March 15, 2025 - During the 2024 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships presented by ATB, Hockey Alberta introduced the Player Pledge initiative, a commitment to fostering a positive hockey culture. Today marks the one-year anniversary of this impactful initiative, celebrating the progress made in creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for all participants in the game.
“I’m very proud of the Player Pledge initiative. I know that it takes time for change to be seen, but I believe programs like the Player Pledge create valuable opportunities for our athletes and teams to become active and engaged participants in this change” Carlia Schwab, Manager, EDI and SafeSport declares.
Schwab explains that by “launching the Player Pledge at the 2024 Provincials [it] allowed us to challenge some of our greatest leaders and top teams to become part of the solution. Role-modeling for others the importance of inclusion, welcoming spaces, and being a good teammate. Encouraging others to join in.”
The Player Pledge was launched to reinforce Hockey Alberta’s objective of ensuring hockey remains a sport where all players, coaches, and families feel safe, welcome, and valued. It serves as a reminder that the words and actions of individuals can shape the experience of everyone involved. This year, we made a deliberate change from "It starts with me" to "It starts with us," shifting the pledge’s wording to include "we" and "us". This adjustment emphasizes a stronger team-driven call to action, reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility in fostering a positive hockey culture.
The Player Pledge
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.
Building on the success of the initial launch, the 2025 Player Pledge campaign began in January with an exciting new addition: the Online Player Program. This program allowed teams to take their commitment a step further by engaging in online resources and discussions that promote inclusivity, respect, and sportsmanship. By integrating digital tools, Hockey Alberta provided teams with the opportunity to reflect on their role in shaping the culture of the game and enhancing the overall experience for all participants.
“My hope is that the Player Pledge can continue to empower and motivate our young athletes to think of Hockey as not just a game to play but as a safe space to grow, to build friendships, strengthen resiliency, foster leadership and teamwork, and to learn how to become safe and respectful contributors in our communities” Schwab shares her hopes on continuing the pledge.
As teams gear up for the 2025 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, there is still time to sign onto the Player Pledge and recommit to the values of respect, inclusion, and sportsmanship. Whether on the ice, in the locker room, or in the stands, every player, coach, and fan plays a role in shaping the hockey experience. By taking the pledge, teams remind themselves of the importance of sportsmanship and the responsibility they have in creating a positive atmosphere for all.
Hockey Alberta continues to encourage everyone to uphold these values, not just during provincials but throughout the season and beyond. The commitment to inclusivity and respect is an ongoing effort, and by standing together, we can make a lasting impact on the sport we love.
“Hockey is for everyone; the Player Pledge is just one initiative we can use to contribute to this reality” Schwab states.
For teams and individuals looking to join the pledge, visit Hockey Alberta’s Player Pledge page to learn more and sign on.