AFHL U18 AA Post-Season Preview

RED DEER – Six individuals and a Memorial Cup championship team are being called to the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame (AHHF) as the Class of 2024.

The members of this year’s class are:

• BILLY DEA – 19-year pro hockey career, along with several years coaching in the NHL. He had two playing stints in the NHL, sandwiched around nine years in the American Hockey League with the Buffalo Bisons, where he set a longevity record by playing 596 straight games. He is a member of the AHL Hall of Fame.
• JAROME IGINLA – 20 seasons in the National Hockey League, including 16 with the Calgary Flames. He is the all-time leader for the Calgary Flames in games played (1,219), goals (525) and points (1,095). He is also a multi-time gold medalist with Team Canada, a two-time Memorial Cup champion, and an Honoured Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
• DAVE KING – Coach and mentor for over 40 years and one of hockey’s finest tacticians and teachers of the game. He has coached at every level of hockey around the world, including major junior, Canadian university, Canada’s national team, the National Hockey League, and European and Russian pro leagues. He is a two-time medalist at the Winter Olympics.
• KELLY KISIO – 761 games in the National Hockey League and captain of the New York Rangers for more than three years. He helped turn the Calgary Hitmen into one of the most successful franchises in the Western Hockey League (including two WHL championships), as coach and general manager. Currently a scout with the Vegas Golden Knights, 2023 Stanley Cup champions.
• CRAIG MACTAVISH – Four-time Stanley Cup champion during a 17-year playing career in the National Hockey League. Craig also served as an executive, coach and assistant coach in the NHL, coached Team Canada internationally, and coached internationally n Russia and Switzerland. Craig was the last NHL player not to wear a helmet during games.
• SHANNON SZABADOS – Trailblazer for female hockey players, one of Canada’s top goaltenders, and the IIHF’s Goaltender of the Decade (2010-20). She is the only goaltender in women’s hockey history to backstop her nation to two gold medals at the Winter Olympics; the first and only female to record a shutout in men’s pro hockey; and the first female to play in the WHL and the Southern Professional Hockey League.
• RED DEER REBELS, 2000-01 – The 2001 Memorial Cup champions, defeating Val-d’Or in a come-from-behind overtime victory in Regina. The Rebels had a dominating season, leading the Canadian Hockey League with a 54-12-3-3 regular season. They advanced to the Memorial Cup by defeating Lethbridge, Calgary, Swift Current and Portland in the WHL playoffs.

Hockey Alberta hosted the announcement on Tuesday morning at the Gary W. Harris Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic. It was also announced that the AHHF Induction Gala is returning to Red Deer and is being hosted at the Gary W. Harris Centre on Saturday, July 20. Tickets for the AHHF Induction Gala are available to purchase here.

For more information on the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame, check the AHHF website: ahhf.ca.

Team Alberta North was all smiles at the Arctic Winter Games in Alaska as the Junior Female and U15 Male teams both won the gold ulu in their respective hockey events.

Junior Female

The Junior Female championship final featured the host Alaska team looking to avenge an earlier loss in round-robin to Alberta North. The teams were tied 1-1 after regulation time before Kaitlyn Senkoe emerged as the overtime hero in a 2-1 victory. Reagan Lynch scored for Alberta North in regulation time, as Alberta North successfully defended the gold ulu won last year in Fort McMurray.

The Junior Female team had no issues in the round robin, finishing the four-game stretch with a goal differential of +14. In game one, Alberta North defeated Nunavut, 7-1, with Reagan Lynch (3), Ashtyn May, Brielle Hedges and Victoria Willsey scoring in the win. The next matchup against Northwest Territories was a tougher battle, as the game remained scoreless until late in the third period, when Mckenna Bowers scored the lone goal in a 1-0 win. In the third game, Shea Line recorded a 16-save shutout in a 3-0 win against Alaska. Willsey (2) and Carolyn Head found the back of the net in the victory. Alberta North closed out the round robin with a convincing 5-1 win against Yukon. Head, Willsey, Hedges, Sayj Peters and Riley Bourque scored in the win.

The semi-finals were a rematch of the final round robin game with Yukon. This time, the game was much more tightly contested as Alberta North booked their ticket to the championship final with a 2-1 win. Hedges and Anna Jeffs scored in the win.

U15 Male

The U15 Male championship final pitted Alberta North against Yukon. In round-robin action, Alberta North secured an 8-3 victory. In the championship, the final score was closer, with Alberta North claiming the gold ulu, 4-1. Goals were scored by Kayton Reinders (2), Lucas Anderson and Brant Moodie.

The U15 Male team finished with a 3-1 record in the round robin. Alberta North opened their round robin with a 7-3 win over Nunavut. Cole Longphee (2), Moodie, Riley Drake, Ryan Sieker, Reinders and Ryder Remillard all found the back of the net in the victory. Their second game had just as much offensive firepower, winning 8-3 against Yukon. Sieker (2), Reinders, Anderson (2), Ryder Flynn (2) and Moodie scored for Alberta North. The third game was a harder battle, as the team pulled out a 2-1 win over Northwest Territories. Anderson and Sieker scored the goals in the win. Alberta North dropped their final round robin game against Alaska, 6-5. Reinders (4) and Sieker scored in the loss.

The team finished first in round robin and met Northwest Territories in the semi-finals. Bracken Larocque earned the shutout in a 6-0 win to earn a berth in the championship final. Reinders (2), Anderson (2), Moodie and Sieker provided the offence.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is proud to announce the Player Pledge – a significant strategic initiative to help achieve the organization’s objective to nurture a positive hockey culture.

Nurturing a positive hockey culture is one of four Objectives undertaken by Hockey Alberta to provide new and improved opportunities for all participants.

Therefore it is only appropriate that the Player Pledge is being introduced during the most exciting time of year for amateur hockey across the province – 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:

I recognize that inclusive and respectful hockey starts with me. I pledge to:

• 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.

“Hockey culture and how we change to make this game inclusive for anyone who wants to play this sport is essential,” said Len Samletzki, Chair of Hockey Alberta’s Board of Directors. “We’ve talked about this for a number of years, and it gives us an opportunity to be inclusive and to be part of something that brings us forward. We have a great sport and we’re excited about being at the start of this in Alberta and doing it with all the players that we get an opportunity to work with.”

In September, Hockey Alberta released its statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) where Hockey Alberta committed to removing all forms of discrimination and maltreatment from the sport of hockey.

HOCKEY ALBERTA’S EDI STATEMENT >

The Player Pledge is a key undertaking where Hockey Alberta is asking teams competing in Provincial Championships to be part of the commitment to nurture a positive hockey culture. Teams are requested to participate in a team building activity ahead of the tournament that includes watching a short video followed by the coach leading a conversation about respect, inclusion and what it means to be an ally.

The final step is a request for players to take the Player Pledge, as well as a team commitment on what the team will do throughout the tournament to help nurture a positive hockey culture. To acknowledge the Player Pledge and commitment, each team participating in Provincials receives a dressing room door magnet that includes space to share their commitment to action throughout the tournament.

“We are really excited to have the Player Pledge as part of our Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships,” said Rob Litwinski, President and CEO of Hockey Alberta. “We all have a huge responsibility in the game to ensure we continue to enhance and nurture a positive hockey culture. That includes respectful behaviour and actions on the ice, in the dressing room, in hotel rooms and it’s also going to lead to inclusive behaviour and language as well.”

Participation is not mandatory; however, teams who take the Player Pledge can enter to win $500 towards their year-end party.

In addition, Player Pledge pop-up banners will be visible in Provincial Championship arenas around the province.

Everyone attending a Provincial Championship event is encouraged to get involved on social media: take a photo with the Player Pledge, share it on social media, tag Hockey Alberta and use the hashtag, #ItStartsWithMe.

Red Deer – Peace River’s Théa Thompson is competing in her second consecutive Arctic Winter Games taking place this week in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska.

The 18-year-old is a key member of Alberta North’s defence group this year and has helped her team to a 3-0 record in group play with wins over Nunavut (7-1), Northwest Territories (1-0), and Alaska (3-0). They wrap up the round robin portion of the tournament tonight (March 13) against Yukon. Semifinal games begin on March 14 and the Games wrap up on March 15 with the Junior Female bronze and gold medal games.

TEAM ALBERTA NORTH JUNIOR FEMALE ROSTER >

Prior to the tournament kicking off, Thompson was selected to be Team Alberta North’s flag bearer for the opening ceremonies.

“It was a very great honour,” Thompson said. “I was thrilled to be selected as Team Alberta North’s flag bearer as I had the opportunity to not only represent my province but my sport as well.”

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Games are a celebration of athletic competition, culture, friendship, and cooperation between north contingents. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

“It is a really great honour to be able to compete in this tournament,” Thompson said. “It’s truly the best feeling in the world to put on that Hockey Alberta jersey and have the chance to represent our province in an international tournament. It is a great privilege. The group of girls we have this year is awesome and the built-in chemistry some of us have from last year can be a positive impact as we move through the competition.”

Thompson knows what it takes to win as she was part of the group that brought home the golden ulu in last year’s event.

“Winning the golden ulu last year was an incredible feeling, especially winning on home soil … it meant a lot to my teammates and I,” Thompson said. “I know we have a bit of pressure on us to compete the way we did last year and come home with that medal for a second year in a row. I know that if we play to the best of our abilities, we can put ourselves in a good position to win gold for a second consecutive year.”

Team Alberta North games can be livestreamed on HomeTeam Live. The team’s remaining schedule can be found below:

SCHEDULE AND RESULTS >

RED DEER – When the roster for the Team Alberta North U15 Male squad was announced in late November, there might not have been a person more excited to see his name on the roster than Peace River’s Ryder Flynn.

“I was super excited,” Flynn said who played his minor hockey season with the Peace River Sabres. “I worked hard all summer because my biggest goal for the year was to make this team. I was also excited to see that some of my teammates on the Sabres had made this team too.”

TEAM ALBERTA NORTH U15 ROSTER >

Flynn and his Alberta North teammates travel to Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska for the 2024 Alberta Winter Games which begin tomorrow (March 10) and conclude on March 16. The U15 gold medal game is scheduled for March 15. The team is made up of two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards, all of whom must reside north of the 55th parallel in order to be eligible for the tournament.

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Games are a celebration of athletic competition, culture, friendship, and cooperation between north contingents. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

“I’m mostly excited but a little bit nervous as well. I know it’ll be a great experience up there but it’s also something entirely different from what I’m used to. However, I’m sure I’ll have a lot of fun,” Flynn said of his feelings heading into the tournament. “You need to figure out how to play together very quickly to have success in Arctics. However, I don’t think my team will have much of a problem with that after all the preparation we’ve done.”

Team Alberta North U15 Male begin their tournament with two games on March 11 against Nunavut and Yukon, and will finish up the round robin with games against Northwest Territories and Alaska on March 12 and 13. Semi-final games feature first place vs fourth place and second place vs third place.

Like most of his teammates, Flynn has never made a trip to Alaska. The young forward is eager to get to start the Games to experience a new culture.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “I’m sure I’ll have some amazing experiences that I’ll always remember. I’m excited to see all the different things that come with visiting Alaska.”

And while taking in the sights and sounds of the Arctic Winter Games is part of the experience, Flynn said he and his teammates are focused on avenging last year’s gold medal loss.

“It’s really motivated us to be better and win gold. We want to show that we have the team to win it all and not fall short like last year. We want to show how much we’ve improved,” Flynn said. “Not only that but it would mean a lot to the team as well as the province. It shows we can compete and that can improve from previous years.”

Team Alberta North games can be livestreamed on HomeTeam Live. The team’s full schedule can be found below:

SCHEDULE AND RESULTS >

RED DEER – March 8 is International Women’s Day and Hockey Alberta is taking the time to celebrate and recognize our female staff and volunteers who dedicate their time to make our game great.

International Women’s Day is a global day to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Celebrated annually, the day serves to celebrate women’s achievements, educate and raise awareness for women’s equality, call for positive change advancing women and lobby for accelerated gender parity.

Hundreds of women have created a space in the game for themselves as players, coaches, officials, executives, and volunteers at all levels. In addition, each year there are dozens of women volunteering annually as executive members on Regional Officials committees, and as coaches, trainers and therapists, and directors of operations for events such as the Alberta Challenge and the Summer Showcase, and Team Alberta programming.

To honour, celebrate and recognize the women across the province involved with Hockey Alberta, we wanted to highlight our staff and volunteers.

Hockey Alberta Staff

Darcy Smith

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Four years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Manager, Hockey Alberta Foundation & Recruitment.

Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Volunteer - Director of Operations for Alberta Cup & Prospects Cup

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Fell in love with the game growing up in the rinks with my Dad and brothers involved in the sport and then spent many volunteer hours as a "Hockey Mom" managing my boys teams. I love to give back to our communities and see the spirit of hockey alive and well. This is so much more than a game -it is a way of life, that continues to give back!

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I am a true advocate of women in sports! Love that we are making our game more accessible to those who want to play. We are providing opportunities not only on the ice but by growing strong future leaders within our communities. The future is bright for women in sports!

Morgen Kidney

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Coordinator, Minor Leagues.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Hockey is the sport I grew up playing and loving, and it brought me to many different places in life as a player. The only part of Canada it didn’t bring me to was out west, so when the opportunity to get back into the sport I loved (this time as a professional) came up... I had to apply!

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I’ve been lucky to have worked only in sport organizations where being a woman is just that... nothing to do with the job, just your personal identification. However, I feel like I have something to prove in succeeding within my career. I’m not sure if it’s the factor of being a woman, or just being in such a sought-after employment of sports management.

Cassie Campbell

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
One year.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Coordinator, Grassroots Growth & Retention.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I got involved with Hockey Alberta because of the impact of this role specifically. I am passionate about reducing barriers to participation and creating opportunities for hockey to meet people where they are.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Being a woman in sport means opportunities for myself, for my family and for other women in sports. My involvement through different roles in sports has given me so many new and positive experiences, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a community that is far reaching and tightly knit, where you can always find support.

Carlia Schwab

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two months.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Manager, EDI & Safe Sport.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
It has always been a passion of mine to work within the sports world, and specifically within Hockey. From a young age I spent a large portion of my time in rinks and around Hockey. Having never gotten to play the sport myself I always thought a career within hockey out of my reach. It wasn’t until my position was created that I found this long held career dream was within reach. I appreciate being given the opportunity to bring my work knowledge and expertise into the Hockey world.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Growing up around hockey was exciting however, it had never crossed my mind that hockey could be a thing for me, that I could play. Being a woman in sports today means that young girls can have a voice and an advocate, something I wish there could have been for me. For those girls who grow up in rinks and around hockey, they can now be presented with new, inclusive and competitive opportunities to play. Having never had the opportunity to play hockey being a women in sport now allows me to use my voice to influence change, to help create safe spaces for girls and women and help to progress hockey into a place with more inclusive options for females.

Ellery Platts

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
One year.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Coordinator, Social Media.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Working for Hockey Alberta allows me to combine all my passions into one space. My love for sports, meeting and working with new people, photography, and seeing new places. Hockey Alberta allows me to expand my abilities and grow within an industry I love.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
It means innovating and bringing a new voice into a set space. It means helping create a path for those who come after me. Being a woman working in sports is demonstrating to young girls that boundaries only exist in our minds. There’s always a way to turn what you love into a career.

Sam Maupin

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
I have over 15 years experience with various roles in club teams, MHAs and Hockey Alberta commitee roles but have recently become employed with Hockey Alberta.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Manager of Member Services.

Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
I am also the outgoing President of the North Central Hockey League, as well as the Lead Registrar of the Blindman Valley Minor Hockey Association. I am also wrapping up my time as a member of the Hockey Alberta Minor Admin Committee.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
For me the progression was natural. I became involved with Hockey Alberta as a result of being involved with the sport at local levels. I became involved at the local level from a pure love of the game and a desire to contribute to its success and longevity locally. A important factor here was the ask. A group asked me to get involved and contribute to their team. I believe this is an Important factor in getting girls and women involved in sport. Reach out and ask them to join your organization. Managing the sport from an off ice perspective necessitated positive relationships with Hockey Alberta. That knowledge, experience and relationship has manifested into many other opportunities the most recent being my role as the Manager of Member Services.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I enjoy being a woman in sport. While hockey has made great progress in diversity and inclusion I value my ability to show young girls and other women that there is space for them in hockey. On or off the ice.

Kara Spady

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two and a half years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Marketing and Promotions Manager.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
My story isn’t much different than most who grew up playing in small-town, Alberta. Being one of only three girls in our era who played organized hockey, I learned all the great and hard life-skills and lessons that the sport has to offer. I fell in love with the game on the dugout and I still love the game most when I’m playing with my friends and family. Hockey continues to teach me a lot and working in it has given me once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. My role at Hockey Alberta allows me to stay close to the game, share my passion for the sport and support initiatives that help people experience the great game with their friends and family.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Growing up, I was surrounded by strong women of all ages, who broke glass ceilings and held space in sport. Because of them, I never believed I couldn’t do something because I was a girl and have never felt like I had a "timer" on my life in sports. All girls should have role models like that. Whether you know it or not, when you’re a woman in sports, someone is always watching, learning and being shown that a life in sport does exist.

Michelle Skilnick

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
17 and a half years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Manager, Events & Community Engagement.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Started as an admin assistant in 2006 as I was looking for a change in employment and wanted not just a job, but something that I enjoyed and was passionate about.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I’m very thankful and fortunate to be able to work in sports.

Kendall Newell

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Eight years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Senior Manager, Competition.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I’ve had a lot of great opportunities and experiences due to my participation in the sport of hockey. Working at Hockey Alberta has allowed me to be part of an organization that not only helps teach the values and create positive opportunities on the ice, but also help guide our youth towards gaining important life skills and help develop them into contributing members of society.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?:

It has been incredible to watch the growth of female sports. More women and young girls are playing hockey, we’re seeing a greater diversity of female coaches and officials at all levels and there are more women being incorporated into leadership positions across the province. I believe that we are going to see more growth and diversity within our sport, which is extremely positive.

Danielle Wheeler

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Manager, Female Development.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I changed jobs from my career in accounting for 12 years to work at Hockey Alberta. The opportunity came at the perfect time. As the saying goes "find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life". I love the game and am very fortunate to be able to work within the sport I love and the sport that helped mold me.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?:
I feel as though being a woman in sport shows other females, no matter what their age, there are no limits to what females can achieve.

Holly McDavid

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Nine years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Coordinator, Member Services.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Being involved in multiple sports growing up I knew I wanted to study and work in the field. Working at Hockey Alberta allows me to be immersed in sport on a daily basis.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Embracing opportunities to make an impactful difference on the lives of young athletes and to encourage representation at all levels of sport.

Hockey Alberta Board of Directors

Kirstan Jewell

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two and a half years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Director at Large.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Primarily as a way to give back to sport that has been so valuable to my family over the years. I care about every player in every arena. As I engaged more, it has also become very much about learning, listening and helping to shape hockey culture for future generations.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
It means continuing to make a difference every day, until no one actually needs to ask that question. Until then, it means bringing a voice for diversity and change, and it means bringing empathy to decisions and experiences.

Karen Lee

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Board of Director.

Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Member of the Hockey Alberta Audit & Risk Committee.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Like many Canadians, I grew up watching hockey with my family. My earliest memory of hockey was as a six-year-old, going to a Montreal Canadoens game at the Montreal Forum with my late father. Shortly after my family immigrated to Canada, one of my brothers started playing hockey. My brother has three sons and they all play hockey or are referees. One of my nephews played hockey in a few Canadian provinces, in Junior B and then Junior A. He also played internationally in the KHL for a year. When my nephews were playing hockey, I always noticed that their hockey teams not only emphasized teamwork, but they also instilled in the children, a strong sense of community as part of the game. This is an exciting time of change for all sports, especially for women in sports. I was impressed with Hockey Alberta’s progress in achieving diversity, equity and inclusion. I joined the board of Hockey Alberta because I wanted to apply my professional experience and diverse perspectives & experiences in order to support Hockey Alberta in creating positive opportunities and experiences for all players through innovative leadership and exceptional service.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
As a female growing up in a traditional Asian immigrant household, my parents worked multiple jobs and were unable to take me to and from activities, outside of going to school. I did not have the opportunity to participate in sports as a child because it was not seen as a priority for a girl, which was not always the case for my older brothers. As an adult, I became keenly aware of the impact of missing out on participating in sports as a child and how it has affected my life. I believe in the power of sport to develop social, life, leadership, team and community building skills. Since I did not have opportunities for sports outside of school as a child, my sport journey began as an adult. I served as a volunteer ’blue jacket’ with the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. I am a Jury Member & Official for the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF). As a Hockey Alberta board member and member of the Audit & Risk Committee, I support and advance Hockey Alberta’s vision, mission and values. I believe it’s important to give all children the opportunity to participate in sports. I would like women to know that even though they may not have had the opportunity to participate in sports in their youth, women can still participate and make a meaningful contribution in!

Hockey Alberta Foundation Board of Directors

Lisa Vlooswyk

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Four years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Board Member on the Hockey Alberta Foundation Board.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
My son has been playing hockey since he was a Timbit! It has brought him such great joy and we have wonderful family memories of all of his time at the rink. He was recently drafted in the first round to a WHL team and looks forward to playing there full-time next year. Although I am not a proficient skater, I see how much happiness it has brought our son, and I want to make sure that every child in Alberta who would like to learn the game can have that opportunity. Our Foundation’s motto: Every Kid Every Community, is why I volunteer.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I competed at a National level in gymnastics, competed for the University of Calgary on their varsity Track and Field team, and am an eight-time Canadian Long Drive Champion in golf. My top finish at the World Long Drive Championships is second place. I believe that sport has taught me about dedication, commitment, hard work, competition, and sportsmanship and has given me the confidence and character that I have brought into every aspect of my life. Sport has been a gift in my life and I believe that all girls should be involved in sport at a young age for this reason. I am proud that my son from a young age has always seen women as athletes because his mom was an athlete.

Minor Discipline Committee

Sharlene Cook

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
10 years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Minor Discipline, RSC Edmonton.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Hockey Edmonton needed a smart, hard working, rule understanding person to fill the role of Discipline and take the role on with Hockey Alberta.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
We as woman are trailblazers and I firmly believe we can see the potential in the game for not only woman, but all who want to play the game. I believe we see things differently than our male counterparts and bring a different perspective to the game. We are fierce in our dedication to the game and our roles within the game we all love.

Elite Female hockey

Lise Côté

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Eight years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Chair of the Alberta Female Hockey League.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
My kids were nearing the end of their hockey journey, but I wasn’t quite ready to bid farewell to the rink. Had it not been for my close friend’s recommendation, I likely wouldn’t be here. Having served as both a team manager and president of the association, I felt it was time to join a different committee.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Being a woman in sports encompasses facing unique challenges, breaking barriers and advocating for equality. Witnessing the evolution of girls hockey over the years has been gratifying, and knowing that I might have played a tiny part in that progress is rewarding.

Jody Forbes

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Over 10 years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Vice Chair for Elite Female Committee.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I had sat on numerous Hockey Alberta committees and task groups during my time with Hockey Calgary and Girls Hockey Calgary, so when I moved on from those organizations it was natural for me to take a role with Hockey Alberta’s Elite Female Committee.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I am extremely passionate about female sport and the benefit to all women and girls from being involved in sport. Growing up as a female in competitive sport and it taught me about commitment, dedication, leadership, and gave me confidence. I want to be able to give that back to our next generation of girls so they can experience the same benefits. The retention rates for girls in sport is appalling and I want to be able to positively impact those sporting experiences so we can continue to grow female hockey and keep girls on the ice.

Life Member

Annie Orton

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Since 1998.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Life Member.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I wanted to make the game better for all players.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I’m proud of the impact women have had on hockey. As administrators coaches officials and players.

Officials

Kelsey Hagan

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Nine years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Official.

Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
On the executive board for Central Region - Female Coaching & Mentorship.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I was initially involved in officiating in Ontario and then I moved to Calgary and joined Hockey Alberta. In my first few years of officiating, I had many mentors who coached and helped develop me as an official. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. When I moved to Alberta, I wanted to be more involved in mentorship so I could give back. I started by running our Female Development Mini-Clinic once a year, and now I have been on the executive pushing for development opportunities for our female officials for three years. My goal is to help up-and-coming female officials the same way my mentors helped me.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
To be a woman in sports is to be part of a community of women who are proud of who we are and how far we have come. It can be hard sometimes, especially in a [hockey] world that has been mostly male-dominated for a long time, but together, we can do amazing things. I believe it’s important to empower, challenge, and encourage each other so we can continue to push the limits, make a difference, and see how far we can go.

Brenda Honish

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
46 years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Official and the Female Director on the Central Region Board.

Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Director with the Okotoks Referee Association Liaison for the Okotoks Referee Association with the Okotoks Minor Hockey Association.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Played hockey and wanted to learn the rules, then got hooked on officiating. Joined Referee Boards to give back to my referee association. Also an assignor for Okotoks for the past 30 years.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
When I started there were not many females that played hockey, let alone referee. My parents raised me to know I could do anything boys did and with three brothers, I had to do whatever they did. I basically thought that doing whatever boys did was normal for girls, hockey was a big part of our lives. When I’d officiate some people thought it was great to see a female and some told me to go back into the kitchen. That comment made me more determined to do the best I could and get more females involved. While skating female hockey, I was constantly recruiting females and in Okotoks, we went from just me to 17 females one season. I would mentor each of them personally and encourage them to reach for the stars. Finally there are more opportunities for female officials, it’s so exciting. I had the opportunity to skate the 2000 Alberta Winter Games, Senior A Women’s Provincials and the female division in the Mac’s Tournament. I thoroughly enjoy working with the young officials and volunteering on the various boards. It’s all about the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made, that keep me coming back year after year, on and off the ice!

Karen Kane

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Since the 1990’s.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Volunteer: Registrar for Central Region Referees.

Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Not currently. Over the years have been a goalie, on-ice official and administrator. In early 1990s was President of SAWHA (Southern Alberta Women’s Hockey Association). In the late 1990s was Senior Rep on Female Council. Was a referee instructor for Central Region (Central Zone) from 2000-2018. Have been the Central Region Registrar for a number of years now.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
It just naturally happened because of the importance the game of hockey has had in my life. Current role is a way to hang around and give back now that I am no longer an active skater.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?:
Never really thought much about that question. Hockey is for everyone and I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived that for over four decades now, first in Montreal and then in Alberta.

Minor Female Committee

Julie Feragen

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
I’m in my eighth season.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Minor Female Chair.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I love the sport. As a kid, I never played but grew up in a hockey house. As a parent I have two of three children played. I enjoy volunteering and this opportunity was offered to me and I felt it was a good fit. The many people throughout the years that I have met and worked with has meant a lot and some have become lifelong friendships. The people I directly associate with in Hockey Alberta are the some of the best and are always there when needed for support.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Women in sports help with the gender stereotyping that happens on all levels. Many female athletes are role models and it is a great way to show men and women can be equals. This year with the PWHL beginning is one of the greatest steps in hockey history.

Administration Committee

Amber Boman

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Northeast Hockey Alberta Administrator.

Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Not necessarily with Hockey Alberta but within Hockey Alberta I do, I am the All Peace Hockey League U11 commissioner I believe for the last six years. I am also Smoky River Minor Hockey Association registrar for the last nine years, Native Hockey tournament registrar for about 17 years, Valleyview Jets senior men’s registrar for last two years. Prior to that I was the secretary and treasurer for about 23 years, and also the registrar for Valleyview minor hockey for about 10 years.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
The northwest administration asked me if I would be interested cause we’ve worked together as local registrar to Hockey Alberta administration for 16 years, and I wanted to broaden my hockey involvement.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I love being involved in sports and specially hockey and ball cause I have 4 children all who play or played. My three sons did hockey and my daughter did softball and my youngest son played AA baseball as well.

Seema King

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Ten years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Minor Administration - North Central Region.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I got involved with Hockey Alberta through Michelle Skilnick. She was with Member Services at that time and had reached out to me as a previous Registrar with my minor hockey association to see if I would be interested in a role with Hockey Alberta in Administration in my Zone.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I think it is important for women to be involved in a sport such as hockey. To be able to increase participation and grow the game, there needs to be voices from all different backgrounds, that includes females, which is one of the fastest growing demographics in minor hockey today.

Darcie Brady

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
This is my first year in an official role with Hockey Alberta.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Central Alberta Admin.

Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
I am also a governor for one of the minor leagues.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Nine years ago my oldest son came to me with an interest to play hockey and in that nine years I made a progression from a hockey mom, to manager, MHA registrar, league governor and last summer when the opportunity presented itself to become an admin for Hockey Alberta it called to me to make the jump.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
When I started playing hockey as a minor, hockey was still very much about it being a ’boys’ sport and I was on an all female team that did not have a lot of other all female opponents local to us to play. I consider my role as a women in sport to be an honour, I feel that while it is more recognized that women can and should be involved in sports at all levels and aspects; that it is important that women like myself continue to pave the way for future women. It is really exciting to me while doing work in my volunteer roles within minor hockey to be able to see that female teams are more recognized than they once were and I hope that they continue to grow in popularity.

Diane Ziemmer

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Six years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Zone Administrator.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
To give back to the hockey community, to share knowledge that I had learned through grassroots rural hockey.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Empowerment and acceptance! Proving many wrong and constantly breaking down barriers.

Janet Fairless

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
16 years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Minor Administration Coordinator Northwest Region.

Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Minor Administration Coordinator Chair.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
My zone needed a registrar, since then it is to try and help rural areas have a voice.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I have never really thought myself any different, I am a person in sport.

Member Liaison

Chantel Timmons

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Member Liaison.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Simply put, I love the game! I like to be involved, and when this volunteer position came up I jumped at the offer to become a part of Hockey Alberta’s team. I previously spent over 14 years serving on my local MHA board of directors, with 6 of those years being President. I enjoy working with the MHA Presidents, as well as being able to help teams, coaches and managers clarify or interpret bylaws, regulations, and policies all to reach the same end goal....keeping the kids in the game.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Hockey has long since been viewed as a male-dominated sport, both on and off the ice. So being a woman and able to become a part of the Hockey Alberta team has been awesome. I feel like I am seen as nothing less than an equal peer, an integral part of the team and have the same respect as anyone else does. At Hockey Alberta we are simply one team, there is no gender discrimination within and that is what creates success in our great sport of hockey.

League Scheduler

Traci Frost

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Three years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
League Scheduler.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
We are a big hockey family and I have always enjoyed doing what I can to be a part of the hockey community.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Seeing the growth in women’s sports phenomenal, and exciting. It gives these young girls and women something to aspire to and to be a part of.

Training and Medical

Paige Shannon

How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?:
Seven years.

What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?:
Head Athletic Therapist for Female Team Alberta program.

Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?:
Regional player safety liaison in Calgary and Mentor Therapist for Alberta Challenge and Prospects Cup.

Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?:
Originally I saw it as an opportunity to grow my career in hockey, network within the hockey world in Alberta. I continue to come back because as much as it’s still about growth and networking, I get to give back to my profession, meet incredible people, travel all over the country and watch the athletes grow into incredible young people.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?:
Being a woman in sports for me has always been lonely. For a lot of my career, I was the only female on staff. Now, it’s become an empowering space where I can be exactly who I want to be while being surrounded by incredibly strong, talented and inspiring women. For me, it means fostering change from within, and helping to carve a path for the generation behind while continuing give thanks to the generation in front.