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Team Alberta

Team Alberta ready for National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

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 >

Team Alberta

2024 Team Alberta U16 Male Coaching Staff Announced

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has announced the coaching staff that is joining Head Coach Derrick Martin behind the bench for Team Alberta U16 Male at the 2024 WHL Cup.

Joining Martin are assistant coaches Ryan Allen (Grande Prairie) and Chad Scharff (Airdrie), along with Video Coach Marcus Cheng (Calgary) and Goaltending Coach Theodore Zubot (Calgary).

“We are extremely excited to have such a talented staff assembled for this year’s U16 cycle,” said Michael Kraichy, Manager, High Performance for Hockey Alberta. “The combined experience amongst these coaches is second-to-none, and we’re looking forward to seeing what this group can accomplish.”

Other members of the staff for Team Alberta U16 Male include Athletic Therapist Matt Goertzen (Edmonton), Equipment Manager Dave Campbell (Grande Prairie), Head Scout Bobby Fox (Calgary), Coach Mentor Barry Medori (Spruce Grove) and Director of Operations Michael Kraichy (Red Deer).

POSITION

NAME

HOMETOWN

Director of Hockey Operations

Michael Kraichy

Red Deer

Coach Mentor

Barry Medori

Spruce Grove

Head Scout

Bobby Fox

Calgary

Head Coach

Derrick Martin

Edmonton

Assistant Coach

Ryan Allen

Grande Prairie

Assistant Coach

Chad Scharff

Airdrie

Video Coach

Marcus Cheng

Calgary

Goalie Coach

Theodore Zubot

Calgary

Physical Therapist

Matt Goertzen

Edmonton

Equipment Manager

Dave Campbell

Grande Prairie

Martin is the bench boss of the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Camrose Kodiaks. He spent the 2023 cycle with Team Alberta as an assistant coach at the WHL Cup. He also served as the Video Coach for Team Alberta at the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

Allen is in his fourth season as the Head Coach of the U15 AAA Grande Peace Storm. He’s previously spent time in the AJHL with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and Drayton Valley Thunder. Allen has also coached and mentored in the Alberta Cup and Prospects Cup programs, while holding the role of Video Coach for Team Alberta in the 2016-17 season.

Scharff is in his first season as the Head Coach of the U18 AAA Airdrie CFR Bisons. His previous coaching roles include being an Assistant Coach of the WHL’s Vancouver Giants, as well as coaching in the Alberta Cup.

Cheng is currently the Head Coach of the U18 AAA Calgary Northstars. He was previously the Video Coach of the Alberta Golden Bears and coached at the Alberta Cup.

Zubot was the Goalie Coach of the U15 AAA and U17 AAA Calgary Northstars before moving up to the Western Hockey League where he’s currently the Goalie Coach of the Calgary Hitmen.

The 2024 WHL Cup is slated for October, in Red Deer.

Team Alberta

Thompson enjoying Arctic Winter Games experience

Red Deer – Peace River’s Théa Thompson is competing in her second consecutive Arctic Winter Games taking place this week in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska.

The 18-year-old is a key member of Alberta North’s defence group this year and has helped her team to a 3-0 record in group play with wins over Nunavut (7-1), Northwest Territories (1-0), and Alaska (3-0). They wrap up the round robin portion of the tournament tonight (March 13) against Yukon. Semifinal games begin on March 14 and the Games wrap up on March 15 with the Junior Female bronze and gold medal games.

TEAM ALBERTA NORTH JUNIOR FEMALE ROSTER >

Prior to the tournament kicking off, Thompson was selected to be Team Alberta North’s flag bearer for the opening ceremonies.

“It was a very great honour,” Thompson said. “I was thrilled to be selected as Team Alberta North’s flag bearer as I had the opportunity to not only represent my province but my sport as well.”

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.

“It is a really great honour to be able to compete in this tournament,” Thompson said. “It’s truly the best feeling in the world to put on that Hockey Alberta jersey and have the chance to represent our province in an international tournament. It is a great privilege. The group of girls we have this year is awesome and the built-in chemistry some of us have from last year can be a positive impact as we move through the competition.”

Thompson knows what it takes to win as she was part of the group that brought home the golden ulu in last year’s event.

“Winning the golden ulu last year was an incredible feeling, especially winning on home soil … it meant a lot to my teammates and I,” Thompson said. “I know we have a bit of pressure on us to compete the way we did last year and come home with that medal for a second year in a row. I know that if we play to the best of our abilities, we can put ourselves in a good position to win gold for a second consecutive year.”

Team Alberta North games can be livestreamed on HomeTeam Live. The team’s remaining schedule can be found below:

March 13

Alberta North vs Yukon

6:45 P.M. MT

March 14

Semifinals

TBD

March 15

Bronze Medal Game

10:00 A.M. MT

March 15

Gold Medal Game

4:30 P.M. MT

SCHEDULE AND RESULTS >

Team Alberta

Ryder Flynn and Team Alberta North U15 Male roster excited for Arctic Winter Games experience

RED DEER – When the roster for the Team Alberta North U15 Male squad was announced in late November, there might not have been a person more excited to see his name on the roster than Peace River’s Ryder Flynn.

“I was super excited,” Flynn said who played his minor hockey season with the Peace River Sabres. “I worked hard all summer because my biggest goal for the year was to make this team. I was also excited to see that some of my teammates on the Sabres had made this team too.”

TEAM ALBERTA NORTH U15 ROSTER >

Flynn and his Alberta North teammates travel to Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska for the 2024 Alberta Winter Games which begin tomorrow (March 10) and conclude on March 16. The U15 gold medal game is scheduled for March 15. The team is made up of two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards, all of whom must reside north of the 55th parallel in order to be eligible for the tournament.

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.

“I’m mostly excited but a little bit nervous as well. I know it’ll be a great experience up there but it’s also something entirely different from what I’m used to. However, I’m sure I’ll have a lot of fun,” Flynn said of his feelings heading into the tournament. “You need to figure out how to play together very quickly to have success in Arctics. However, I don’t think my team will have much of a problem with that after all the preparation we’ve done.”

Team Alberta North U15 Male begin their tournament with two games on March 11 against Nunavut and Yukon, and will finish up the round robin with games against Northwest Territories and Alaska on March 12 and 13. Semi-final games feature first place vs fourth place and second place vs third place.

Like most of his teammates, Flynn has never made a trip to Alaska. The young forward is eager to get to start the Games to experience a new culture.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “I’m sure I’ll have some amazing experiences that I’ll always remember. I’m excited to see all the different things that come with visiting Alaska.”

And while taking in the sights and sounds of the Arctic Winter Games is part of the experience, Flynn said he and his teammates are focused on avenging last year’s gold medal loss.

“It’s really motivated us to be better and win gold. We want to show that we have the team to win it all and not fall short like last year. We want to show how much we’ve improved,” Flynn said. “Not only that but it would mean a lot to the team as well as the province. It shows we can compete and that can improve from previous years.”

Team Alberta North games can be livestreamed on HomeTeam Live. The team’s full schedule can be found below:

March 11

Alberta North vs Nunavut

12:45 P.M. MT

March 11

Alberta North vs Yukon

9:00 P.M. MT

March 12

Alberta North vs Northwest Territories

12:45 P.M. MT

March 13

Alberta North vs Alaska

10:00 A.M. MT

March 14

Semifinals

TBD

March 15

Bronze Medal Game

1:15 P.M. MT

March 15

Gold Medal Game

7:45 P.M. MT

SCHEDULE AND RESULTS >

Team Alberta

Zone 7 and Zone 3 win gold at 2024 Alberta Winter Games

GRANDE PRAIRIE - Lloydminster Western Financial Steelers (Zone 7) and Calgary Royals White (Zone 3) captured the gold medals in the hockey competition as the Alberta Winter Games wrapped up on Monday in Grande Prairie.

Lloydminster won the Female Division crown, while Calgary captured the Male Division title.

FEMALE DIVISION

The championship in the Female Division featured the top two teams from Pool A - Lloydminster and the St. Albert Raiders Bolts (Zone 5). Lloydminster continued its tournament long dominance with a 7-2 victory to earn the gold medal.

Lloydminster went a perfect 3-0 in the round robin, outscoring its opponents 25-6 before defeating Rocky Mountain Raiders (Zone 2), 11-2, in the semi-finals. St. Albert (1-1-1) defeated Central Alberta Twins (Zone 4), 3-2, in the semi-finals. Central Alberta, who had finished first in the other pool, and Rocky Mountain faced off in the bronze medal match with the Raiders winning 1-0 in a shootout.

MALE DIVISION

The Male Division final had a similar setup with the top two teams in Pool A also facing off for the gold medal. This time, though, it was the second-place team from Calgary (Zone 3) playing a near-perfect final to blank the Lakeland Panthers (Zone 7), 4-0, to capture the gold.

Lakeland (2-0-1) finished first in its pool in round-robin, with the tie coming against Calgary. Calgary (1-0-2) finished second. Lakeland defeated Peace River, 9-1, in the semi-finals, while Calgary punched their ticket to the final, 6-3, over the Okotoks Oilers (Zone 2). Okotoks had finished first in the other pool.

Peace River Sabres (Zone 8) edged Okotoks, 6-5, in overtime, to earn the bronze medal.

OFFICIALS

The female officials crew includes Brooke Akune, Aryn Chambers, Sara Deneweth, Kristen Gallant, Chiara Knowlton, Neve Palmer, and Elizabeth Tanguay. Linespeople include Kristina Krywolt, Shelby Lazarowich, Alyssa Maier, Jessica Pele, Janine Van der Wekken, Caira Stucklschwaiger, and Yelena Zaleschuk.

Hockey Alberta News

On the male side of the tournament, officials include Scott Roessler, Fraser Berg, Brett Friesen, Kale Salacki, Darryl Smith, Kanin Boese, Brian Gilles and Taylor West as referees. Dylan Francis, Jaxon Peters, Jordan Wills, Robert Rowney, Rylie Payeur, Nate Millsap and Jesse Roessler were the linespeople.

For all the scores and standings, check out the Alberta Winter Games website.

Team Alberta

Mason Alexander looking to make a name for himself at Alberta Winter Games

RED DEER – Mason Alexander models his game after Vancouver Canucks defenceman and captain Quinn Hughes.

“I really like his defensive and offensive play style,” Alexander said. “He’s really good at moving the puck in the offensive zone and generating scoring chances.”

Makes sense, considering Alexander is a more than a point-per-game player this season with the U15 AA Strathcona Warriors as a defenceman, third amongst his position in the Northern Alberta Hockey League.

But if you were to ask Alexander about his stellar campaign, he’ll be sure to give the credit to his teammates who he’s spent the last couple seasons with.

“We get along well together. We all know each other from the past and basically all of us go to school together,” he said. “It makes it easier to connect in the room, we’re always talking about plays and I think everyone really fits in and enjoys themselves."

The off-ice connections have become apparent as the Warriors are sporting a 25-3-2 record, booking their ticket into Grande Prairie’s Alberta Winter Games as the Zone 5 representative.

While Strathcona has had a solid season, the male hockey tournament has some strong competition for Alexander and his teammates. Zone 5 is in Pool A with the Lethbridge Hurricanes (Zone 1), Calgary Royals White (Zone 3), and a familiar foe to the Warriors – the Lakeland Panthers (Zone 7). The Panthers are one point ahead of Strathcona in the NAHL standings while playing in the same division. Pool B features the Okotoks Oilers (Zone 2), Camrose Vikings (Zone 4), South Side Athletic Club Innovation Physio (Zone 6) and Peace River Sabres (Zone 8).

“It’ll be super amazing,” Alexander said about facing some new competition while seeing some familiar teams as well in Lakeland and South Side Athletic Club. “Especially heading into playoffs, it’s more competitive and it’ll be nice to play different teams. To be able to get a feel of what the competition is going to be like and giving us the opportunity to optimize our game heading into the postseason.”

There have been athletes from the province that have used the Alberta Winter Games as a steppingstone to other achievements in their careers. Alexander is looking to follow that trend.

“Everyone’s dream is obviously to go to the NHL, but I also want to accomplish other things along the way,” Alexander said. "I want to play in the Alberta Cup, go to the WHL, play for Team Canada. It’s a life goal and I want to make the most of it.”

Alexander said none of his success would be possible without the love, helpfulness and support of his parents.

“My parents are great, I couldn’t have done it without them,” Alexander said. "They drive me to practice; my mom drives me everywhere and is a really good supporter. My dad has been coaching me my whole life … helped me get into training sessions and with my on-ice play.”

Round-robin play started Saturday morning, and continues through until Sunday afternoon. Semi-finals are Sunday evening, with bronze and gold medal games slated for Monday morning. Games are being played at the County Sportsplex, with one game on Monday morning at the Dave Barr Arena.

ALBERTA WINTER GAMES MALE HOCKEY SCHEDULE >

Team Alberta

Ailyn Stachniak and Calgary Fire White teammates looking forward to Alberta Winter Games

RED DEER – Everyone loves an underdog story.

Calgary Fire White currently sit in fourth place of the Alberta Female Hockey League’s U13 AA South Division behind Calgary Fire Red and Calgary Fire Black.

But it’s Fire White that is headed off to Grande Prairie to represent Zone 3 at the Alberta Winter Games.

This year’s team selection process differed from previous years, as teams in the AFHL’s newest division vied for the right to represent their zone. For Calgary’s three teams, they faced off in a round-robin followed by a final between the two highest-ranked teams in the round-robin. Fire White defeated Fire Red 5-3 and lost 3-1 to Calgary Fire Black in round-robin, before finding redemption with a 1-0 victory over Fire Black to secure their spot in the Games.

Forward Ailyn Stachniak said it was a great feeling to know that her team overcame the odds and qualified for the upcoming tournament.

“I think our team was super pumped. As the clock was counting down, I think my heart was pounding,” she said. “It was a super stressful moment but as soon as the clock was a second away from zero, I knew we had won, and we were going to represent our zone. It’s an honour and will be a good opportunity.”

Stachniak has had a strong season thus far, putting up 14 points (matching her jersey number) in 21 games, for fourth on the team. The up and coming forward said she’s having fun with her teammates and the team has gotten better as the season’s progressed.

“We’ve been able to beat some of the tougher teams throughout the season as we’ve been getting better as a team,” Stachniak said. "I really enjoy my teammates and it’s nice playing with them. They’re super helpful, our captains motivate us to get through hard games. Everyone is really kind and respectful and we’ve made a lot of memories through the highs and lows.”

The highs and lows of this season have helped Stachniak and her Fire White teammates to be prepared for the competition at the Alberta Winter Games.

“It’s a super exciting and a huge honour to be able to go and play against those teams,” Stachniak said. “We’re familiar with some of the teams we’ll be playing, but there are also some that we haven’t played before. So I think it will be nice to get to see other teams and see how they play.”

If Zone 3 can come away from the tournament with a medal, Stachniak said it would be a very rewarding experience.

“It would be very exciting for us to get to have that opportunity and such an honour to be able to win a medal,” she said. “It’ll take a lot of hard work from us to be able to do that, but it would be really exciting.”

Calgary Fire White are in Pool A with Southern Express (Zone 1), St. Alberta Raiders Bolts (Zone 5) and Lloydminster Western Financial Steelers (Zone 7). Pool B includes Rocky Mountain Raiders (Zone 2), Central Alberta Twins (Zone 4), Edmonton Ice Blue (Zone 6) and Norlan Ram PCFAC Storm (Zone 8).

Female hockey action gets underway on Saturday with round-robin action continuing through until Sunday afternoon. Semi-finals are Sunday evening, with bronze and gold medal games on Monday morning. Games are being played at the Dave Barr Arena and County Sportsplex.

ALBERTA WINTER GAMES FEMALE HOCKEY SCHEDULE >

Team Alberta

Coaching applications open for 2024 Team Alberta programs

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is now accepting coach applications for the 2024 Team Alberta programs.

Team Alberta U18 Female is looking for one head coach, two assistant coaches, one video coach and one goaltender coach to guide the team at the 2024 National Women’s Under-18 Championship. The event takes place in November at a location that will be determined later.

U18 FEMALE COACH APPLICATION >

Team Alberta U16 Male is seeking two assistant coaches, one video coach and one goaltender coach for the 2024 WHL Cup. The WHL Cup is slated for October, in Red Deer.

U16 MALE COACH APPLICATION >

Applicants must:

- Be 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.

Inquiries can be directed to Mike Kraichy, Manager, High Performance at [email protected].


Derrick Martin to lead Team Alberta’s U16 Male at the WHL Cup

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

Martin is in his first season as the bench boss of the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Camrose Kodiaks. He spent the 2023 cycle with Team Alberta as an assistant coach at the WHL Cup. He also served as the Video Coach for Team Alberta at the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

Martin’s past Team Alberta program experience includes coaching and mentoring in the Alberta Cup program.

Hockey Alberta News

Team Alberta

Prospects Cup 2024 Regional Camps Registration Now Open

All 2011-born male players, registered with a Hockey Alberta-sanctioned Minor Hockey Association are now able to register for a Regional Camp and try out for the Prospects Cup.

REGISTER HERE >

Positions at the four Regional Camp tryouts are limited and awarded based on the order that registration is completed and confirmed in the online registration system. Regional Camps are scheduled for the weekend of April 12-14 at the following locations:

  • South (Olds Sportsplex – Olds)
  • Calgary (Don Hartman NESS – Calgary)
  • Capital (The Meadows – Edmonton)
  • North (Wally Fedun – Vegreville)

REGISTER IN THE CORRECT REGION

Prior to Regional Camp registration, please review the Prospects Cup registration directory to determine in which region your child resides.

2024 PROSPECTS CUP REGISTRATION DIRECTORY >

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 is not guaranteed a spot at to the Regional Camp tryout, subject to position availability in the correct region.

Please ensure you have your athlete’s Alberta Health Number when registering. This is a required field. Player Hockey ID numbers are not required.

The cost to participate in a Regional Camp is $250 (plus tax and admin fee) and includes:

  • Four ice sessions
  • One practice jersey
  • Three zoom webinars in March to help athletes prepare for the Regional Camp, and learn more about Short Term Competition, and the Team Alberta program.

Once registered, a confirmation email will be sent to the billing email. Athletes who register will be sent webinar information in February. Approximately one week prior to Regional Camp weekend, rosters and schedules for the tryouts are sent to each player.

REGIONAL CAMP WAIT LISTS

It is expected that registration will fill up quickly on January 22. In the event the region and position your child falls within, or the registration in its entirety is sold out at the time you try and register, do not attempt to register for another position or camp. Instead, please do the following:

  • Email Hudson Kelly ([email protected]) to be added to a waitlist
  • In your email, provide the following information for the player you are looking to add to the waitlist:
    • Full name,
    • Position (F,D,G),
    • Region (South, Calgary, Capital, North)
    • Date of Birth
    • Current team

PROSPECTS CUP

Two teams of 20 players are selected from each Regional Camp to compete at the Prospects Cup, May 8-12. The cost for those selected for the Prospects Cup is being finalized (usually approximately $1000 per player) and includes:

  • 5 days and 4 nights of accommodations and meals (including busing to offsite meals) at the event
  • One practice on Wednesday of the event
  • One practice on either Thursday or Friday
  • 4 games from Thursday – Sunday
  • Team jersey and socks
  • Team Alberta apparel

Team Alberta

Team Alberta

Team Alberta

Team Alberta North Junior Female Roster named for 2024 Arctic Winter Games

RED DEER – Two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards have been named to the Team Alberta North Junior Female roster for the upcoming Arctic Winter Games March 10-16 in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska.

The Junior Female team is looking to defend its gold ulu after defeating Team Northwest Territories 2-1 in the 2023 championship final that was held in Alberta’s Wood Buffalo Region.

The 17 athletes were chosen after Junior Female Selection Camp December 1-3 in Manning. Females playing at any level born in the ranges of 2005-2010 are eligible. Athletes must reside north of the 55th parallel to be eligible for Team Alberta North.

ROSTER >

The Junior Female team will 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.

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Arctic Winter Games are a celebration of athletic completion, culture, friendship and cooperation between northern contingents. Athletic competition features sports that enjoy worldwide popularity alongside traditional Arctic Sports and Dene games. The cultural component is a pillar of the Games, featuring visual arts, dance, ceremonies and galas with participants from across the circumpolar region.

Team Alberta

Arctic Winter Games Selection Camp set to get underway

RED DEER – Selection Camps for the 2024 Arctic Winter Games are being held over the next two weekends.

Team Alberta North is sending a Junior Female and a U15 Male team to the 2024 Games in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska, March 10-16.

The U15 Male Selection Camp takes place November 24-26 in Peace River. The camp includes players born in 2009-2010 who are not playing AAA hockey this season. The Junior Female Selection Camp is in Manning from December 1-3. Females playing at any level born in the range of 2005-2010 are eligible.

Athletes must reside north of the 55th parallel to be eligible for Team Alberta North.

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.

Team Alberta

Team Alberta North U15 Male Roster announced for 2024 Arctic Winter Games

RED DEER – Seventeen athletes will be representing Team Alberta North in the U15 Male division at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska, March 10-16.

The final roster was determined after selection camp November 24-26 in Peace River. The camp was open to players born in 2009-2010 who are not playing AAA hockey this season.

The team will consist of two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards, including four members who competed in the 2023 Prospects Cup.Goaltender Bracken Larocque and forward Ryan Sieker played for Team North Blue while goaltender James Reed and forward Kayton Reinders suited up for Team North Grey.

ROSTER >

To be eligible for the Arctic Winter Games, athletes must reside north of the 55th parallel to be eligible for Team Alberta North.

Team Alberta North U15 Male participates 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.

In 2023, Alberta’s Wood Buffalo Region hosted the Games with the U15 Male team claiming silver at the event.

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.

Team Alberta

Image: Team Alberta player Molly Hamilton (left) fist bumps Team Alberta Goaltender Alyssa Barrette (right) after a goal


Team Alberta finishes fourth at National Women’s U18 Championship

RED DEER – Team Alberta’s U18 Female squad had a strong showing at the National Women’s U18 Championship November 5-11 in Dawson Creek, B.C., but fell just short of reaching the podium after a 3-1 loss to Team British Columbia in the bronze medal game.

Team Alberta overcame some early tournament adversity – losing their tournament opener, 4-1, to the eventual silver medalists from Quebec - to be one of the final four teams standing.

After the opening day loss, Team Alberta defeated Team Atlantic 6-3, thanks to two-point efforts from Keira Grant (Dunmore), Rylee McLeod (Grande Prairie) and Makayla Watson (Rocky View County). Taya Christie (Medicine Hat) made 28 saves in goal.

Team Alberta then clinched second place in Group B and a quarter-final berth, with a win in their final preliminary round game over Team Saskatchewan. Jordan Blouin (Calgary) scored Alberta’s only goal late in the second period and Christie kicked aside 28 shots for her first shutout of the tournament.

The win over Saskatchewan placed Alberta in the quarterfinals against Team Ontario Blue (1-1-1), who finished third in Group A. Alberta once again rode the hot hand of their goaltending, as Alyssa Barrette (Calgary) earned her first win and shutout of the tournament with 29 saves in a 1-0 victory. April Klarenbach (Cochrane) scored the only goal of the contest after she showed a great burst of speed, split the defence and beat the Ontario Blue goaltender with a forehand, backhand deke to punch Alberta’s ticket to the semi-finals.

In the semis, Alberta lost 4-0 to the eventual tournament champion Ontario Red. Ontario Red scored two goals in the first, one in the second and one in the third to push their way into the gold medal match. Alyssa Barrette made 22 saves in the loss.

The semi-final loss put Alberta in the bronze medal game against British Columbia. Claire Carruthers (Crossfield) potted her second goal of the tournament and Christie made 26 saves in the loss.

Even though the result was disappointing, Team Alberta defenceman Jayde Sansregret (Red Deer) said the U18 tournament was a great way to match herself up against the best players from across the country.

“It’s a great compete level,” Sansregret said. “It pushes you to your limits and it’s really great hockey and great competition to play against.”

McLeod and Watson led Alberta’s scoring with three points each in six games. Grant and Raedyn Spademan (Cochrane) each had two points. Christie and Barrette shared the net throughout the tournament, each appearing in three games. Christie finished with a 2.03 goals-against-average, a .932 save percentage and one shutout. Barrette ended the tournament with a 2.67 goals-against-average, a .904 save percentage and one shutout.

Team Alberta

National Women’s U18 Championship brings up fond memories for Bree Kennedy

RED DEER - The opening of the 2023 National Women’s U18 Championship, which dropped the puck on Sunday, November 5 in Dawson Creek, B.C., stirred up memories for Team Alberta alumni Bree Kennedy.

Kennedy was a member of Team Alberta that competed in the 2019 tournament in Morden and Winkler, Manitoba.

“As always, when putting on the Team Alberta logo, I was filled with a sense of pride and deep commitment to represent my province in the best way possible,” Kennedy recalled. “Knowing my role and embracing it was a necessity, as was applying what I had learned before the tournament with unwavering effort and precision. Although we didn’t achieve the results we had strived for, I firmly believe we had the potential to go even further.”

“What’s also amazing is that I had the privilege of sharing this unforgettable experience with so many of my current teammates (at the University of Alberta). I’ve had the pleasure of watching each one of them grow tremendously from our Team Alberta days to now.”

Kennedy is now suiting up in USports with the Pandas and while the result of the tournament didn’t fall in Team Alberta’s favour with a sixth-place finish, she gained the confidence to know she could play at the next level.

“When competing against the top opponents from each province, I was motivated to play as meticulously and gritty as I could. Understanding my role on the team was important, too,” Kennedy said.

“In competing at this elite level where everyone excels, knowing and appreciating why you were chosen to represent your province is important. In this championship, where all players are elite, if you thought you were good before, you may find yourself questioning your abilities. It’s important to play to your strengths to the best of your abilities and control what you can control.”

The 21-year-old forward also highlighted her time with Hockey Alberta as a special experience for her, one that helped her grow both on and off the ice as she went through Hockey Alberta’s Elite Female Pathway.

“The impact these experiences (with Team Alberta) have had on my athletic development and personal growth. Taking part in many of the development camps and being part of various teams enhanced my understanding of the game and bolstered my confidence,” Kennedy said.

“I also gained an appreciation for the concept that winning demands 100% effort from every individual involved in the team. Above all, my experiences with Team Alberta taught me the importance of controlling what you can control, which ultimately means not worrying about what everyone else is doing and focusing on what I can do. Playing for Team Alberta also paved the way for me to play at the university level and fueled my passion for taking the game as far as possible.”

Team Alberta

Hayleigh Craig’s journey to USports ran through the National Women’s U18 Championship

Hayleigh Craig of the University of Alberta Pandas is now a three-year veteran on the team and a mainstay on one of the top teams in the country, as the Pandas were listed third in the nation amongst USport teams in the most recent rankings on October 24.

They are looking to end a seven-year drought, and bring home their ninth USports national championship to add to their already record leading eight since the Golden Path Trophy was handed out for the first time in 1998.

But before Craig was tasked with helping the Pandas achieve these goals, she was part of the team selected to represent Alberta at the 2019 National Women’s U18 Championship in Morden and Winkler, Manitoba.

“I remember it went by really fast,” Craig recalls of that tournament in which she played in all four games as Team Alberta finished sixth. “We didn’t do as well as we wanted in that tournament, but we had a great group of girls, so it was a really good learning experience.”

The tournament features the best players from across Canada, something that Craig said really helped her prepare for the university level.

“I learned a ton. You go from playing AAA or in one of the school leagues, where there’s a little more variety of skill level to playing for your province where it’s best-on-best,” Craig said. “You have to adjust quickly in a tournament like that. You have to play faster, think faster and I think it’s a really good steppingstone for those looking to move onto the next level. A lot of the girls from our team as well as others are now playing in USports or the NCAA and I think a lot of that has to do with all the tips and tricks we learned from that tournament and the coaching we got, and getting shown a professional environment such as living in a hotel for a week and having to come together quickly with a bunch of people from different backgrounds.”

Craig wasn’t the only member from Team Alberta to make her way to the Pandas. Three other members from that 2019 squad - Bree Kennedy, Natalie Keiser and Jaydnn Morden – also are suiting up for the University of Alberta.

“It’s super cool,” Craig said. “At that time, I think Bree and I were the only ones who had committed, but obviously the others followed suit. It’s nice having the familiarity with them and made the adjustment at the university level a bit easier. We played together at the Canada Winter Games too, so I’ve spent a lot of time with them, and it’s been a really great experience.”

Coincidentally, the 2023 version of Team Alberta that will be competing in the National Women’s U18 Championship November 5-11 in Dawson Creek, B.C., took on Craig’s Pandas in an exhibition match to help determine Team Alberta’s final cuts ahead of this year’s tournament.

“This year I noticed they were big and strong. They had some really skilled girls as well, but stepping onto the ice for the first time with them I really noticed how strong they were,” she said. “They were really hard on the puck and sometimes you don’t really find that with 16 or 17-year-old girls. Hopefully they have some success this year and bring a gold medal back to Alberta.”

Team Alberta will begin its tournament against Quebec. The team’s full schedule can be found below:

November 5

Quebec vs Alberta

4:00 pm

November 6

Atlantic vs Alberta

10:00 am

November 7

Alberta vs Saskatchewan

4:00 pm

November 9

Quarterfinals

TBA

November 10

Semifinals

TBA

November 11

Bronze Medal Game

2:00 pm

November 11

Gold Medal Game

7:00 pm

Team Alberta

Structure changes made to Alberta Winter Games selection process

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:

Zone Breakdown for Eligible Male U15 AA Teams

Zone 1 – Sunny South

Foothills, Lethbridge, Taber

Zone 2 – Big Country

Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Olds

Zone 3 – Calgary

Calgary (12 teams)

Zone 4 – Parkland

Camrose, Lacombe, Sylvan Lake

Zone 5 – Black Gold/Yellowhead

Beaumont, Leduc, Sherwood Park (2 teams), Spruce Grove (2 teams), St. Albert (3 teams), Strathcona, Sturgeon, Whitecourt

Zone 6 – Edmonton

Edmonton (9 teams)

Zone 7 – North Eastern Alberta

Bonnyville, Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Wainwright

Zone 8 – Peace Country

Grande Prairie (2 teams), Peace River

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.

Zone Breakdown for Eligible Female U13 AA Teams

Zone 1 – Sunny South

Lethbridge

Zone 2 – Big Country

Airdrie, Okotoks

Zone 3 – Calgary

Calgary (3 teams)

Zone 4 – Parkland

Camrose, Red Deer

Zone 5 – Black Gold/Yellowhead

Leduc, Sherwood Park, St. Albert

Zone 6 – Edmonton

Edmonton (2 teams)

Zone 7 – North Eastern Alberta

Bonnyville, Lloydminster

Zone 8 – Peace Country

Grande Prairie

Team Alberta

Image: Team Alberta Male hockey player shooting the puck


Team Alberta U16 Male brings home Silver from WHL Cup

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.

Team Alberta

Photo Credits: Nicolas Carrillo/Grand Rapids Griffins


How the WHL Cup helped paved the way for Sebastian Cossa

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 15th 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.

Team Alberta

Team Alberta Female announced for National Women’s Under-18 Championship

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:

November 5 Quebec vs Alberta 4:00 pm
November 6 Atlantic vs Alberta 10:00 am
November 7 Alberta vs Saskatchewan 4:00 pm
November 9 Quarterfinals TBA
November 10 Semifinals TBA
November 11 Bronze Medal Game 2:00 pm
November 11 Gold Medal Game 7:00 pm

Team Alberta

Team Alberta U16 Male selected for 2023 WHL Cup

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:

October 18 Manitoba vs Alberta 4:15 P.M.
October 19 Saskatchewan vs Alberta 7 P.M.
October 20 Alberta vs British Columbia 7 P.M.
October 21 Semifinal 1 – Third Place vs Second Place 10:15 A.M.
October 21 Semifinal 2 – Fourth Place vs First Place 1 P.M.
October 22 Bronze Medal Game 10:15 A.M.
October 22 Gold Medal Game 1 P.M.

Team Alberta

Image: four Team Alberta hockey players holding trophies


2024 Spring Showcase returns to Red Deer

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 >

Team Alberta

Image: Team Alberta hockey player holding hockey stick


Team Alberta Male Announced for 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

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).

Team Alberta

Image: Team Alberta Female Hockey Player holding a hockey stick


Team Alberta Female selected for 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

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.

Team Alberta

Image: three Team Alberta hockey players


Arctic Winter Games Athlete Registration open

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 10-16.

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.

Team Alberta

Image: Tryouts taking place for National Aboriginal Hockey Championships


Team Alberta Male and Female National Aboriginal Hockey Championship Shortlists Posted

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).

General Manager Mike Applegate Mayerthorpe

Lead Trainer/

Equipment Manager

Kayla Cordingley Calgary
Team Alberta Female Staff
Director of Operations Trevor Lamabe Edmonton
Head Coach Jason Mercier Edmonton
Assistant Coach Kendra Rosychuk Calgary
Assistant Coach Sage Sansregret

Red Deer

Athletic Therapist Alyssa Ross

Inuvik

Team Alberta Male Staff
Director of Operations Winston Delorme Grande Cache
Head Coach Darren Reid Caslan
Assistant Coach Denesha Big Plume Tsuut’ina Nation
Assistant Coach Richard Demery Edmonton
Athletic Therapist Kevin McLarty Olds

Team Alberta

Image: Team Alberta U18 Fall Camp Selections


Hockey Alberta Invites 28 Athletes to Team Alberta Under-18 Female Fall Camp

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.

Team Alberta

Image: Team Alberta named it’s shortlist for the 2023 U16 Male team.


Thirty-Two Athletes named to Team Alberta Under-16 Male Shortlist

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.

Team Alberta

Image: U16 and U18 Female Summer Camp with female hockey player


Team Alberta Female Summer Camp Kick Off

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 >

Team Alberta

Image: Female hockey player selected for Team Alberta Female Summer Camp.


One Hundred Sixteen Athletes invited to Team Alberta Female Summer Camp

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.

Team Alberta

Image: Team Alberta U16 Player. Title reads: U16 Male Camp Underway Presented by Gatorade


Team Alberta Male Summer Camp Underway

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 >

Team Alberta

Coach Applications Open for Arctic Winter Games

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 10-16.

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].

Team Alberta

Image: Team Alberta Hockey Players at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships


Player Registration for National Aboriginal Hockey Championship Selection Camp now open

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 >

Team Alberta

Staff Applications open for 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

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].

Team Alberta

2023 Team Alberta U18 Female Coaching Staff Announced

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.”

POSITION NAME HOMETOWN
Director of Hockey Operations Kendall Newell Red Deer
Coach Mentor Rob Dawson St. Albert
Head Coach Chris Leeming Edmonton
Assistant Coach Ashley Shrode Barrhead
Assistant Coach Jessie Olfert Edmonton
Video Coach Erin O’Toole Lethbridge
Goalie Coach Jane Kish Medicine Hat
Equipment Manager Dave Campbell Grande Prairie
Athletic Therapist Erin Gordon Edmonton

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.

Team Alberta

Photo Credit: Athletes Image Sports Photography


2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship Recap

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 5th/6th 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.

Team Alberta

Prospects Cup: Day 4 Recap

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

Team Alberta

Eighty invitations extended to 2023 Under-16 Male Summer Camp

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).

Position Name Hometown
Director of Operations Mike Kraichy Red Deer
Coach Mentor Barry Medori Spruce Grove
Head Scout Bobby Fox Calgary
Head Coach James Poole Calgary
Assistant Coach Derrick Martin Edmonton
Assistant Coach Duncan Milroy Edmonton
Video Coach Brady Bakke Red Deer
Goaltender Coach Derek Purfield Calgary
Equipment Manager Dave Campbell Grande Prairie
Athletic Therapist Paige Shannon Calgary

Team Alberta

Alberta Challenge: Day 4 Recap

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

Team Alberta

2023 Alberta Challenge All-Stars

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

Goaltender

Hockey Alberta News

#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

Hockey Alberta News

#7 Madison Terry - North Yellow

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


Defence

Hockey Alberta News

#6 Lily Oster - South Green

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


Forward

Hockey Alberta News

#15 Tayla Lamabe - North Blue

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


Forward

Hockey Alberta News

#12 Lila Deis - South Green

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


Forward

Hockey Alberta News

#14 Evie Hanson - South Black

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

Team Alberta

Alberta Challenge hitting the ice

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.

Team Alberta

2023 Alberta Cup: Day Four Recap

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

Team Alberta

2023 Alberta Cup All-Stars

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

Goaltender

Hockey Alberta News

#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

Hockey Alberta News

#3 Easton LaPlante - Alberta Green

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


Defence

Hockey Alberta News

#6 Daxon Rudolph - Alberta Black

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


Forward

Hockey Alberta News

#11 Riley Boychuk - Alberta Blue

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


Forward

Hockey Alberta News

#14 Townes Kozicky - Alberta Red

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


Forward

Hockey Alberta News

#11 Ty Meunier - Alberta Gold

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


Top Official

Travis Stewart - Edmonton

Team Alberta

Alberta Cup skating into the weekend

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.

Team Alberta

Alberta Cup Rosters Announced

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.

Team Alberta

2023 Team Alberta coach applications now open

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.

Team Alberta

2023 Canada Winter Games Recap

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.

Team Alberta

Photo Credit: Lind Schoenfeldt


Type 1 Superpower

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.”