World Junior A Challenge returns to Alberta in 2018

BONNYVILLE - For the second time in three years, Bonnyville will host the World Junior A Challenge.

The annual showcase of Canadian and international Junior A talent returns to Alberta December 9-15, 2018.

The 2018 World Junior A Challenge represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), and Hockey Alberta, as well as the local host committee and NHL Central Scouting. Similar to previous years, two Canadian teams – Canada East and Canada West – will compete with four international entries for a gold medal in Bonnyville.

“Bonnyville was an excellent host to teams, fans, and our partners at the 2016 World Junior A Challenge, and it’s great to be returning there in 2018,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties with Hockey Canada. “Its previous success and strong community support in 2016 resulted in a strong legacy for the community, and we look forward to continuing to support the growth of and development of hockey, and the positive financial impact to the area, with this year’s tournament.”

The World Junior A Challenge host committee will look to emulate the success of the 2016 event, which was staged by nearly 150 community volunteers.

“The level of support we received in 2016 from the region, funding partners, and volunteers was truly incredible,” said Robb Hunter, co-chair of the local host committee. “This support is the reason our group has the opportunity to bring the elite competition of the World Junior A Challenge back to Bonnyville so quickly, and we are excited to create another memorable event for all participating teams through the continued passion for junior hockey in our community.”

Team Canada West claimed its fifth gold medal at the 2017 World Junior A Challenge in Truro, N.S., defeating the United States 5-1 in front of a sell-out crowd at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre.

FORT MCMURRAY - Zone 2 swept the gold medals in the hockey competition, as the 2018 Alberta Winter Games wrapped up in Fort McMurray on Monday.

In the Female Division, Zone 2 eked out a 3-2 victory over Zone 6 in the gold medal game. Meanwhile, in the Male Division, Zone 2 blanked Zone 3, 2-0, to capture the gold.

In the bronze medal games, it was also a sweep, as Zone 7 captured third place honours in both divisions. On the Female side, Zone 7 defeated Zone 3, 3-1. In the Male Division, Zone 7 defeated Zone 6, 7-2.

Action started on Saturday, with round-robin pool play for the eight male teams and six female teams.

In the Male Division, Zone 7 finished first and Zone 3 second in Pool A, while Zone 6 and Zone 2 were tied atop Pool B, with Zone 6 being awarded top spot. In the semi-finals, both first-place finishers were upset, as Zone 2 defeated Zone 7, 8-1, and Zone 3 defeated Zone 6, 5-2.

In the Female Division, Zone 2 finished first and Zone 3 second in Pool A, while all three teams in Pool B tied with 2 points. Zone 7 was awarded first, and Zone 6 second. In the semi-finals, Zones 2 and 6 emerged victorious with identical 3-1 wins, to advance to the gold medal game.

For all the scores and complete standings:

MALE DIVISION >

FEMALE DIVISION >

EDMONTON - The 2018 Alberta Female Hockey League Prospects Games were a huge success, with the Midget Elite North and Bantam Elite South teams coming out on top in their respective games.

Both games took place at the NAIT Arena in Edmonton, complete with on-ice goalie and skills sessions, team-building activities, and a fitting booth with one of the day’s sponsors, CCM, giving players the chance to try out various pieces of equipment throughout the day.

In the Midget Elite All-Star game, the North team edged the South 3-2, with goals from Reagan Korber, Madison Porter and Brooklyn Schroeder. Madison Black and Brooke Palin scored for the South.

Midget Elite Prospects Rosters >

It was a tight match-up in the Bantam Elite Prospects Game as well, with the South coming out on top 4-3. Claire Hobbs, Megan Yakiwchuk, Hailey Wiltshire, and Sarah Gaiser scored for the South team, while North got goals from Ardyn Hawryshko (2) and Jenna Goodwin.

Bantam Elite Prospects Rosters >

Two forwards and one defence from each AFHL team were selected to their respective rosters by AFHL coaches, while goaltenders were selected based on their statistical ranking as of January 10. The coaches chosen to represent the North and South teams in each league are from the first and second place teams within each division.

Photos >

The Alberta Female Hockey League would like to thank all the parents, players and coaches for making the AFHL Prospects games such a success. The AFHL would also like to thank all of the event sponsors: Gatorade Canada, CCM, Two Point Photography and Skate to Excel.