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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:

  • Be AWARE of the language we 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.

At the end of the 2023-2024 season Hockey Alberta launched the pilot for the Player Pledge initiative, encouraging teams competing in Provincials and the Spring Showcase to become involved. 

This season, we invite all teams and athletes to take part in the Hockey Alberta Player Pledge and to be part of the solution to enhance the safety, welcoming, positive and inclusive atmosphere of our sport. Encouraging everyone to play and act with respect and to be inclusive on and off the ice.

Change starts within and Hockey Alberta is challenging all teams to participate in a team building activity, recognize the Player Pledge and commit to actions of safety, inclusion, and respect throughout the 2024-2025 season.

To participate in the Player Pledge initiative:

Step 1: Take the Pledge

  • Discuss as a group any additional values or principles your team stands for, to make the pledge message unique and meaningful to your group. 
  • In addition to the pledge, make you own team commitment and complete a team bonding activity. Here are some examples of what you can do: 
    • 1. Team Video / TikTok / Reel– "One Word Challenge" 
      Pick a word that represents your commitment to the team and explain it in a fun TikTok. Share with a team hashtag to inspire others. 
    • 2. Pledge Magnet/Door Sign 
      Sign a team commitment magnet or door sign and take it to games and practices as a reminder of your dedication. 
    • 3. Commitment Poster 
      Create a wall poster where each player posts their word and action plan, updating it with photos and reflections throughout the season. 

Step 2: Share your Commitment

  • Post a photo or video on social media showing your commitment to the player pledge. Optional to use social media framers and logos in you post that are provided. See Social Media Toolkit below for more ideas!
  • Use Hashtags: #PlayerPledge and #ItStartsWithUs.

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT > 

Step 3: Submit Your Participation

  • Share your team activity and commitment to the Player Pledge for special team recognition to be featured here in the “Special Recognition” section.
  • Complete the online form below to let us know about your commitment: with details about your team’s commitment to the pledge, including your team activity/initiative and any corresponding photos, videos, or messages.
  • Teams who take the Player Pledge and make a commitment can enter to win $500 towards their year-end party. 

PLAYER PLEDGE SUBMISSION > 

Step 4: Take the Online Player Education Program

  • If you are part of a U15 - U18 team you also have the ability to complete an Online Player Education Program, created in partnership with the Western Hockey League.
  • Click HERE or visit the Online Player Education Program section of the website for more information on the program.

This section will showcase and highlight the teams across the province that have successfully completed the pledge and submitted their commitment to Hockey Alberta. Check back often to see if your team has made the list.

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.