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

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 >

FORT MCMURRAY – Team Alberta North won one gold and one silver medal on home ice at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games.

The Junior Female team, comprised of players born from 2003-2009, took home the gold medal after a dominating tournament. The team went 4-0-0 through the round robin portion of the competition, outscoring opponents by a total of 29-4. They would advance through the semi-finals with an 8-0 win over Alaska, which set up a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Northwest Territories to capture the gold.

“The girls came together and created a culture built on teamwork and trust. The way each one of them bought in was ultimately the reason for their success. They were relentless with their efforts all week, while still embodying the spirit of the Arctic Games in terms of sportsmanship and fair play. They are an incredibly dedicated and hard-working group of players that carried themselves as professionals both on and off the ice,” said Head Coach Hayley Runnalls. “We had an amazing week of learning from each other and I’m sure they’ve all made lasting friendships! The gold-medal game was a hard-fought battle against a strong NWT team that made winning gold on home soil, in front of their friends and family, a once-in-a-lifetime moment they will never forget!”

RESULTS >

The U15 Male team, comprised of players born in 2007-2008, had a slow start to the tournament after dropping their first two games, picked up steam towards the end of the round robin, finishing with a 2-0-2 record. They would move on to the semi-finals, where they avenged their tournament opening loss to Nunavut and advanced to the gold medal final. In a tight, back and forth game against the Northwest Territories, they would end up on the losing side of a 6-5 decision, landing the silver medal.

"We described our players that they competed as "warriors" all week long while playing fairly and and with the spirit of the games sportsmanship in mind," said Kevin Kuryluk, head coach of the U15 Male team. "As coaches we were extremely proud of all of our players. Our message as coaches to the team before the final game was to take it all in and enjoy the moment as this is a once in a lifetime opportunty, but most importantly have fun!"

RESULTS >

The U18 Male team, comprised of players born in 2004-2006, started off the tournament strong, landing the top overall seed after the round robin with a 3-0-1 record. They moved on to face Alaska in the semi-finals, where they dropped a heartbreaker 5-4. In the bronze medal game, the U18’s dropped another one game to the Northwest Territories and ultimately finished in fourth place.

RESULTS >

The 2023 Arctic Winter Games were held in the region of Wood Buffalo from January 29 – February 4, with the hockey events taking place in Fort McMurray.

EVENT PHOTOS >

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].

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta has selected the 111 volunteers who will lead teams at the 2023 Spring Showcase.

Each team will consist of a director of operations, coach mentor, head coach and two assistant coaches. Teams at the Alberta Cup and Alberta Challenge will include a trainer. Staff for each Alberta Challenge team also includes an apprentice coach.

Volunteers for each team are listed below. The Prospects Cup is still accepting applications for trainers.

2023 Alberta Cup Team Staff

2023 Alberta Challenge Team Staff

2023 Prospects Cup Team Staff

The Spring Showcase features the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge and Prospects Cup in back-to-back-to-back weekend action, beginning with the Alberta Cup on April 26. Events take place at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic.

Registration and details regarding regional camps for each event will be released in the new year.

RED DEER – Twenty female athletes will lace ‘em up for Team Alberta at the Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island.

Two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards comprise the Team Alberta lineup playing in the U18 competition in Charlottetown, February 27 – March 5.

Team Alberta Female Roster >

Team Alberta’s roster features:

• Two forwards (McDermid, Smith) who played in the 2022 Alberta Challenge.
• Nine athletes (Brokenshire, Davidson, Devlin, Lawrence, Makokis, Perrier, Rizarri, Trudeau and Walker) who represented Team Alberta at the 2021 Western Regional Championship.
• Eighteen athletes who played in the 2020 Alberta Winter Games.
• Nine athletes (Brokenshire, Davidson, Devlin, Holbein, Lawrence, Makokis, Pearce, Rizarri and Walker) who debuted in short-term competition at the 2019 Alberta Challenge.

“These athletes have worked incredible hard through this process and we are excited to announce the roster of athletes who will be competing for Team Alberta in Charlottetown,” said Kendall Newell, Director of Operations for Team Alberta. “The staff is confident that we’ve selected a strong group of athletes and we are excited to get this group together in the coming weeks to begin our final team preparations heading into the competition in February.”

The selection process for the Canada Winter Games began in the 2021-22 season, where athletes were evaluated with their Hockey Canada sanctioned club team. In July, Hockey Alberta invited 72 female athletes born in 2005-07 to the U18 Summer Camp, in Red Deer. Twenty-eight players were shortlisted and invited back to Red Deer in September for the U18 Fall Selection Camp. Following the selection camp, athletes continued to be scouted with their club teams through the fall.

Round robin action begins on February 27 vs Nova Scotia. Other Team Alberta games include: February 28 vs Manitoba and March 1 vs Ontario. Playoffs start March 2 with medal games on March 5.

Team Alberta are the defending champions, after winning gold in 2019 in Red Deer. Historically, Team Alberta has three golds (2019, 2011, 1991) and two bronze medals (2015, 1999).

Female hockey was added to the Canada Winter Games in 1991. The Winter Games brings together thousands of athletes for the largest amateur multi-sport event in the country. They span over 25 different sports and is held every four years.

TEAM ALBERTA APPAREL

Hockey Alberta has set up an online store to purchase additional Team Alberta apparel. Please feel free to share the link with family and friends who wish to cheer on Team Alberta at the Canada Winter Games. There are a number of items to choose from, but jerseys are not available for purchase. The store is open until January 3. Orders will be shipped by February 1.

Team Alberta Store >

Any questions related to merchandise can be directed to Manager of Marketing and Communications, Danielle Kraichy, [email protected].

RED DEER – Twenty-two male players will represent Alberta at the 2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Winnipeg, May 7-13.

The team consists of 11 forwards, eight defence and three goaltenders. Twenty athletes were named, with the final two selections to be made at a later date.

Roster >

Players attended the selection camp August 4-6, in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Over 100 athletes tried out for the team, with the roster selected from a shortlist of 46 players. Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, coordinated the selection process for the players and coaches. The process included recruiting and selecting the Indigenous coaching staff, registration and selection camps for players, team training, and designing the uniforms.

The national championships provide a forum for elite U18-aged Indigenous male youth and attracts participation from First Nation, Inuit and Metis players across 13 provinces and territories. The annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride as well as an opportunity to celebrate the athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes from across the country.

RED DEER – Twenty-three female players will represent Alberta at the 2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Winnipeg, May 7-13.

The team consists of 14 forwards, seven defence and two goaltenders.

Roster >

Players attended the selection camp in August in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. The top 36 athletes were shortlisted for a camp on September 25. Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, coordinated the selection process for the players and coaches. The process included recruiting and selecting the Indigenous coaching staff, registration and selection camps for players, team training, and designing the uniforms.

The national championships provide a forum for elite U18-aged Indigenous female youth and attracts participation from First Nation, Inuit and Metis players across 13 provinces and territories. The annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride as well as an opportunity to celebrate the athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes from across the country.

RED DEER – Seventeen players will be suiting up for Team Alberta North Junior Female. The team will participate in the 2023 Arctic Winter Games hosted by Wood Buffalo, January 29 – February 4.

Two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards will make up the team. Three players have participated in a Hockey Alberta sanctioned short-term competition (Jordan Brown - 2022 Alberta Challenge, Taylor Breen and Victoria Willsey – 2020 Alberta Winter Games).

Roster >

To be eligible to participate in the Arctic Winter Games, athletes and coaches must reside in a community located north of the 55th parallel. Tryouts were held in Manning, October 7-9 for athletes born in 2004-2009.

Team Alberta North Junior Female will participate in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for the medal-round pairings in hopes of qualifying for the playoffs to compete for the gold ulu. The tournament will be played at Centrefire Place in Fort McMurray.

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

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is now accepting applications for Coaches, Trainers, and Directors of Operations for the 2023 Spring Showcase.

The three-week event featuring the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge, and Prospects Cup will be returning to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic in April and May.

Anyone interested in volunteering in one of those key team positions can apply using the links below.

Applications for all positions close November 3.

2023 Alberta Cup

Hockey Alberta is seeking one head coach, two assistant coaches and one trainer for each of the six Alberta Cup regional teams. The Alberta Cup will feature male players born in 2008.

AB Cup Coach Application > | AB Cup Trainer Application >

The 2023 Alberta Cup runs April 26-30. Regional camps will run March 31- April 2 in Spruce Grove, Calgary and Red Deer.

2023 Alberta Challenge

Hockey Alberta is seeking one head coach, two assistant coaches, one apprentice coach and one trainer for each of the six Alberta Challenge regional teams. The Challenge will feature female players born in 2008 and 2009.

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

The 2023 Alberta Challenge runs May 3-7. Regional camps will run April 7-9 in Cochrane and Beaumont.

2023 Prospects Cup

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. The Prospects Cup will feature male players born in 2010.

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

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has announced the North U18 Male roster. The team will participate in the 2023 Arctic Winter Games hosted by Wood Buffalo, January 29 – February 4.

The team is comprised of 17 players, consisting of two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards.

Roster >

To be eligible to participate in the Arctic Winter Games, athletes and coaches must reside in a community located north of the 55th parallel. Tryouts were held in Peace River September 23-25 for athletes born in 2005-2007. Athletes playing AAA in the 2022-23 season were not eligible to tryout.

Team Alberta North U18 Male will participate in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for the medal-round pairings in hopes of qualifying for the playoffs to compete for the gold ulu. The tournament will be played at Suncor Community Leisure Centre in Fort McMurray.

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

RED DEER – Twenty-eight of the top female players in the province are in Red Deer this weekend, for the Team Alberta U18 Fall Selection Camp.

Three goalies, nine defence and 16 forwards are participating in the camp with the hopes of making Team Alberta and competing at the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

Roster >

Included in the weekend action are three games against Alberta Elite Hockey League U15AAA opponents:

• Red Deer Rebels on Friday night at 8 pm at Servus Arena and Saturday afternoon at 2 pm at Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre
• Calgary Northstars on Sunday at 1 pm at Gary W. Harris.

Admission is free for all three games, and they are available via livestreaming on hockeytv.ca.

“We’ve identified the top 28 females in this age group within the province and are excited to see what they are capable of competing as a team,” said Kendall Newell, Manager of Female Hockey for Hockey Alberta. “This is another step in the process to putting together the team that will represent Alberta at the national level. “

Players were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta scouting process, past Team Alberta programs, and at the U18 Summer Camp in Red Deer in July.

Following the training camp, athletes will continue to be scouted with their club teams in the fall. Twenty players will be selected to the Team Alberta roster that will compete in Prince Edward Island, February 26-March 5.

RED DEER – Team Alberta North U15 Male Roster has been unveiled. The team will participate in the 2023 Arctic Winter Games hosted by Wood Buffalo, January 29 – February 4.

The team is comprised of 17 players, consisting of two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards, including five who competed in the 2022 Prospects Cup (Cash Brebant, Ethan Collins, Hunter Colombe, Kai Ducharme, and Rylan Ross).

Roster >

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. Tryouts were held in Slave Lake September 16-18 for athletes born in 2008-2009. Athletes playing AAA in the 2022-23 season were not eligible to tryout.

Team Alberta North U15 Male will participate in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for the medal-round pairings in hopes of qualifying for the playoffs to compete for the gold ulu. The tournament will be played at Suncor Community Leisure Centre in Fort McMurray.

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

RED DEER - Over 150 players attended the male and female U18 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) Selection Camp in Red Deer, with the goal of being selected to a Team Alberta roster and representing the province at the 2023 championships.

Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta (ISCA), is overseeing and coordinating the selection process for the players and coaches representing the province at the championships. The camps were held August 4-7 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

The national championships provide a forum for elite U18-aged Indigenous male and female youth and attracts participation from First Nation, Inuit and Metis players across the country.

“Hockey Alberta is honoured to partner with the ISCA in assisting in the process of forming the 2023 NAHC Team Alberta female and male teams,” said Mike Applegate, Regional Manager North, Hockey Development, for Hockey Alberta.

“ISCA is very proud of the partnership we have with Hockey Alberta for the 2023 NAHC,” said Shannon Dunfield, Chair of the ISCA. “This is reconciliation in action and the ongoing collaboration creates a space in which Hockey Alberta learns from ISCA on culture and protocols, and we learn from them on processes that allow for safe and equitable tryouts for our Indigenous youth in Hockey. We look forward to Team Alberta making its way back to the NAHC in 2023!”

The Team Alberta rosters will be announced October 31. The 2023 NAHC will take place in Winnipeg, May 7-13.

RED DEER - Twenty-eight players have been shortlisted and invited to the Female U18 Fall Camp, in hopes of being selected to the 2023 Canada Winter Games Team Alberta roster.

Hockey Alberta has announced its shortlist roster for the Team Alberta U18 Female squad that will participate in the Fall Camp, September 23-25 in Red Deer. The Fall Camp is the final provincial camp in preparation for the selection process for the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island. The shortlist includes three goaltenders, nine defenders, and 16 forwards.

Team Alberta U18 Female Shortlist >

Players were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta scouting process, past Team Alberta programs, and at the U18 Summer Camp in Red Deer, July 12 -17. Seventy-two players were invited to Red Deer, and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

"The athletes at our Summer Camp displayed a level of competition and talent that impressed our (Canada Winter Games staff) group," said Kendall Newell, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Female Hockey. "We’re excited to bring this group to our Fall Camp for the next step in the Team Alberta process as we prepare for the Canada Winter Games."

Fall Camp will include on and off-ice sessions, and some exhibition games. Following the training camp, athletes will continue to be scouted with their club teams in the fall. Twenty players will be selected to the Team Alberta roster. The 2023 Canada Winter Games run February 18 – March 5, 2023, in Prince Edward Island while Team Alberta Female will hit the ice Feb. 26 - March 5.

RED DEER - Thirty-three male athletes from Alberta are one step closer to representing their province at the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

Hockey Alberta has announced its shortlist roster for the Team Alberta U16 Male squad that will participate in the 2023 Canada Winter Games. The shortlist includes four goaltenders, ten defencemen, and 19 forwards.

Team Alberta U16 Male Shortlist Roster >

Players were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta scouting process, past Team Alberta programs, and at the U16 Summer Camp in Red Deer, July 4-10. Eighty players were invited to Red Deer, and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

“As a staff, we are very impressed with the level of talent and competition at Summer Camp,” said Serge Lajoie, Head Coach of Team Alberta U16 Male. “Now, the final push is on for these 33 players to show us why they belong on Team Alberta.”

The shortlisted players will be scouted with their club teams in the fall, prior to final decisions on the 20 players selected to the Team Alberta roster. The 2023 Canada Winter Games run February 18 - March 5 in PEI.