Hockey Alberta Player Pledge
Hockey Alberta’s Board of Directors has provided strategic direction for Hockey Alberta to establish and achieve four significant Objectives to provide new and improved opportunities for all participants to enjoy the sport of hockey. One of the four Objectives is a commitment to the hockey community – to nurture a positive hockey culture for all.
In September 2023, Hockey Alberta took a stance towards achieving a positive environment, by releasing our statement on Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), where we committed to removing all forms of discrimination and maltreatment from our sport.
To take the next step in the commitment to nurture a positive hockey culture for all, Hockey Alberta launched the Player Pledge during the 2024 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships presented by ATB.
The Player Pledge encourages participants on and off the ice to play and act with respect and to be inclusive. The Player Pledge reads:
We recognize that inclusive and respectful hockey starts with us. We pledge to:
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Be AWARE of the language we use and how it impacts others.
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ACKNOWLEDGE everyone’s differences regardless of the jersey they are wearing.
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COMPETE HARD while leading positive and RESPECTFUL interactions with others.
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Be an ALLY by contributing to safe spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Take the Pledge – Be the Change
This season, we’re calling on all teams, players, and member organizations to take part in the Hockey Alberta Player Pledge and help build a safer, more respectful, and inclusive hockey community.
The pledge is more than words—it’s a commitment to:
- Play and act with respect, on and off the ice.
- Create welcoming spaces for everyone in the game.
- Lead by example in promoting safety, inclusion, and positivity.
We’re challenging teams to engage in a team-building activity, recognize the Player Pledge, and commit to meaningful actions throughout the 2025-2026 season.
To participate in the Player Pledge initiative:
- Start the Conversation
Begin with a team discussion or activity to explore the meaning behind the Hockey Alberta Player Pledge. This step helps build understanding and connection before making the commitment.
- Watch the Player Pledge video to spark reflection and set the tone.
- Talk about what respect, inclusion, and safety look like within your team.
- Share examples like:
- Supporting a teammate who’s having a tough day.
- Welcoming a new player or making sure everyone feels included.
- Speaking up when someone is being treated unfairly.
- Try a team engagement activity such as:
- Creating a Team Reel that showcases your team’s commitment to the pledge.
- Designing a team poster or visual that highlights your values.
- Sharing a team story or moment that reflects inclusion and respect.
- Encourage players to share their own experiences or ideas that support a positive hockey culture.
- Make the Commitment
Now that your team has explored the meaning of the pledge, it’s time to make it official—and share it proudly.
- Have each team member read and personally commit to the Hockey Alberta Player Pledge.
- Coaches or team leaders can guide the conversation to ensure everyone understands the values of respect, inclusion, and safety.
- Consider creating a team banner or poster that players can sign as a visual reminder of their commitment.
- Capture the moment! Take a photo or short video of your team making the pledge.
- Share your pledge on social media using #PlayerPledge, and #ItStartsWithUs.
- Use our Social Media Toolkit for graphics, sample captions, and ideas to help spread the message.
- Share Your Commitment with Hockey Alberta
You’ve taken the pledge—now let’s celebrate your team’s commitment and inspire others to do the same.
- Complete the online submission form to officially share your team’s pledge with Hockey Alberta.
- Include your team name, age group, association, and a short description of your activity or how your team engaged with the pledge.
- Upload a photo, video, or visual (like your signed banner or Team Reel) to showcase your team’s commitment.
- Submissions may be featured in our Special Recognition section and across Hockey Alberta’s social media platforms.
- Bonus! Teams that submit their pledge commitment before November 4, 2025 (11.4 Day) will be entered into a draw to win a special grand prize (details coming soon).
- Keep the Momentum Going (Optional – U15+ Teams)
If you’re part of a U15 or older team, you also have the opportunity to take part in the Online Player Education Program, developed in partnership with the Western Hockey League.
- This optional program builds on the values of the Player Pledge and covers key topics like respect, inclusion, safety, and leadership.
- It’s a great way for older athletes to deepen their understanding and take ownership of creating a positive hockey culture.
- Visit the Online Player Education Program section of the website for more information and access to the modules.
Shout-out to the teams across Alberta who’ve stepped up, taken the pledge, and shown their commitment to making hockey more inclusive—this space is all about celebrating them! As we say, ‘Inclusion isn’t a goal—it’s a team effort.’ Want to see your team featured here? Take the pledge and be part of the movement!
Share the Impact
Know a team, player, or organization that’s truly living the values of the Hockey Alberta Player Pledge?
Whether it’s a standout moment, a season-long initiative, or everyday actions that build a more inclusive hockey culture—we want to hear about it!
Share your story and help us celebrate those making a difference.
Let’s spotlight the people and programs that are creating safer, more respectful spaces in our game.
2024/2025 Season
Chestermere Lakers U15-1
Lloydminster Steelers U15AA Female
Glenlake U18 NBC1
TJ Sagoo Transport Leafs SPKAC U15AA
Pro Paint Red Deer Chiefs U15 T2
Yoga Nation Chiefs U15
Hockey Alberta launched the Player Pledge during the 2024 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships presented by ATB.
As part of the Player Pledge, Hockey Alberta is asking teams competing in Provincials to commit to the Player Pledge by participating in a team building activity ahead of the tournament.
The team builder activity includes watching a short video followed by the coach leading the conversation about respect, inclusion and what it means to be an ally. It concludes with the ask for players to take the Player Pledge, as well as a team commitment throughout the tournament. To acknowledge the Player Pledge and commitment, each team participating in Provincials will be given a magnet to hang with the pledge and space to write their commitment for motivation throughout the tournament.
Taking the pledge is not mandatory, however, teams who take the Player Pledge and make a commitment can enter to win $500 towards their year-end party.
In addition, Hockey Alberta is also asking Provincial host committees to display a Player Pledge pop-up banner in the arena during the event.
2024/2025 Season
A new approach. We adjusted the wording of the pledge from a focus on “It Starts with ME” to a broader “It Starts With US” highlighting the responsibility of the collective team (the team, players, coaches and families) to embody, role model and put into daily practice the components of the pledge.
We wanted to challenge all teams across the province to take part in the pledge, encouraging teams to take initiative and implement the pledge with a social media toolkit and opportunities for special recognition.
Our U15 & U17 teams were also given the opportunity to expand their commitment to the pledge by participating in our brand-new Player Education Program at no COST.
