The Hockey Alberta Foundation is proud to support the growth of female hockey across the province through the Every Kid Every Community (EKEC) Program. This year, Hockey Alberta awarded $10,000 in total funding, providing $1,000 grants to ten host communities. The initiative aims to celebrate and grow the female game at the grassroots level by allowing communities to organize their own Female Hockey Day events. These events offer participants the opportunity to develop their skills, build friendships, and strengthen their connection to the sport.
First Five Host Communities Recap:
RED DEER - Red Deer Minor Hockey (RDMH) proudly hosted Female Hockey Day on February 2nd, delivering an exciting and engaging experience for young athletes. The day began with a 75-minute on-ice session where participants worked on fundamental skills and teamwork. Following the ice time, athletes enjoyed a 75-minute gym session that combined interactive games with a creative poster-making activity. To cap off the day, all female athletes received a special invitation to attend the U18AA girls’ game, fostering community spirit and support for female hockey.
A total of 43 participants took part in the day, supported by 12 on-ice volunteers and 17 volunteers overall. One young athlete described the event as "the best day of her life," sharing her excitement about the "big kids" who made her a poster and skated alongside her. She not only made new friends but also cherished the opportunity to visit the older players’ dressing room and watch them compete—an experience that left a lasting impression on her love for the game.
GROVEDALE – Grovedale Minor Hockey Association welcomed every girl in their association to participate in Girls Day, creating an inclusive and memorable experience for athletes of all ages. Each participant received a sweater, toque, thinnies, and other small swag items to commemorate the day. The festivities included a pizza lunch, and off-ice activities planned and led by the association’s U13 athletes.
A key focus this year was fostering leadership among the older athletes. Four U13 girls took charge of organizing the off-ice portion of the day, researching and planning creative relay races and games for the younger players. They also choreographed a warm-up dance that all participants performed before the game. Their leadership not only enhanced the event but also provided valuable mentorship opportunities, with younger athletes looking up to and learning from their older peers.
The on-ice portion of the event featured a 5-on-5 game that brought together players from all levels of the association. Following the game, participants competed in a skills competition that included a shootout, fastest skater challenge, and a team relay—adding a fun and competitive element to the day.
VERMILION – Vermilion Minor Hockey hosted a successful event aimed at promoting female participation in hockey, bringing together 65 participants for a day of both on-ice and off-ice sessions. The activities focused on skill development, team building, and inspiring female athletes to stay engaged in the sport.
A highlight of the day was a presentation from a guest speaker who provided insightful statistics on the growth of female hockey in Alberta, resonating strongly with the participants and leaving them feeling motivated and inspired.
New to this year’s event was a partnership with the Vermilion Curling Club. Girls had the opportunity to take part in a “Learn to Curl” session, emphasizing the importance of connecting with other community sports. The activity was particularly meaningful given the presence of curling rinks in many small-town barns across the province. Participants enjoyed the chance to try something new together, with many noting that their favorite part of the day was being on the ice with the U18 girls, fostering a sense of mentorship and friendship.
SLAVE LAKE - Slave Lake hosted a satellite event in conjunction with Female Hockey Day 2025, aiming to support, spark interest, and encourage participation in female hockey. With 38 participants and 11 volunteers, the event featured four hours of ice time and three hours of dryland activities, funded through the Hockey Alberta Foundation grant. Participants received jerseys, swag bags, and enjoyed a pizza lunch and snacks throughout the day.
Activities included two on-ice skill sessions, a ‘try it’ goalie session, a free skate, and yoga sessions, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience for players of all skill levels. Additionally, the live stream of the PWHL game provided extra excitement and inspiration for attendees.
The event was particularly notable for its focus on younger athletes, a positive sign for the future of female hockey in Slave Lake. The U18 female team stepped up as mentor coaches, creating meaningful connections with the younger players. The positive response was overwhelming, with several participants expressing interest in signing up for minor hockey next season and many inquiring about returning for next year’s event.
FORT MCMURRAY- Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association proudly hosted their own Female Hockey Day, celebrating the contributions of female athletes and showcasing the sport to the local community. The event welcomed an impressive 130 participants with the support of six volunteers. Organized by the U18 Huskies female team, the day focused on leadership, mentorship, and fostering a love for hockey across all age groups.
The U18 athletes took on a leadership role, working closely with younger female teams to promote teamwork and community spirit. A highlight of the event was the special experience created for the U9 players, who were invited to join the U18 team before their game. The younger athletes were announced onto the ice, participated in warm-ups with the older players, and stood proudly on the blue line during the singing of O’Canada. The U9 players described the moment as unforgettable, with many expressing that they "felt famous" being part of the experience.
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