychuk, head coach of Team Alberta Female. “They kept going and they kept getting better each game and each and every shift. Bringing home the second bronze medal ever, we’re a part of history now and it’s a huge accomplishment.”

Team Alberta Male closed out the NAHC in fifth place. Opening the tournament with a win, the team faced strong goaltending throughout the round robin, to finish with a 1-2 record. Opposition goaltending continued to be the story in the quarter-final, where Team Alberta Male outshot Ontario by more than 20 shots but fell 3-2. Alberta finished the tournament with a 10-7 win over Atlantic in the 5^th/6^th place game. The team was named the Most Sportsmanlike Team of the tournament and Jaxen Gauchier was selected as the Most Sportsmanlike Player for Team Alberta Male.

“The boys did a great job and I am super proud of them. They competed and battled in every zone on the ice,” said Darren Reid, assistant coach of Team Alberta Male. “We had a young team and we as coaches were very proud of them and how far they came over the 10 days. I was honoured that our team was named most sportsmanlike team of the tournament.”

The 2024 edition of NAHC will be held in Alberta for the first time ever as Grande Prairie will welcome the country to Treaty 8 Territory in northwest Alberta.

Tryouts for Team Alberta competing at the 2024 NAHC will be held Aug. 3-6 in Red Deer. Registration will open in June.

For more information on Team Alberta and the NAHC, visit hockeyalberta.ca or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

RED DEER – The 2023 Prospects Cup was hoisted by Capital Royal in an exhilarating 5-4 championship game against Calgary White.

Nathan Murray opened the scoring for Calgary White with an assist coming from Connor Huynh just two and a half minutes into the game. Brady Forest retaliated with a short handed goal, stealing the puck just outside the left post and firing it through the legs of Colten Dunsby. Under two minutes later, James Anisimovicz sent one into the cornerrea high above Dunsby’s right shoulder and into the back of the goal, bringing a 2-1 lead to White. Brayden Tucker notched Royal’s second short-handed goal of the game after a one-on-one with Dunsby. Kalen Miles gave Capital Royal their first lead of the game after tapping one in the back door off a perfect pass from Andrew Nordstrom. Austyn Giebelhaus rode the momentum scoring Royal’s fourth of the game off a face-off at the end of the first period. Grayson Bauer and Nathan Murray add two for Calgary White within 30 seconds of one another to out the crowd on their feet. The pair had the lone two goals of the second period. Brayden Tucker knocked back him second goal for the game and won the championship for Capital Royal!

It was a battle of the south to open the day, South Black taking the win 8-4 over region rival, South Gold. The game saw a total 84 shots taken against the two Airdrie goaltenders making this game a true frenzy of action.

North Blue and Calgary Red took the ice next with a nailbiter resolution. Calgary Red fighting against North Blue’s Adrien Brochu, only able to score 3 on 39 shots. North Blue sealed the deal 12 seconds into overtime with Ryan Sieker sneaking one just inside the right post.

The fifth-place game was played by Capital Green and North Grey with Green taking the win, 4-3. North Grey played with speed and grit against Green’s precision passing. Both squads exchanged goals through the third period, with Boston Matter netting the game winning goal with 7:47 left in the game.

The Prospects Cup marks the end of Hockey Alberta’s 2023 Spring showcase events. The Alberta Cup and the Alberta Challenge had wrapped up in the previous two weeks with Green taking home both of those championships.

Standings > Stats > Schedule > Day 1 Recap > Day 2 Recap > Day 3 Recap >

Game #1

South Black 8 – South Gold 4

Players of the Game: South Black: #12 Calder Fraser | South Gold: #16 Jaxon Jaffray

Boxscore >

Game #2

North Blue 4 – Calgary Red 3 (OT)

Players of the Game: North Blue: #16 Ryan Sieker | Calgary Red: #18 Eric Savage Keller

Boxscore >

Game #3

Capital Green 4 – North Grey 3 (OT)

Player of the Game: Capital Green: #2 Chase Asher Zolinski | North Grey: #7 Nolan Wolitski

Boxscore >

Game #4

Capital Royal 5 – Calgary White 4

Player of the Game: Capital Royal: #20 Brayden Tucker | Calgary White: #17 Nathan Murray

Boxscore >

Gatorade Alberta Built Performer of the Day – Calder Fraser (South Black)

The Alberta Built player of the day is the athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of an "Alberta Built" player. Alberta Built is defined as:

1. Good person - Know who you are.
2. Character player - Believe in yourself.
3. Grit player - Thrive on adversity
4. Leadership - Treat yourself & people right
5. Standard of performance - Focused approach on process - ALWAYS COMPETE - EVERY-DAYERS

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has announced the 80 athletes invited to the 2023 Team Alberta Male Under-16 Summer Camp.

Eight goalies, 24 defence and 48 forwards born in 2008 were invited to attend the camp scheduled for July 4-9 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer. Athletes invited to the camp are vying for a spot on the roster that will be competing in the 2023 WHL Cup.

Team Alberta Male U16 Summer Camp Invites >

“Throughout the course of the season and the Alberta Cup, we’ve watched many talented players,” said Mike Kraichy, Manager of Elite Male Hockey. “This is the next step in the process, and we’ve selected players who we believe have what it takes to represent Alberta at an elite level.”

Selections were determined based on the Team Alberta scouting process throughout the 2022-23 season and the 2023 Alberta Cup. From summer camp, a short list will be set and those players will be scouted with their club teams until the 20 player-roster is named.

2023 WHL Cup Coaching Staff Named

RED DEER – The members of the coaching staff have been chosen for Team Alberta U16 Male that will compete at the 2023 WHL Cup in Red Deer, October 17-22.

Derrick Martin (Edmonton) and Duncan Milroy (Edmonton) were named as assistant coaches, joining head coach James Poole behind the bench. Brady Bakke (Red Deer) is the video coach and Derek Purfield (Calgary) is the goaltender coach.

For Poole, this is his third consecutive season with Team Alberta, serving as the assistant coach at the Canada Winter Games in 2023 and the video coach at the WHL Cup in 2021. During the regular season, he is the head coach of the Edge School U18 Male Prep team in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League.

Martin is the head coach and general manager of the Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). In 2023, he was the video coach for Team Alberta at the Canada Winter Games.

Milroy is the bench boss for the Alberta Elite Hockey League’s Leduc Oil Kings. After a lengthy professional playing career, Milroy’s coaching resume includes the Alberta Cup and Prospects Cup.

In his eighth season as the goaltender coach for Team Alberta, Purfield is also the Assistant/Goalie Coach with the AJHL’s Okotoks Oilers. Bakke is an assistant coach with the Blackfalds Bulldogs (AJHL).

Rounding out the team staff are Mike Kraichy, Director of Operations (Red Deer), Bobby Fox, Head Scout (Calgary), Barry Medori, Coach Mentor (Spruce Grove), Paige Shannon, Athletic Therapist (Calgary) and Dave Campbell, Equipment Manager (Grande Prairie).

RED DEER – South Green are the 2023 Alberta Challenge Champions.

The championship final saw a true battle of Alberta, with North Yellow taking on South Green. South Green broke the silence with the games only goal halfway into the second period when Kat Nakama fired it from the slot. North Yellow looked to capitalize and pulled their goalie in the last two minutes after South Green took a penalty but were unable to finish.

The bronze medal match up saw South Black and South White facing off for the second time this weekend. South White came out on top, taking the game 11-1.

North Blue finished fifth overall after defeating North Grey 2-1. Blue gained the lead nine minutes into the game and notched their second nearing the end of the second period. North Grey gained momentum back halfway through the third with their goal but couldn’t capitalize again despite out shooting North Blue 32-20.

The 2023 Spring Showcase continues with the Prospects Cup May 11-14.

Tickets are available online or at the box office and games are livestreamed on HockeyTV.

Standings > | Stats > | Schedule > | Day One Recap > | Day Two Recap > | Day Three Recap > | 2023 Alberta Cup All Stars >

Game #13

North Blue 2– North Grey 1

Player of the Game: North Blue: #16 Sawyer MacKay | South Black: #10 Grace Burden

Boxscore >

Game #14

South White 11 – South Black 1

Players of the Game: South White: #31 Alexis Erhman | South Black: #3 Gracie Dengler

Boxscore >

Game #15

South Green 1 – North Yellow 0

Players of the Game: South Green: #31 Brylee Hull | North Yellow: #2 Jamie Hensch

Boxscore >

Gatorade Alberta Built Performer of the Day –

Ceder Thorburn (South White)

The Alberta Built player of the day is the athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of an "Alberta Built" player. Alberta Built is defined as:

1. Good person - Know who you are.
2. Character player - Believe in yourself.
3. Grit player - Thrive on adversity
4. Leadership - Treat yourself & people right
5. Standard of performance - Focused approach on process - ALWAYS COMPETE - EVERY-DAYERS

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the 2023 Alberta Challenge All-Stars:

Goaltender

#31 Rowan Houweling - North Blue

GP: 3 | MP: 151 | W: 0 | L: 1 | T: 1 | OTL: 0 | SOL: 0 | SO: 0 | SA: 77 | GA: 4 | SVS: 73 | GAA: 1.59 | SV%: 0.948%

Defence

#7 Madison Terry - North Yellow

GP: 5 | G: 0 | A: 1 | Pts: 1 | PIM: 2

Defence

#6 Lily Oster - South Green

GP: 5 | G: 0 | A: 2 | Pts: 2 | PIM: 0

Forward

#15 Tayla Lamabe - North Blue

GP: 5 | G: 3 | A: 2 | Pts: 5 | PIM: 2

Forward

#12 Lila Deis - South Green

GP: 5 | G: 2 | A: 4 | Pts: 6 | PIM: 12

Forward

#14 Evie Hanson - South Black

GP: 5 | G: 3 | A: 2 | Pts: 5 | PIM: 6

WINNIPEG, MAN. – Team Alberta, competing at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC), has arrived in Winnipeg. The NAHC is an annual tournament for under-18 elite Indigenous male and female youth.

Both male and female teams are set to begin their competition on Monday, May 8 at the Seven Oaks Arena. Playdowns begin on Thursday, with medal matches taking place on Saturday.

Team Alberta Male consists of three goaltenders, eight defence and 13 forwards. Two goaltenders, seven defence and 13 forwards make up Team Alberta Female.

“This year’s NAHC is the first tournament since the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta partnered with Hockey Alberta,” said Mike Applegate, Hockey Alberta’s Regional Manager - North. “We’re looking forward to delivering an elite level of competition, while celebrating Indigenous sport and culture.”

Athletes were selected to the roster based on a tryout camp in August. To be eligible, athletes are born in 2005-2009 and of Indigenous ancestry.

After a three-year hiatus from the tournament due to COVID-19, Team Alberta Male and Female are vying for their first gold medals. In the tournament’s 20-year history, Team Alberta Male has medaled five times (silver – 2015, 2013, 2012; bronze – 2014 and 2008) while the female team reached the podium in 2008, earning bronze.

Team Alberta, competing at the NAHC, is supported by the North Peace Tribal Council, Ledcor and Kingdom Cats.

Games will be live-streamed on nahc2023.ca.

For more information on Team Alberta and the NAHC, visit hockeyalberta.ca or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Watch Live >

Schedule >

Roster >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta’s only female under-16 tournament, the Alberta Challenge, is set to take place May 4-7 in Red Deer.

North Yellow and South Black will begin the action on Thursday at 9 A.M. at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Six teams will play off for a spot in the championship game on Sunday at 2 P.M.

Over 120 students from St. Theresa Elementary School will be in attendance on Friday to participate in off-ice activities and spread cheer. The Hockey Alberta Foundation has partnered with local schools to allow students to experience the great game of hockey.

The Alberta Challenge is a modified round-robin tournament where each team is composed of two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards. It is the second event of Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase, taking place prior to the Prospects Cup (May 11-14) and following the Alberta Cup (April 27-30).

To watch live, ticket packages are available at the Gary W. Harris Centre box office or online. Games are being livestreamed on HockeyTV.

For more information on the Alberta Challenge, visit abchallenge.ca or follow Hockey Alberta on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Tickets >

Watch Live >

Schedule >

Roster >

50/50 >

About the Alberta Challenge

The Alberta Challenge is a core Hockey Alberta female development program, providing players, coaches, therapists, equipment managers, administrators and referees an equal opportunity to discover the great qualities of competitive hockey. It aids in preparations, evaluation and identification of potential players for Hockey Alberta’s Team Alberta program and is a grassroots program.

RED DEER – Alberta Green are the 2023 Alberta Cup Champions.

The championship final featured a battle of the southern region with Alberta Green and Alberta Red facing off. Midway through the third, Owen Folstrom netted the single goal of the game to clinch the trophy. History was made at the buzzer to conclude the tournament as Alberta Green’s, Carter Esler posted an impressive 0.987 save percentage, to break the Alberta Cup record. Alberta Green went undefeated through the tournament.

Earlier in the day, Alberta Grey showcased a nominating performance to claim third place over Alberta Blue.

While Alberta Black found their momentum against Alberta Gold to finish fifth overall. Throughout the weekend, Alberta Black outshot their opponents 209-119, despite finishing with a 1-4 record.

The 2023 Spring Showcase continues with the Alberta Challenge (May 4-7) and the Prospects Cup (11-14).

Tickets are available online or at the box office and games are livestreamed on HockeyTV.

Standings > | Stats > | Schedule > | Day One Recap > | Day Two Recap > | Day Three Recap > | 2023 Alberta Cup All Stars >

Game #13

Alberta Black 9 – Alberta Gold 1

Players of the Game: Alberta Black: #8 Knox Bendera | Alberta Gold: #31 Kai Zurowski

Boxscore >

Game #14

Alberta Grey 9 – Alberta Blue 3

Players of the Game: Alberta Grey: #9 Sawyer Dingman | Alberta Blue: #5 Aaron Sawatzky

Boxscore >

Game #15

Alberta Green 1 – Alberta Red 0

Player of the Game: Alberta Green: #31 Carter Esler| Alberta Red: #1 Ryley Budd

Boxscore >

Gatorade Alberta Built Performer of the Day – Carter Esler (Alberta Green)

The Alberta Built player of the day is the athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of an "Alberta Built" player. Alberta Built is defined as:

1. Good person - Know who you are.
2. Character player - Believe in yourself.
3. Grit player - Thrive on adversity
4. Leadership - Treat yourself & people right
5. Standard of performance - Focused approach on process - ALWAYS COMPETE - EVERY-DAYERS

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the 2023 Alberta Cup All-Stars:

Goaltender

#31 Carter Esler - Alberta Green

GP: 3 | MP: 178 | W: 3 | L: 0 | OTL: 0 | SOL: 0 | SO: 2 | SA: 79 | GA: 1 | SVS: 78 | GAA: 0.34 | SV%: 0.987%

Defence

#3 Easton LaPlante - Alberta Green

GP: 5 | G: 1 | A: 0 | Pts: 1 | PIM: 6

Defence

#6 Daxon Rudolph - Alberta Black

GP: 5 | G: 4 | A: 0 | Pts: 4 | PIM: 8

Forward

#11 Riley Boychuk - Alberta Blue

GP: 5 | G: 1 | A: 4 | Pts: 5 | PIM: 0

Forward

#14 Townes Kozicky - Alberta Red

GP: 5 | G: 1 | A: 6 | Pts: 7 | PIM: 0

Forward

#11 Ty Meunier - Alberta Gold

GP: 5 | G: 4 | A: 3 | Pts: 7 | PIM: 6

Top Official

Travis Stewart - Edmonton

RED DEER – The top 120 under-16 male athletes are taking the ice April 27-30 in Red Deer to play for the Alberta Cup.

The tournament kicks off Thursday with Alberta Green taking on Alberta Blue at 9 A.M., and continues through until the championship game on Sunday at 2 P.M.

Throughout the weekend, six teams will face off in a modified round-robin tournament at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Each team is comprised of two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards.

On Friday, Hockey Alberta will host over 150 students from Fairview Elementary School and Penhold Elementary School. In partnership with the Hockey Alberta Foundation, the school program allows students to experience the game and participate in off-ice activities.

Over the course of three weeks, Hockey Alberta will welcome hundreds of people from across the province to Red Deer for the Spring Showcase. The Alberta Cup launches the annual event, followed by the Alberta Challenge (May 3-7) and Prospects Cup (May 10-13).

To watch live, ticket packages are available at the Gary W. Harris Centre box office or online. Games are being livestreamed on HockeyTV.

Throughout the duration of the tournament a progressive 50/50 is taking place, with the draw planned for Monday, May 1. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online.

For more information on the Alberta Cup, visit abcup.ca or follow Hockey Alberta on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Tickets >

Watch Live >

Schedule >

Rosters >

50/50’s >

­About Alberta Cup

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.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has named the 120 athletes who will represent their regions at the 2023 Alberta Cup.

Two teams from each of the North, Central and South regions will face-off against each other in a modified round-robin tournament taking place in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, April 27-30. Each of the six teams is comprised of two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards.

Rosters >

Athletes gathered at three Regional Camps over the weekend of March 31-April 2 in Calgary, Red Deer and Spruce Grove. Male players born in 2008 who participated in a Hockey Canada sanctioned program this season were eligible to try out.

“Year after year we see talented kids from across the province try out, and this was no exception,” said Mike Kraichy, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Elite Male Hockey. “This is the next step in the Team Alberta program, but my focus is on player development and that they use this opportunity to reach their next level as hockey players and people.”

The Alberta Cup provides players and staff with an opportunity to experience elite level play in a short-term competition. Players participating in the tournament, will be evaluated to represent Team Alberta at the WHL Cup in October.

Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase fuelled by Gatorade will begin with the Alberta Cup. The Alberta Challenge (May 3-7) and the Prospects Cup (May 10-13) will also be played in Red Deer.

Partnership opportunities are available for the 2023 Spring Showcase and can be found in the document below:

2023 Spring Showcase Partnership Opportunities >

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.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is now accepting coach applications for the 2023 Team Alberta programs.

Team Alberta U18 Female is looking for one Head Coach, two Assistant Coaches, one Video Coach and on Goaltender Coach to guide the team at the 2023 National Women’s Under-18 Championship. The event will take place November 7-11.

U18 Female Coach Application >

Team Alberta U16 Male is seeking two Assistant Coaches and one Video Coach for the 2023 WHL Cup. The WHL Cup is slated for October 17-22, in Red Deer.

U16 Male Coach Application >

Applicants must:

- Be fully qualified at the NCCP High Performance 1;

- Be in good standing with Hockey Alberta and/or member Branch;

- Have a strong knowledge base and understanding of systems and strategies.

Team Alberta Female inquiries can be directed to Kendall Newell, Manager, Female Hockey at [email protected]. Team Alberta Male inquiries can be directed to Mike Kraichy, Manager, Elite Male Hockey at [email protected].

Team Alberta U16 Male to be lead by James Poole

James Poole will lead the 2023 Team Alberta U16 Male team as the head coach at the WHL Cup.

“I’m very excited and humbled at the the opportunity to lead Team Alberta at the 2023 WHL Cup,” said Poole. “It’s an honour to be a member of the Team Alberta program and I embrace the challenge ahead working towards October 2023 in Red Deer.”

Poole spent the 2022 cycle with Team Alberta as an Assistant Coach with the Canada Winter Games Team. In 2021, he served as a Video Coach at the WHL Cup.

Currently the head coach of the Edge School U18 Male Prep team, Poole capped off his 2023 season with a CSSHL Division Championship.

Poole’s experience includes a stint in the Alberta Junior Hockey League as the head coach and general manager of both the Okotoks Oilers and Calgary Canucks.

In 2008 and 2009, Poole coached the Calgary Buffaloes to back-to-back Alberta Midget Hockey League (now the Alberta Elite Hockey League U18 AAA division) championships.

Poole’s past Team Alberta program experience includes coaching in the Alberta Cup.

RED DEER – Team Alberta Male U16 and Team Alberta Female U18, fuelled by Gatorade, both returned with fifth place finishes from the Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island.

Competing in Summerside, the U16 team finished round robin with a 2-1-0 record before falling to Quebec in the quarterfinals. The squad rebounded to finish fifth overall, with a 4-1 win over Manitoba.

“The Canada Winter Games were an unbelievable experience for the staff and the team,” said Serge Lajoie, head coach of the U16 team. “Although we did not meet our on-ice expectation of winning a medal at the Games, our daily commitment to excellence and being supportive of each other throughout this journey has helped us all grow, not only as players and coaches, but most importantly as people.“

The U18 team was on the ice in Charlottetown in week two of competition. The team finished with a 1-1-1 record in round-robin, before also meeting Quebec in the quarterfinals, losing 3-0. Team Alberta then defeated Saskatchewan 6-2 to finish fifth.

"We couldn’t have been more proud as a staff of the group regardless of our outcome,” said Brett Wold, head coach of the U18 team. “Falling short of the medal rounds was tough, but our team bought in from day one at summer camp and that never wavered. Lots made new friendships that will last a lifetime, and the girls soaked in the atmosphere of the Canada Winter Games."

For more information on Team Alberta and the Canada Winter Games, visit hockeyalberta.ca or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Kate Holan is a Type 1 diabetic.

The Canada Winter Games Team Alberta Female Goaltender calls it her superpower.

“It makes you put in that extra thought and work a little bit harder because you have to manage so much on top of hockey,” said Holan.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the pancreas makes little or no insulin. A Type 1 diabetic must monitor their blood sugars and manage the condition accordingly.

“I was diagnosed when I was 15 so almost three years ago,” said Holan. “I started having symptoms and when we ran the tests, the results weren’t a surprise being that it’s hereditary.”

Both Holan’s mother, Lisa and oldest brother Jack, are also Type 1 diabetics, so when Holan was diagnosed, she was surrounded by support.

“Knowing that I had their support took the weight off my shoulders,” said Holan. “It showed me that there’s people that can play hockey and manage their diabetes at the same time and they do it seamlessly, it just takes a little more detail in my everyday life.”

Diabetes isn’t the only thing she has in common with Jack. He is also a goalie. Watching him manage his sugars, Holan knew she could continue to play hockey. But she also had questions.

“There were thoughts of uncertainty like will I be able to manage at a high level and take care of my sugars and all my little things,” said Holan. “I’ve learned the biggest thing is knowing my body and knowing how I feel.”

NHLer Max Domi is diabetic and has said he is able to check his blood sugar on the bench as part of managing his diabetes while playing. Being a goalie, Holan doesn’t have the opportunity to check between shifts.

“I have to trust that if I checked (my sugars) in between periods and they were fine, that they are still fine. But I also have to make sure to be alert and to be in tune during the game,” said Holan.

Her regime starts well before she gets to the arena though.

“I have to be organized and stay one step ahead,” said Holan. “That’s not taking too much insulin if I know I have a practice that day and cutting back and managing my day before I get to the rink. And checking in and being on top of it once I’m there.”

In her third year of playing in the Alberta Female Hockey League’s U18 AAA division with the St. Albert Slash, she’s proven that elite hockey is no match for managing diabetes. Now with Team Alberta, Holan is literally living out her dream.

“I have dreamed of this since I was a little kid,” said Holan. “You look back at the history of the teams before you and you see the names that are huge hockey names and I feel so grateful to have this experience to represent Alberta.”

After this season, Holan will look to university hockey as a Mount Royal Cougar.

“To any kid out there with diabetes, never let it hold you back,” said Holan. “You could look at it as something that makes you unique or different but never something that could hold you back.”

RED DEER – Team Alberta’s U18 Female hockey team is headed east to Prince Edward Island to defend its Canada Winter Games title.

The team, fueled by Gatorade, is slated to begin their journey on Monday, February 27 versus Nova Scotia at 4:30 pm (MT). With Manitoba and Ontario also in their pool, round robin action will continue through Wednesday. The tournament will conclude on March 5.

This year’s team is striving to earn Alberta’s fourth consecutive Winter Games medal. Alberta won gold in 2019 and 2011 and bronze in 2015. Aside from the current record, Alberta has an additional gold (1991) and bronze (1999) medal, to total five podium finishes in eight appearances.

“We’re focused on the next seven days of competition. This is a new year and every day is a new day with a new game,” said Kendall Newell, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Female Hockey. “Our goal is to find success in the little things that both the logo on the front and name on the back can be proud of.”

Two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards make up Team Alberta. The entire roster has experience participating in short-term competition in the Team Alberta program.

Prior to departing for the Games, Team Alberta U18 Female announced their leadership group. Sporting the “C” will be Robyn Brokenshire, with assistant captains Hanna Perrier, Sadie Makokis, Summer Fomradas.

The selection process for the Canada Winter Games began in the 2021-22 season, where athletes were evaluated with their Hockey Canada sanctioned 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 teams through the fall.

Games can be streamed live on canadagames.ca.

For more information on Team Alberta and the Canada Winter Games, visit hockeyalberta.ca or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Watch Live >

Schedule >

Roster >

Hockey is a family affair for the Obobaifo brothers.

And this week, the Obobaifo family is focused on Prince Edward Island, as Aaron suits up for Team Alberta U16 competing at the Canada Winter Games.

Their father, Charles, introduced hockey to the boys at an early age. For Aaron, he remembers he wasn’t sure he was interested in playing.

“My Dad took me to the rink and I didn’t like (hockey) at first,” Aaron recalled. “After my brother started playing, I fell in love with the game.”

From that moment, the sibling support and rivalry began. When the brothers weren’t at the rink, they could be found playing roller hockey in their backyard.

“It was a lot of fun growing up playing together,” said Aaron. “There’s a lot of competition between us, but we’ve supported each other since day one.”

Four years Aaron’s senior, his brother Charles played Junior A in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League before moving on to college. Younger brother, Kyle, is making a name for himself in the Alberta Elite Hockey League with the Calgary Flames U15 AAA.

Aaron currently plays at Shattuck St. Mary’s, a school famed for producing elite hockey players. He leads the Under 15 team in points with 55 (34 goals, 21 assists) in 43 games. Last May, he was selected 19^th overall by the Vancouver Giants in the 2022 WHL Entry Draft.

Aaron and his brothers credit the success they have found in the game to their parents.

“My parents are really supportive, all the credit goes out to them,” said Aaron. “My parents moved from Nigeria to Alberta. The money they have spent, hard work, travelling, flights … all of it makes me want to push harder for them.”

The Team Alberta program has influenced the hockey journey of each brother. In 2015 the Obobaifo name first appeared on the provincial stage as older brother Charles participated in the Prospects Cup for Team Calgary Red. In 2017, he returned to the Alberta Cup with Team Calgary North. Continuing the Obobaifo legacy, Kyle took the ice with Calgary White at the Prospects Cup in 2022

Like many athletes, Aaron’s pathway with Team Alberta was derailed when COVID-19 cancelled the 2020 Prospects Cup. Then he was unable to make the Alberta Cup due to commitments with his club team. So when it came to preparing for the Canada Winter Games, he leaned on his brother for advice.

“Charles told me about the process. What to expect at the camps and what it looks like, he’s been really supportive,” said Aaron. “Now that I’m here, Kyle’s been asking me all the questions. He’s going to love it when it’s his turn.”

Despite the Canada Winter Games being his first opportunity with Team Alberta, Aaron has adapted to short-term competition, collecting a goal and an assist in three games played through the round robin.

“The coaches, the staff, the players, everyone has just been really supportive and I’m just excited to be part of it,” said Aaron. “I love Alberta and I love my city of Calgary, I’m proud to represent them and my family at the Canada Winter Games."

Team Alberta will meet Quebec in the Quarter Finals at 4:30 P.M. MT on Thursday, February 23. Games are available to livestream on canadagames.ca.

RED DEER – Team Alberta’s U16 Male squad, fueled by Gatorade, has landed in Prince Edward Island for the Canada Winter Games.

Male hockey will be played during the first week of the Games, Sunday, February 19 – Saturday, February 25. Team Alberta begins its quest on Sunday, with a 9:30 am (MT) start against Team Nova Scotia. Round-robin play will continue through Wednesday.

After winning bronze in 2019, Team Alberta is looking to claim its 12^th medal at the Canada Winter Games. Team Alberta’s medal record includes four golds, four silvers and three bronzes in 15 events.

“We have a talented and resilient group set to take the ice,” said Michael Kraichy, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Elite Male Hockey. “This (Canada Games) cycle has presented its own challenges but these are COVID athletes and they have overcome the uncertainty and focused on their development on and off the ice. Together, they’ve come together and are ready to represent Alberta the best they can.”

The team chosen to compete at the Games includes two goaltenders, six defence, and 12 forwards. Eighteen athletes suited up in the 2022 Alberta Cup and 19 were drafted in the 2022 WHL Draft.

The leadership group for Team Alberta was announced on Thursday prior to their departure for PEI. Kadon McCann will lead the group, with assistant captains Jack Kachkowski, Kyle McDonough and Luke Vlooswyk.

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. 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.

Games can be streamed live on canadagames.ca.

For more information on Team Alberta and the Canada Winter Games, visit hockeyalberta.ca or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Watch Live >

Schedule >

Roster >

RED DEER – The three hockey teams comprising Team Alberta North are set to open the Arctic Winter Games on Sunday.

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. This year’s edition is hosted in Wood Buffalo, January 29 to February 4. Hockey is being played in Fort McMurray and Conklin.

Team Alberta North is competing in each of the three hockey divisions: Junior Female, U15 Male and U18 Male. Hoping that home ice will prove to be an advantage, Team Alberta North faces off against Alaska, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon in each division. Round robin play begins Sunday, with medal rounds beginning February 2. Teams are competing for the gold ulu.

Sunday’s opening day action sees the U15 and U18 Male teams taking on Nunavut, while the Junior Female team plays Yukon.

“It’s always exciting to be heading into a short-term tournament, but to play in the Arctic Winter Games on home ice is a special opportunity,” said Blake Cosgrove, Team Alberta North’s Director of Operations. “It’s an honour to represent your province at an international tournament like this. Our athletes recognize that and are ready to showcase their level of compete and represent Alberta the best they can.”

To be eligible to participate in the Arctic Winter Games, athletes and coaches must reside in a community located north of the 55^th parallel. The Junior Female team is comprised of athletes born in 2004-2009. The U15 Male team features athletes born in 2008-2009 and the U18 Male team has athletes born in 2005-2007. Male athletes playing AAA hockey this season were not eligible.

The schedule and results are available at awg2023.org. Games are being livestreamed on YouTube.

The Arctic Winter Games are a celebration of athletic completion, culture, friendship and cooperation between northern contingents.

To learn more about Team Alberta North, or the Arctic Winter Games, visit hockeyalberta.ca or follow along on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Roster >

Schedule >

Results >

Watch Games >

RED DEER – Registration is now open for the 2023 Prospects Cup Regional Camps.

All 2010-born Male players, registered with a Hockey Alberta Sanctioned Minor Hockey Association are eligible to register and try out for the Prospects Cup. Positions at tryouts are limited and awarded on a first-come first serve basis. There will be four (4) Regional Camps occurring simultaneously between April 14-16 at the following locations:

• Calgary Regional Camp - Don Hartman NE Sportsplex
• South Regional Camp - Olds Sportsplex
• Capital Regional Camp - The Meadows (Edmonton)
• North Regional Camp - Wally Fedun Arena (Vegreville)

2023 Prospects Cup Registration Directory >

Please ensure that prior to registration, you have reviewed the Prospects Cup Registration Directory above to determine what region your child resides in. Athletes are only permitted to register for the region in which they reside and the position (goaltender, defence or forward) for which they wish to be considered for the Prospects Cup. Any athlete who registers for an incorrect region or position may have their registration refunded less an admin fee and will not be guaranteed acceptance to attend the regional camp tryout, subject to the correct region/position’s availability.

Should the region/position be sold out at the time you try and register, please email Hudson Kelly ([email protected]) to be added to a waitlist for that position/region, do not try and register for another region.

Visa and Mastercard are the only payment methods that are accepted through the payment platform. American Express and debit cards will not be approved. Please ensure that you are prepared with an accepted method of payment.

PROSPECTS CUP REGIONAL CAMP REGISTRATION >

2023 PROSPECTS CUP TEAM STAFFS >

The 2023 Prospects Cup will take place May 10-14 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer.

Registration is now open for the 2023 Alberta Challenge Regional Camps.

All 2008 and 2009-born female players, registered with a Hockey Alberta or a Hockey Canada sanctioned minor hockey association are eligible to register and try out for the Alberta Challenge. Eligible athletes must be permanent residents of Alberta.

Positions at Regional Camps are limited and awarded on a first-come, first serve basis. There will be two Regional Camps occurring simultaneously between April 7-9 at the following locations:

• Cochrane Regional Camp - Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre
• Beaumont Regional Camp - Beaumont Sport and Recreation Centre

Alberta Challenge Regional Boundaries >

Please ensure that prior to registration, you have reviewed the Alberta Challenge Regional Boundaries to determine what zone your child resides in. Athletes are only permitted to register for the region in which they reside and the position (goaltender, defense or forward) for which they wish to be considered for the Alberta Challenge. Any athlete who registers for an incorrect region or position may have their registration refunded less an admin fee and will not be guaranteed acceptance to attend the regional camp tryout, subject to the correct region/position availability.

Should the region/position be sold out at the time you try and register, please email [email protected] to be added to a wait list for that position/region, do not try and register for another region.

Visa and Mastercard are the only payment methods that are accepted through the payment platform. American Express and debit cards will not be approved. Please ensure that you are prepared with an accepted method of payment.

Alberta Challenge Regional Camp Registration >

2023 Alberta Cup Team Staffs >

The 2023 Alberta Challenge will take place May 3-7 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer.

The Alberta Challenge is a core Hockey Alberta Female Development program, providing players, coaches, therapists, equipment managers, administrators and referees an equal opportunity to discover the great qualities of competitive hockey.

The Alberta Challenge aids in preparation, evaluation and identification of potential players for Hockey Alberta’s Team Alberta program and is a grassroots program. Through the camps, the players are able to measure themselves against other players of the same age and receive instruction from some of the best coaches in the province. For those selected to the regional teams, the Alberta Challenge is a taste of top level competition.

Registration for Alberta Cup Regional Camps is now full. Please contact Mike Kraichy ([email protected]) to be added to a waitlist.

All 2008-born Male players, registered with a Hockey Alberta Sanctioned Minor Hockey Association or Hockey Canada Sanctioned Accredited School are eligible to register and try out for the Alberta Cup.

Positions at regional camps are limited and awarded on a first-come first-serve basis. There will be three Regional Camps occurring simultaneously between March 31 - April 2 at the following locations:

• Calgary Regional Camp - Don Hartman NE Sportsplex
• Red Deer Regional Camp - Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre
• Spruce Grove Regional Camp - Spruce Grove Agrena

Alberta Cup Regional Directory >

Please ensure that prior to registration, you have reviewed the Alberta Cup Regional Directory above to determine what region your child resides in. Athletes are only permitted to register for the region in which they reside and the position (goaltender, defence, or forward) for which they wish to be considered for the Alberta Cup. Any athlete who registers for an incorrect region or position may have their registration refunded less an admin fee and will not be guaranteed acceptance to attend the regional camp tryout, subject to the correct region/position’s availability.

Should the region/position be sold out at the time you try and register, please email [email protected] to be added to a waitlist for that position/region, do not try and register for another region.

Visa and Mastercard are the only payment methods that are accepted through the payment platform. American Express and debit cards will not be approved. Please ensure that you are prepared with an accepted method of payment.

ALBERTA CUP REGIONAL CAMP REGISTRATION >

2023 ALBERTA CUP TEAM STAFFS >

The 2023 Alberta Cup will take place April 26-30 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer.

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.

RED DEER – Over the weekend, Team Alberta hosted the December Development Camp.

Both the Male U16 and Female U18 teams gathered in Red Deer for three days of preparation ahead of the Canada Winter Games. Sessions included team bonding, on and off ice development sessions and two exhibition games apiece.

The camp was the only time the Team Alberta squads will gather between the roster announcements in November and at the Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island. The male hockey competition runs February 18-25, while the female competitions is February 27-March 5.

On the weekend, Team Alberta U18 Female faced off against Alberta Elite Hockey League’s U15 AAA division teams. On Friday, Team Alberta fell 7-1 to the Okotoks Oilers. On Sunday, Team Alberta skated to a 3-1 over the Leduc Oil Kings. To prepare for tournament conditions, each game featured a five-minute overtime and a shootout.

Team Alberta U16 Male defeated Red Deer U18 AAA Optimus Chiefs 14-3 on Saturday in a modified game that focused on special teams and in-game situations. On Sunday, Team Alberta lost 3-2 to the St. Albert U18 AAA Nektar Raiders.

Team Alberta Male U16 Roster >

Team Alberta Female Roster >

RED DEER – The road to the 2023 Canada Winter Games continues on December 16-18, as the Team Alberta U16 Male and Female teams gather for their December Camp. The teams will gather at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer in preparation for the short-term competition taking place February 18 - March 5 in Prince Edward Island.

The camp offers a chance to see each team in action, as they will both play two exhibition games against U15 and U18 AAA club teams. The weekend camp will be the first and only time that the teams will be assembling in full before departing for the event in February.

All games will be held at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre and are free for the public to attend. The games will also be broadcast live on HockeyTV.

Schedule & Roster >

Team Alberta Female

The puck will drop on the Female squad’s first game at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, December 16 against the U15 AAA Okotoks Oilers. On Sunday, the team will face-off versus the Leduc LJAC U15 AAA Oil Kings at 3:00 P.M.

U18 Female Camp Roster >

Athletes born in 2005-07, playing with a Hockey Canada sanctioned club team were eligible for Team Alberta Female. The selection process for the Canada Winter Games began in the 2021-22 season, where athletes were evaluated. In July, Hockey Alberta invited 72 athletes to the U18 Summer Camp, where 28 players were shortlisted and invited to the U18 Fall Selection Camp. Following the selection camp, athletes continued to be scouted with their club teams through the fall.

Team Alberta U16 Male

The U16 Male team will play their first game at 4:30 P.M. on Saturday, December 17 against the U18 AAA Red Deer Optimist Chiefs. They will cap off their weekend with a game against the U18 AAA St. Albert Nektar Raiders on Sunday, December 18 at 12:00 P.M.

U16 Male Camp Roster >

Athletes born in 2007, playing with a Hockey Canada sanctioned program were eligible for the Canada Winter Games. To be selected to the Team Alberta U16 Male roster, athletes where evaluated based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta scouting process. The process includes past Team Alberta programs, the U16 Summer Camp and play with their club teams through the fall. Eighty players were invited to the U16 Summer Camp, with 33 shortlisted and evaluated through the fall.

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.

ONLINE STORE >

Any questions related to merchandise can be directed to – [email protected].