2024-25 Season Puck Drop

Hockey Alberta is always looking to improve the game. Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, there are specific changes being made to the game.

Regulations

Team Registration

To align all levels of hockey, Hockey Canada has increased the maximum size of a roster, and the maximum number of players that can be dressed for a game at 20. 

Affiliations 

Hockey Alberta is allowing a player the ability to be a part of more than one affiliated team in different categories (ex. U18 AA player can be affiliated to a U18 AAA team, Junior A team, and Junior B team).  

Affiliation Identification Tool >

Overage Players 

The overage regulation has been amended to create consistency across all divisions and categories, if you have a child who would best fit as an overage player, please contact your Minor Hockey Association to learn if they are eligible. 

Discipline

All participants (players, team officials, and/or officials) that receive a suspension must serve that suspension in the same capacity it was incurred. For example, a player who received a suspension playing is able to participate as an official or team official while serving the suspension.

The exception to this is if a participant is suspended for any 11.4 or 11.5 infraction. Those who receive an 11.4 or 11.5 infraction, will remain suspended from all types of participation until the suspension is completely served with the team that the suspension incurred with. 

Minimum Suspensions

Any "Attempt to Injure" penalty where a Match Penalty is called will move from a three game suspension to an indefinite suspension.

Tournaments

Minor Hockey Associations that have teams participate in tournaments without obtaining proper sanctioning may be subject to a fine up to $1,000. 

Tiered & Elite Hockey

U11 AA 

Forty-nine teams are suiting up for the inaugural season of the U11 AA hockey league. Offering unique scheduling opportunities based on league geography, the league features conferences and division to minimize travel during the season.

With over 400 games being played this season, the puck drops on regular season games October 19 and it all wraps up by crowning a League/Provincial Champion.

U11 AA Model >

U11 AA >

Elite Hockey Executive

To unify the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL), Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) and AA Hockey, Hockey Alberta has formed an Elite Hockey Executive. The executive includes: 

• Elite Commissioner, Aaron Rawlake
• AEHL Chair, Devin Selte
• AEHL Vice Chair, Lee Hellyer
• AFHL Chair, Jody Forbes
• AFHL Vice Chair, Lise Cote
• AA Hockey Chair, Trevor Hittel

Elite Hockey Executive > 

Alberta Elite Hockey League

AA Hockey

The Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL) is expanding to include all male AA hockey in the 2024-25 season, the AEHL will now govern U13, U15, U16 and U18 AA as well as the U13 AAA Pilot division and U15, U17 and U18 AAA.

U13 AAA Pilot

In addition to the league alignment, Hockey Alberta is launching a U13 AAA Pilot in Northern Alberta. The pilot provides valuable insight to Hockey Alberta in identifying the ideal structure to provide this level of hockey to families across the entire province in the 2025-26 season. 

All AEHL games are broadcasted on FloHockey.

AEHL >

Tryout Process >

Alberta Female Hockey League

U18 AAA

The 2024-25 season welcomes two new teams to the Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) U18 AAA division. With the addition of Sherwood Park and a second team in Calgary at the U18 AAA level.

The AFHL is also allowing teams to register a maximum of seven first-year at the U18 AAA level. 

All AFHL games are broadcasted on FloHockey.

AFHL >

Elite Female Hockey Model

Each team within the Elite Female Hockey Model is able to register a maximum of one underage player, provided the player is a second-year U15 Player (14 year old), has participated in tryouts with the team, and is otherwise eligible to be registered to the team. Underage players are not eligible for a second tryout at the accelerated division.

Elite Female Pathway >

Coaches

This season, there have been changes and updates made to the coach education pathway, including: 

• New names for online courses offered within the Hockey Canada Coach Clinic (previously HU-Online), and Hockey Alberta’s in-person Coach 1, Coach 2 and Checking Skills Clinics;
• Coach 1 and Coach 2 are now two separate courses;
• Updated online course requirements for coaches at the Intro to Hockey and Minor Leagues levels. 

All coaches still require Respect in Sport - Activity Leader and one team official per team requires Hockey Canada Safety Program - Level 1. 

For more information on the changes and specific requirements for coaches at each level of hockey, visit the Coach Requirements webpage. 

Coach Requirements > 

Player Pledge

Conduct Management Flow Chart

Head Injuries, What to Know

Concussion Awareness

Play Hockey Model 

Emphasizing the values of sportsmanship, fun, fair play, friendship and respect, the Play Hockey Model includes Rec Hockey, Pond Hockey and Learn to Play. 

Play Hockey Model >

Para Hockey 

This season Hockey Alberta is hosting a Para Hockey Player Development Camp Sept. 14-15, at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer free of cost. With a Para-specific coach clinic in conjunction with the camp on Sept. 15, new to the weekend’s schedule is an Officials course. This Para-specific course informs currently certified officials (those who officiated in 23-24), information to the Para game. The course is scheduled for Sept. 14. 

Register for Para Hockey Officials Clinic >

We are weeks away from dropping the puck on the 2024-25 season. If you haven’t already, reach out to your local Minor Hockey Association to register.

Hockey Alberta governs competition in amateur hockey in various divisions including:

• U18 Male/Female: For the 2024-25 season, open to Players born in 2007 and subsequent years.
• U15 Male/Female: For the 2024-25 season, open to Players born in 2010 and subsequent years
• U13 Male/Female: For the 2024-25 season, open to Players born in 2012 and subsequent years
• U11 Male/Female: For the 2024-25 season, open to Players born in 2014 and subsequent years
• U9 and U7 part of the Intro to Hockey Model.

If you’re unsure where to register, check out the Hockey Alberta Region Map.

Register for Minor Hockey >

Intro to Hockey

Introduce your kids to hockey through Hockey Alberta’s Intro to Hockey programming. The Intro to Hockey Model is designed for children aged 5-8 years old. It allows your child the opportunity to be more engaged, have more puck touches and provides more opportunities to practice skating and other fundamental skills.

Intro to Hockey Model >

Alberta One 

Alberta One is uniting Hockey Alberta and it’s sanctioned Minor Hockey Leagues to work together to standardize leagues with each other, to make for a better experience and more efficient administration.

Alberta One >

Hockey Alberta’s sanctioned Minor Hockey Leagues include:

• Central Alberta Hockey League
• Northeastern Alberta Hockey League
• All Peace Hockey League
• Hockey Edmonton
• Hockey Calgary
• Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League
• East Central Alberta Female Hockey League

Minor Female Hockey

Female Hockey provides the opportunity for girls to engage in a healthy, active lifestyle while developing new friendships that will last long after the hockey season ends.

Each year, Hockey Alberta hosts Female Hockey Day. The event aims to bring female players, parents, coaches, and supporters together for the development, growth, and celebration of the game. Hosted in February, Female Hockey Day returns in the 2024-25 season.

Tournaments

Some of the best memories in minor hockey are made at tournaments. Find a tournament in your age group and tier to make your memories this season!

Tournaments >

To have your tournament posted to the Hockey Alberta website, please contact your Minor Hockey Association or registrar to submit it via the Centre Ice Portal.

Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships 

The 2024-25 season all comes down to this, the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships presented by ATB. Provincials are the most exciting time of year, where the top team in each league and division face off against each other. 

Dates have been announced for the 2025 Provincial tournaments and Hockey Alberta is now accepting applications to host a tournament in your community.

Provincial Championships >

Host a Provincial Championship >

Forty-nine teams are suiting up for the inaugural season of the U11 AA hockey league. Offering unique scheduling opportunities based on league geography, the league features conferences and division to minimize travel during the season.

With over 400 games being played this season, the puck drops on regular season games October 19 and it all wraps up by crowning a League/Provincial Champion.

For the past two seasons, the U11 AA league operated as U11 HADP, a pilot program that created a competitive balance for similarly skilled players to compete together and against each other. Hockey Alberta, who operates the U11 AA league, identified Minor Hockey Associations required to host U11 AA teams as part of the U11 AA Hockey Model (a Minor Hockey Association that is hosting U13 AA teams as part of the AA Hockey Model will host the same number of U11 AA teams as they operate at U13 AA). As well, Hockey Alberta has identified a process that allows Minor Hockey Associations (including those not hosting U13 AA teams) to apply to Hockey Alberta for expansion or reduction.

U11 AA Model >

U11 AA >

Moving into the 2024-25 hockey season is bringing growth for Alberta’s top levels of hockey. 

To unify the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL), Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) and AA Hockey, Hockey Alberta has formed an Elite Hockey Executive. The executive includes: 

• Elite Commissioner, Aaron Rawlake
• AEHL Chair, Devin Selte
• AEHL Vice Chair, Lee Hellyer
• AFHL Chair, Jody Forbes
• AFHL Vice Chair, Lise Cote
• AA Hockey Chair, Trevor Hittel

Elite Hockey Executive > 

Alberta Elite Hockey League 

The Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL) is home of Alberta’s elite. Expanding to include all male AA hockey in the 2024-25 season, the AEHL will now govern U13, U15, U16 and U18 AA as well as the U13 AAA Pilot division and U15, U17 and U18 AAA.

In addition to the league alignment, Hockey Alberta is launching a U13 AAA Pilot in Northern Alberta. The pilot provides valuable insight to Hockey Alberta in identifying the ideal structure to provide this level of hockey to families across the entire province in the 2025-26 season. 

All AAA games are broadcasted on FloHockey.

AEHL >

Tryout Process >

Watch >

Alberta Female Hockey League 

The 2024-25 season welcomes two new teams to the Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL). With the addition of Sherwood Park and a second team in Calgary at the U18 AAA level, the AFHL now ices 50 teams throughout four divisions. As the governing body for U13 AA, U15 AA, U18 AA and U18 AAA female hockey, the AFHL is home to the province’s elite female leagues. 

All AFHL games are broadcasted on FloHockey.

 Elite Female Pathway >

AFHL >

Watch >

The AFHL provides a competitive platform for players to enhance their skills and opportunities to be scouted for post secondary hockey. Learn more about the post secondary opportunities with the AFHL’s Post Secondary Guide.

Post Secondary Guide >

Whether you’re looking at what’s next for you on your hockey journey or to take in a game this season, Alberta is home to great hockey at all levels! 

Alberta Junior Hockey League

The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) works to develop young Albertan athletes on and off the ice through the positive life experiences and opportunities hockey offers. Players in the AJHL gain the junior hockey experience, with exposure to take their game to the next level and maintain eligibility for higher education in the NCAA, USports or ACAC. With 12 teams located throughout the province, there is lots of opportunities to continue the hockey journey or to take in a game.

AJHL >

Alberta Junior Female Hockey League

The Alberta Junior Female Hockey League (AJFHL) provides an opportunity for graduating U18 female players to continue playing the game they love. With a 28 game regular season schedule, the league is set-up for females that wish to play competitive hockey and still allow for a balanced life with full-time post-secondary students or full-time jobs. The AJFHL is home to 10 teams across the province so females can play no matter their location and it’s a great chance to watch women’s hockey! 

AJFHL >

Junior B & C

Junior Hockey is open to players 20 years of age and younger. Junior B and C provides an opportunity for players to continue their hockey careers past U18 at a competitive level. This level of hockey allows players to continue to attend post-secondary or maintain full-time jobs. 

Alberta’s Junior B division features five leagues throughout the province, while the Junior C division features two. Attending a Junior B or C game is a great way to spend an evening. 

Junior B & C

Western Hockey League

Alberta is home to five major junior teams who play in the Western Hockey League (WHL). With teams in Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, a WHL game is always a fun night out for the whole family.  

WHL >

If you’re interested in giving back to the game this season, get involved with your local Minor Hockey Association as a coach!

This season, there have been changes and updates made to the coach education pathway, including: 

• New names for online courses offered within the Hockey Canada Coach Clinic (previously HU-Online), and Hockey Alberta’s in-person Coach 1, Coach 2 and Checking Skills Clinics;
• Coach 1 and Coach 2 are now two separate courses;
• Updated online course requirements for coaches at the Intro to Hockey and Minor Leagues levels. 

All coaches still require Respect in Sport - Activity Leader and one team official per team requires Hockey Canada Safety Program - Level 1. 

For more information on the changes and specific requirements for coaches at each level of hockey, visit the Coach Requirements webpage. 

Coach Requirements >

Coach clinics are now open with new dates and locations added regularly. The deadline to meet all coach requirements is Nov. 15.

Coach Clinics >

For those who have coached prior to the 2024-25 season, please update your email address on the Hockey Canada Registry account to your most current email.

The best coaches never stop learning. There are various coach education opportunities available through the National Coaching Certification Program and Hockey Alberta.

Contact Stephen Pattison ([email protected]), Manager of Coach Development, for more information on coach education opportunities.

Once again, Hockey Alberta has partnered with The Coaches Site to connect members with an abundance of coach resources.

The Coaches Site >

Female Coaches 

Hockey Alberta is excited to be hosting female-only coach clinics throughout the province. A female-only coach clinic offers a safe space for females to learn and develop behind the bench.

Registration for the second season of the Female Coach Development Network opens on September 5 (it will stay open for the season), with the kick off meeting being held on October 14.

For more information on female-only coach clinics and the Female Coach Development Network, contact Danielle Wheeler ([email protected]), Manager - Female Development. 

Goaltending Coaches 

Instructional Stream 1 and 2 Clinics are now available and take advantage of the Goalie Mentorship Program.

Learn the foundation of technical skills including skating, stance, moving, positioning, save selection and puck control. Along with the technical aspect of goaltending, coaches will be introduced to practice utilization, communication and specific drills related to goaltending.

Contact Matt Weninger ([email protected]), Manager of Goalie Development, for dates.

To help with your evaluations this fall, use the Goalie Evaluation Package. Hockey Alberta also offers the Hockey Alberta Goaltender Guide to teach the fundamentals of goaltending.

Information regarding Goalie Coach Mentorship will be announced shortly. 

Official clinics are now being offered across the province through to November. Officiating offers a network of people who love the game and are looking to give back. For every game worked, officials are compensated for their time and there is an opportunity to work through the ranks from minor to elite hockey.

Anyone 12 years old (13 years old in the Calgary and Edmonton areas) as of December 31 is eligible to become an official.

Individuals with a hockey background, aged 18-28, are encouraged to become an official this season. With the ability to be involved in the game and work with the top officials in the province to develop, adult officials have opportunities to pursue the highest levels of hockey.

Find a clinic near you to become a registered official this season!

Officials Website >

Clinics Dates & Locations >

Often referred to as the third team on the ice, officials are a vital part of the game. As a player, coach, parent or fan please use respect towards them this season.

Player Pledge

• Be AWARE of the language I use and how it impacts others.
• ACKNOWLEDGE everyone’s differences regardless of the jersey they are wearing.
• COMPETE HARD while leading positive and RESPECTFUL interactions with others.
• Be an ALLY by contributing to safe spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Supporting Complaint Management

Parents and Families

Associations and Boards

Conduct Management Flow Chart

ITP (Independent Third Party) Sport Complaint Group

Head Injuries, What to Know

Concussion Awareness

Whether you’re a brand new hockey parent or you’ve spent years supporting your child in their endeavors, Hockey Alberta’s goal is to ensure all parents, coaches, and families are engaged, educated and supported in all areas of hockey.

In this section you will find information on everything from intro to hockey, to sleep and nutrition.

Information for the Hockey Parent

Hockey is a game for everyone. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the game outside of the traditional formats, the recreational hockey model may be for you.

Learn more >

Play Hockey Model

The Play Hockey Model, and the three streams within it, ensures families have access to affordable, fun and safe opportunities to participate in youth hockey with a moderate to low time and financial commitment. 

Emphasizing the values of sportsmanship, fun, fair play, friendship and respect, the Play Hockey Model includes Rec Hockey, Pond Hockey and Learn to Play. 

Play Hockey Model >

Rec Hockey 

Rec Hockey is a structured alternative to mainstream hockey. It is competitive and requires some travel.

Find a Rec Hockey program near you >

Pond Hockey 

Pond Hockey is an unstructured alternative to mainstream hockey. Played locally, participants take part in scrimmage games without officials and is non-competitive.

Find a Pond Hockey program near you >

Learn to Play

Learn to Play introduces the basic skills of the game and provides an opportunity for players aged 5, 6, 7 and 8 years-old to learn those skills and the game. 

First Shift 

First Shift is an affordable option for your 6-10 years-old to try hockey. Programs are offered from Nov. 9 – May 23 this season, by Minor Hockey Association’s throughout the province and for $299, it includes head-to-toe BAUER Equipment and six on-ice sessions.

Register for First Shift >

Para Hockey 

Para Hockey is open to both male and female able-bodied and disabled players of all ages. Played in a sled, it is a sport that everyone can play.

Learn more about Para Hockey >

This season Hockey Alberta is hosting a Para Hockey Kick Off Sept. 14-15, at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer free of cost. It is designed to accommodate players of all ages and skill levels, featuring on-ice skill development and game play. Equipment (sled and sticks) will be provided for new players to use at camp.

A Para Hockey specific coach clinic will be in conjunction with the camp on Sept. 15. 

New to the weekend’s schedule is an Officials course. This Para-specific course informs currently certified officials (those who officiated in 23-24), information to the Para game. The course is scheduled for Sept. 14. 

Register for the Para Hockey Kick Off >

Register for Para Coach Clinic >

Register for Para Officials Clinic > 

Schools Program

Hockey Alberta is partnering with schools and Minor Hockey Associations throughout the province to provide try hockey opportunities for students throughout the season and in conjunction with events like the Spring Showcase, Provincial Championships, etc. 

Team Alberta’s 2024-25 schedule is jam packed with best-on-best tournaments all season long.

WHL Cup 

Team Alberta U16 Male is playing at home this fall as they get ready for the WHL Cup, October 23-27 in Red Deer at the Peavy Mart Centrium. Team Alberta U16 Male will be selected this fall.

WHL Cup >

National Women’s Under-18 Championship

Team Alberta U18 Female is taking on the nation in Quispamsis, N.B., Nov. 3-9 at the National Women’s Under-18 Championship. The athletes that have been shortlisted will gather in Red Deer for Fall Camp Oct. 27-29 before the team is named this fall.

National Women’s U18 Hockey Championship >

Spring Showcase 

The Spring Showcase provides opportunities for players, coaches, therapists, equipment managers, administrators and officials an equal opportunity to discover the great qualities of competitive hockey. Three competitions comprise the Spring Showcase: the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge and Prospects Cup. Players who compete at the Spring Showcase are selected from Regional Tryout Camps.

Staff applications will open this fall, while Regional Camp registration will open in January.

Alberta Cup 

For male athletes born in 2010, the competition will take place in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, April 24-27. Regional camp is scheduled for March 28-30. Alberta Cup Prep Camps will take place March 21-22 and March 22-23. 

Alberta Cup >

Alberta Challenge

Female athletes born in 2010 and 2011 are eligible to participate in the Alberta Challenge. The Challenge is scheduled for May 1-4, with Regional Camps taking place throughout the province, April 4-6.

Alberta Challenge >

Prospects Cup 

The Prospects Cup is the youngest elite competition Hockey Alberta hosts with players born in 2012 eligible to tryout. The tournament is slated for May 8-11, while the Regional Camp is scheduled for April 11-13. Prospects Cup Prep Camps will take place April 5-6. 

Prospects Cup >

National Aboriginal Hockey Championships 

In 2025, the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) will head west to British Columbia, as the puck drops May 4-11 in Kamloops. Team Alberta U18 Female and U18 Male, competing at the event will play teams from across the 13 provinces and territories. To be eligible to play, players must be of Indigenous heritage (First Nations, Métis or Inuit). 

NAHC >

Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation want to ensure every kid has the opportunity to play hockey. Grants and funding is available to help limit the barriers of getting on the ice this season!

Grants for Associations/Organizations 

Every Kid Every Community 

Availability: Up to $5,000 for programs for organizations and up to $3,000 for player assistance and community grants.

Criteria: Youth sports groups and organizations throughout Alberta looking to help Alberta youth experience hockey.

Deadline: Quarterly on September 15, December 15, March 15, and June 15

Apply >

Jumpstart Community Development Grants 

Availability: Up to $15,000 to organizations for operational or programming support.

Criteria: For organizations with participants up to 18 years of age or youth disabilities.

Deadline: 3 intakes per year

Apply >

Parks FDN Calgary Amateur Sports Grant 

Availability: Funding up to $50,000 or 50 per cent of budget for sports initiatives – new/existing facilities or equipment. 

Criteria: Eligible organizations based in Calgary.

Deadline: Oct. 2, Feb. 1, and May 1

Apply >

Individual Grants 

KidSport Hockey Assist Program 

Availability: Up to $750 for registration fees.

Criteria: Individuals under-18 who meet criteria for financial assistance (LICO) that is registered in hockey from Red Deer area and north.

Deadline: Year-round application.

Apply >

KidSport Flames Even Strength Program 

Availability: Up to $500.

Criteria: Individuals under-18 who meet criteria for financial assistance (LICO) that is registered in hockey in Calgary and area.

Deadline: Oct. 15

Apply >

Hockey Canada Assist Fund

Availability: Up to $500.

Criteria: Individuals under-18 who meet criteria for financial assistance (LICO) that is registered in a Hockey Canada sanctioned association.

Deadline: Nov. 15

Apply >

ISCA KidSport Fund

Availability: Funding for sport registration fees.

Criteria: Indigenous youth/families across Alberta.

Deadline: Open year-round.

Apply >

Jumpstart Individual Child Grants

Availability:  Up to $300 per activity/$600 per year for individuals, funds will be granted to the organization.

Criteria: Individuals under-18 involved in sport programs that run for five or more weeks, and meet criteria for financial aid (LICO).

Deadline: Year-round applications.

Apply >

Sports Equipment Banks

Sports Central Equipment Bank 

Availability: Equipment and resources available to kids in need in Edmonton, central and northern Alberta.

Criteria: Open to families in need, as well as programs.

Deadline: Open year-round.

Apply >

Calgary Flames Sports Equipment Bank

Availability: Equipment and resources available to kids in need in Calgary and southern Alberta.

Criteria: Individuals that have already qualified for assistance through different programs or organizations.

Deadline: Open year-round.

Apply >

The 2024-245 season is packed with action, take a look at the season-at-a-glance and keep in mind some important dates below.  

Members looking for more information on the season, please visit the MHA/ Minor Leagues Season Pathway.