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News

Hockey Alberta - COVID-19 Update

RED DEER - As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Hockey Alberta has cancelled all May programming. Hockey Alberta offices will also remain closed until further notice.

Due to the uncertainty of the current situation, Hockey Alberta has made the decision to cancel all programming until May 31. We understand that this is a trying time for many, and we will work diligently with each participant to ensure a proper refund is executed.

Due to the volume of refunds that we are processing, we ask for your patience over the next 4-6 weeks as we work though each registration. Our registration and payment platform provides us with all of the necessary information to complete the refund, so no additional action is required on your part.

All refunds for cancelled programs up to April 30 have now been processed. If you have not received notification that your refund has been processed, contact Hockey Alberta as soon as possible.

If you have questions, please submit via email to [email protected].

While the office remains closed, Hockey Alberta is still open for business, with staff working remotely. We are striving to carry on regular operations with as little interruption as possible. During this time, the best way to contact us is via the following channels:

  • Direct email: A staff list, with a direct link to each staff’s email, can be found on our website
  • General email: Submit your inquiry to [email protected]
  • Website: Submit your inquiry through the Hockey Alberta website: Contact Us
  • By phone: Call Hockey Alberta’s main line, 403-342-6777, and leave a voicemail (please specify the recipient of the message or a brief description of what you’re calling about). Your message will be delivered via our voicemail-to-email platform.

As per government regulations, the office will remain closed until further notice. As circumstances develop, we will keep everyone informed of changes and updates. We apologize for any issues or inconvenience that may arise due to the office being closed.

Please take all precautions to stay safe. Follow the directions of local, provincial and federal health and government authorities, as we work together with fellow Albertans, and citizens across the country, to help resolve this situation.

Hockey at Home

Hockey at Home with Marc & Izzy Lajoie - Soft Catch & Release Shooting

As part of Hockey Alberta’s Hockey at Home series, Team Alberta alumni Marc Lajoie (Tri-City Americans) and Izzy Lajoie (U of A Pandas) show off drills that can be done at home.

Soft Catch & Release Shooting

The soft catch and release shooting technique allows a player to quickly control a pass and load the puck in a ready shooting position allowing the player to get the shot off quickly before a defender can apply pressure.

Some key execution points for this drill:

  • Good hockey position
  • High Elbow
  • Good transfer of weight
  • Keep your head up
  • Hands away from your body
  • Follow through to the target

For more Hockey at Home videos, go to hockeyalberta.ca/hockey-home

News

Recognizing Hockey’s Volunteers Across Alberta

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to join organizations across Alberta and Canada in celebrating National Volunteer Week, which runs April 19-25.

Hockey in Alberta relies on thousands of volunteers who freely give tens of thousands of hours of their time each year. Those volunteer roles include, but certainly aren’t limited to, serving as:

  • Executive members, directors, coaches, trainers, managers and many other positions within our Minor Hockey Associations, leagues and club teams, ensuring that the more than 3000 teams in the province can play, practice, and travel throughout the season;
  • Chairs, members or delegates on Hockey Alberta’s operational committees, making key decisions to ensure the smooth operation on a day-to-day basis; and
  • Coaches, trainers, directors of operations and mentors within Hockey Alberta’s Team Alberta high performance programming.

Over the course of National Volunteer Week, Hockey Alberta is proud to present the names and faces of a handful of Alberta’s hockey volunteers, without whom our sport does not operate, and our players do not get the opportunity to experience our great game.

Volunteer Spotlights >

We encourage you to take a few moments to recognize and thank those key volunteers with your MHA or team.

Home Ice Feature

Volunteer Spotlight - Tosha Sim & Pete and Crystal Swales

RED DEER - To celebrate National Volunteer Week, Hockey Alberta is shining the spotlight on a handful of volunteers who make a huge impact on the sport in Alberta.

More volunteer profiles can be found on Hockey Alberta’s Volunteer Appreciation page.

Tosha Sim

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterTosha is the trainer for the Red Deer Junior B Vipers, a position she’s held since 2016, having previously been the volunteer coordinator for the team. She has been a volunteer coach for the Red Deer City Soccer Association since she was 16 years old.

"I volunteer because so many people have volunteered for me," said Tosha. "Growing up playing competitive soccer and being actively involved in my school community has taught me the importance of giving time to people and causes."

Tosha’s most memorable moments are the pair of Heritage Junior Hockey League North Division and League titles the Vipers brought home in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.

"It was an amazing opportunity to be part of the team and watch them work their way to the top," she said. "Also, I volunteer with my husband (Brady Sim). He has been with the team for 7-8 years. He does the play-by-play and announcing. It is really special to volunteer together, he is a superstar."

Tosha is currently an Elementary Education student, going in to her fourth year through the University of Alberta and Red Deer College.

Pete & Crystal Swales

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterPete and Crystal Swales are both longtime volunteers in Central Alberta, and currently volunteer with the Red Deer Senior AA Rustlers. Pete has been the team’s trainer since its inception a little over two years ago, with Crystal helping out in various roles during games and practices.

Both Pete and Crystal volunteer together in many roles outside of sport as well, including (what was then known as) the Suicide Prevention Line when they met 35 years ago.

As a registered RMT since 1995, Pete has worked with athletes in various roles, and began volunteering as a team trainer 15 years ago, spending five years with the Midget AAA team in Red Deer, before moving on to more volunteer roles outside of hockey, before returning to hockey in 2018 with the Senior Rustlers. In his sixth year with the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada, Pete is President of the Board of Directors.

"I was once asked why I volunteer... the simple answer is free pizza on the bus after a long trip to somewhere rural Alberta," said Pete. "The real reason is so much deeper, a sense of community and supporting others. At this point though, Crystal and I know now that if we need help or support the team is here for us. How do you put a price on that? Both my beautiful bride and I been so fortunate to have volunteered or served with so many groups and organizations, being asked to list them brings back many memories."

One of Pete’s favourite memories goes back to when he was first asked to join the Bantam AAA team for Westerns in B.C.

"It was a hectic week, neck injuries to band-aids on sore toes. What I didn’t realize then is for the most part the players of those days are part of our lives today," he said. "When Mikayla, our eldest granddaughter came to her first game, she leaned over the bench only to say ’oh Grandpa, those boys smell!’.

Outside of hockey, Crystal has volunteered with RCMP Victim Services, Suicide Prevent Crisis Line, helping organize Red Deer Firefighters retirement parties, and most recently was the Chairperson of the Central Albert Quilt Guild’s Quilt Show.

"I volunteer to give back and I feel that is so important," said Crystal. "Volunteers are the backbone of so many communities and organizations, which is very rewarding"

Crystal’s favourite moments came from volunteering with Red Deer’s Midget AAA team, travelling to Kenora in 2004 to the Telus Cup and bringing home bronze, and then again when Red Deer hosted in 2007 and won sivler.

Pete is the owner of a theraputic clinic in Red Deer, which is currently closed for safety reasons during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a 30-year career as an emergency 9-1-1 dispatcher with Red Deer Emergency Services, Crystal retired and now is a part of the front-line staff at the Red Deer Hospital, and as an essential employee continues to work and serve her community.

Hockey at Home

Hockey at Home Goalie Skills - Recoveries & Crease Movement

As part of the Hockey at Home Series, Hockey Alberta will publish a weekly video focused on goaltender skills drills that can be done at home.

This week, Team Alberta alumna, University of Calgary Dinos goaltender Dayna Owen shows how to practice recoveries and crease movement. Check back every Saturday for the latest goalie skills video!

Recoveries and Crease Movement

Oftentimes, goaltenders do not get the opportunity to practice good recovery habits in drills during the season. Now is the perfect time to work on good habits that can help get you ready for next season!

Being able to recover and move across the crease efficiently is a key element to having your feet ready and set for the next shot. You can isolate your recovery and agility skills, or you can combine them with tracking exercises to your glove and blocker. In season and during team drills these skills, without deliberate focus and repetitions, can be easily overlooked which will ultimately limit performance. This drill can be done with a puck or a ball, whichever works best for your training. When practicing these skills, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • Start in an down/butterfly stance – Chest up, weight over your knees, eyes downward, chin in front of knees
  • Hands away from the body, blocker and glove are positioned in front of the body. Elbows are bent and hands are ready.
  • To rotate to start your recovery, think head, hands, hips;
    • Eyes and head turn to look where the goalie is going (new target)
    • Hands begin to move together towards the next target (remember: elbows stay against the body)
    • Lead leg pulls under the body and squares the hips up to the next target
  • Once you have rotated, get up and push with the outside/back leg
  • Stop using the lead leg
  • Make sure to square up your shoulders to the “shooter” (or ball being thrown)
  • Push yourself to set your feet prior to the “shot”
  • Make sure to track the puck all the way into your blocker (or glove)
    • If you do not catch it, square up to the rebound to practice good habits
  • Make sure to do this on both sides (glove and blocker)
  • To progress this drill:
    • Have the “shooter” move to different positions to simulate shorter/larger pushes across
    • Incorporate up/down movements to simulate getting in and out of the butterfly (knee pads encouraged)
    • Reaction balls can be bounced off of the ground towards the goaltender
    • Obstacles can be placed to simulate a screen (depending on the skill set of the goaltender)

    • Change up the footwork patterns (smaller shuffles, bigger T-Push-like cross-crease movements, etc)

Hockey Alberta Goaltender Guide >

For more Hockey at Home videos, go to hockeyalberta.ca/hockey-home

Home Ice Feature

Volunteer Spotlight - Tom Chapman & Darren Smith

RED DEER - To celebrate National Volunteer Week, Hockey Alberta is shining the spotlight on a handful of volunteers who make a huge impact on the sport in Alberta.

More volunteer profiles can be found on Hockey Alberta’s Volunteer Appreciation page.

Tom Chapman

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterTom has been coaching hockey in Lethbridge for eight years, at every level from Peewee AA to Midget AAA. He also currently is the Lethbridge Hurricane’s assistant video coach.

"I volunteer because of my love for the game of hockey. Ever since I was a small boy hockey has been my world, it’s taught me so many life lessons and helped create lifelong friendships, and I can’t imagine my life with hockey," said Tom. "Teammates have become family the bond created between us is something that can’t be explained. I volunteer to help young players and their families fall in love with the game like I have. It’s truly amazing what the game of hockey can do for you, seeing young players fall in love with the game is priceless and why I will continue to volunteer for the rest of my life!"

Tom said his most memorable moment as an volunteer came back in the 2018-2019 season while coaching Midget AAA in Lethbridge.

"Our team attended the prestigious Macs Midget AAA tournament and earned our way to the finals, we were the first team from Lethbridge to make the finals in over 25 years," he said. "This is something myself, the rest of our staff and most importantly the players and their families will never forget."

Tom farms alongside his father in Lomond, and continues to work during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Darren Smith

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterDarren is a long-time hockey coach in Edmonton, and also coaches lacrosse and baseball. He’s also volunteered as an assistant coach in lacrosse, and as an player evaluator during hockey evaluations.

In addition to coaching, as a police dog handler with the Edmonton Police Service Canine Unit, Darren says he valued attending schools and community centers with his police dog to interact with elementary and junior high aged students, answering questions and discussing life choices.

As a police officer and the parent of a young athlete, I recognize the impact that sport and the coaching staff can have on the development of the individual as an athlete and who the individual develops into away from the game," said Darren. "As a member of the community developing individual values, personal life skills, and team life skills, the friendships developed through sport as an athlete, coach, or parent. I love the excitement of sports."

Darren says he’s been very fortunate as a coach to witness the excitement of the players as they celebrate winning a tournament championship, a city championship or Edmonton Minor Hockey Week.

"As a coach, my most memorable moments occur when I see players in the community whom I have coached in the past, and they stop to talk and tell me how they are doing, how their sports are going, how their schooling is going, or they invite me to watch them play," he said.

As a police officer, Darren is an essential worker, and continues to serve the city of Edmonton during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hockey at Home

Hockey at Home with Ali Stead: Backhand Flip

Hockey Alberta is excited to work with Ali Stead (@never2late2learn.hky) to bring you weekly off-ice skills drills, as part of the Hockey at Home Series.

Ali Stead is a hockey player and social media influencer. Having only started playing hockey a few years ago, she developed her skills quickly, and is now passionate about sharing her love and knowledge for the game. Be sure to check back every Thursday for the latest drill!

Backhand Flip

Acquiring a soft touch on the backhand can open up new opportunities during gameplay. Here’s a fun drill to improve your backhand control.

Give it a try with these key points in mind:

  • Keep knees bent for a strong stance and good weight transfer
  • On the backhand flip, roll wrists forward to create a wedge that will get under the puck and create lift
  • On the forehand catch, roll wrists forward to trap and cradle the puck with a closed blade
  • Look up periodically to scan your environment

For a regressed version, try using a tennis ball instead!

For more Hockey at Home videos, go to hockeyalberta.ca/hockey-home

Home Ice Feature

Volunteer Spotlight - Kevin Kuryluk & Janet Fairless

RED DEER - To celebrate National Volunteer Week, Hockey Alberta is shining the spotlight on a handful of volunteers who make a huge impact on the sport in Alberta.

More volunteer profiles can be found on Hockey Alberta’s Volunteer Appreciation page.

Kevin Kuryluk

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterKevin has held numerous volunteer positions in the Grande Prairie area, including coaching minor hockey and minor baseball, and has been a minor hockey board member since 2016.

Kevin also volunteers with Hockey Alberta in several capacities, including facilitating coach clinics, on-ice instruction at development camps, and volunteer coaching.

"I feel like if I can help a young athlete grow as a person and become more confident, I can help them accomplish more," said Kevin. "If that’s carried forward with them for their entire life, it will create opportunities for others. I also think back to my youth and how many great people influenced my life through their volunteer work, and I believe we build stronger communities through sport and teamwork and I enjoy watching the players I coach grow and develop. There’s no downside to volunteering."

Kevin notes his recent experience as being part of the Team Alberta North Male coaching staff for the 2020 Arctic Winter Games as one of his most memorable moments.

"Even though the games were cancelled, just being part of the process starting in August with applying for the job through to our training weekend with the players from both the male and female teams it was a fantastic experience," he said. "Another highlight for me has been working all of the Hockey Alberta PEP camps and being with the Hockey Alberta PEP program from the beginning."

Kevin operates a grain farm and is considered an essential worker, so he continues to work through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Janet Fairless

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterJanet is a long-time volunteer with Hockey Alberta as the Zone 1 Minor Administration Coordinator and Minor Administration Chair. Her long list of volunteer roles in hockey also includes coaching female hockey with the Grimshaw Minor Hockey Assoications, numerous team manager positions, registrar for Grimshaw MHA, and the manager and registrar for the Grimshaw Huskies Senior Men’s team. She also has been a member of the Arctic Winter Games Mission Staff since 2012.

Outside of hockey, Janet holds several other volunteer roles with Ducks Unlimited, the Grimshaw Community Services Board, and has volunteered for both the Alberta Summer and Alberta Winter Games.

"(I volunteer) for the joy it gives to the athletes, that’s the main reason," said Janet. "But also, these things need to be done so activities and organizations can run... someone has to do it. People ask me why I do it, what am I getting out of it. If you are doing it for the purpose of getting something out of it, then I don’t feel that you are there for the right reasons. My answer always is satisfaction from helping others, and the relationships. I have met so many great people and made so many wonderful friends through my volunteering."

Janet said her favourite moments always come from seeing the look of accomplishment on athlete’s faces when they win a banner or medal.

"One that really stands out was giving the Most Sportmanlike banner to the Indis Atom Hockey team last year at Provincials in Peace River," she said. "That was a very happy group of young players. You would think they had won the Stanley Cup and in my eyes they did. I almost cried presenting it to them, they were a great group, right from the bench staff, players to the fans."

News

Six Albertans selected in first round of 2020 WHL Bantam Draft | Full list of Albertans registered in Hockey Canada sanctioned programs selected

RED DEER - Seventy-five Albertans registered in Hockey Canada sanctioned programs heard their names called during 2020 WHL Bantam Draft on Wednesday, including six in the first round.

Zemlak was taken by the Victoria Royals, with blueliner Mazden Leslie (Lloydminster) going right after him, 10th overall to the Vancouver Giants. Cole Miller (Edmonton) went 16th overall to the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Saige Weinstein (Edmonton) to the Spokane Chiefs at 18, Dawson Seitz (Medicine Hat) to the Edmonton Oil Kings with the 20th pick, and the Prince George Cougars wrapped up the first round by selecting Ryker Singer (Lloydminster) 22nd overall.

Alberta also boasted the first two goaltenders taken in the draft, with Seattle drafting Scott Ratzlaff (Irma) in the second round, 43rd overall, and Moose Jaw selecting Jackson Unger (Calgary) in the third round, 53rd overall.

A full list of Albertans registered in Hockey Canada sanctioned programs drafted can be found below:

Pick Player Team Position Hometown

FIRST ROUND
9th Austin Zemlak Victoria Royals Defence Fort McMurray
10th Mazden Leslie Vancouver Giants Defence Lloydminster
16th Cole Miller Lethbridge Hurricanes Forward Edmonton
18th Saige Weinstein Spokane Chiefs Defence Edmonton
20th Dawson Seitz Edmonton Oil Kings Forward Medicine Hat
22nd Ryker Singer Prince George Cougars Forward Lloydminster

SECOND ROUND
24th Talon Brigley Red Deer Rebels Forward Sylvan Lake
31st Matteo Fabrizi Red Deer Rebels Defence St. Albert
37th Harrison Lodewyk Prince Albert Raiders Forward Red Deer
39th Josh Van Mulligen Medicine Hat Tigers Defence Medicine Hat
40th Kooper Gizowski Spokane Chiefs Forward Edmonton
43rd Scott Ratzlaff Seattle Thunderbirds Goalie Irma

THIRD ROUND
46th Rylan Brown Prince George Cougars Defence Sherwood Park
47th Tanner Gould Tri-City Americans Forward Calgary
49th Marcus Pacheco Kelowna Rockets Forward Edmonton
51st Shane Smith Medicine Hat Tigers Forward Duchess
53rd Jackson Unger Moose Jaw Warriors Goalie Calgary
56th Ethan Semeniuk Vancouver Giants Forward Calgary
57th Teydon Trembecky Brandon Wheat Kings Forward Strathcona
58th Aiden Oiring Winnipeg Ice Forward Calgary
65th Carter Yakemchuk Calgary Hitmen Defence Calgary
66th Zackary Shantz Prince George Cougars Forward Grande Prairie

FOURTH ROUND
70th Chase Walker Prince George Cougars Forward Byemoor
77th Mikhail Volotovskii Saskatoon Blades Forward Calgary
79th Eastyn Mannix Brandon Wheat Kings Defence Wainwright
80th Ashton Cumby Winnipeg Ice Defence Bonnyville
82nd Emmitt Finnie Kamloops Blazers Forward Lethbridge
86th Carter Kowalyk Edmonton Oil Kings Defence St. Albert

FIFTH ROUND
90th Zachary Wilson Prince Albert Raiders Forward Wetaskiwin
91st Hunter Sawka Calgary Hitmen Forward Cochrane
92nd Ephram McNutt Prince George Cougars Defence Red Deer
94th Ty Fraser Winnipeg Ice Forward Raymond
96th Carter Capton Brandon Wheat Kings Goalie Lethbridge
98th Colin Reay Vancouver Giants Goalie Sherwood Park
101st Benjamin Stokes Tri-City Americans Forward Calgary
103rd Wesley Golden Prince Albert Raiders Defence Grande Prairie
105th Andrew Basha Medicine Hat Tigers Forward Calgary
106th Kai Matthew Kamloops Blazers Forward Edmonton

SIXTH ROUND
110th John Szabo Edmonton Oil Kings Forward Lethbridge
114th Logan Dochuk Kelowna Rockets Defence Edmonton
117th Jackson Romeril Kelowna Rockets Defence Calgary
118th Cooper Michaluk Spokane Chiefs Goalie Sherwood Park
119th Drew Freer Tri-City Americans Forward Calgary
120th Dax Hughes-Williams Calgary Hitmen Defence Calgary
123rd Hunter St. Martin Medicine Hat Tigers Forward Edmonton
124th Kyle Federico Spokane Chiefs Defence Calgary
125th Justin Kipkie Victoria Royals Defence Calgary
128th Ivan Kedrov Prince Albert Raiders Forward Calgary
129th Luke McCrady Edmonton Oil Kings Defence Calgary
130th Xander Shulte Calgary Hitmen Forward Stony Plain

SEVENTH ROUND
133rd Carmelo Crandell Saskatoon Blades Forward St. Albert
139th Alex Scheiwiller Kelowna Rockets Goalie Calgary
141st Oakley Mcilwain Brandon Wheat Kings Defence Lloydminster
142nd Ryan Arnold Red Deer Rebels Forward St. Albert
146th Nolan Kelly Spokane Chiefs Forward Calgary
149th Logan Cunningham Victoria Royals Goalie Sherwood Park

EIGHTH ROUND
154th Brock Lott Winnipeg Ice Goalie Red Deer
158th Josh Karman Winnipeg Ice Defence Calgary
161st Josh Perreault Spokane Chiefs Forward Red Deer
170th Zach Zahara Medicine Hat Tigers Goalie Rocky View County
172nd Matthew Paskiewicz Everett Silvertips Forward Calgary
173rd Reid Larson Edmonton Oil Kings Defence Calgary

NINTH ROUND
180th Ethan Neutens Kelowna Rockets Forward Cochrane
187th Brent Hoshowski Victoria Royals Forward Bonnyville
189th Connor Dale Winnipeg Ice Forward St. Albert
191st Kaden Phillips Lethbridge Hurricanes Defence Sundre
194th Eric Jamieson Everett Silvertips Defence Calgary

TENTH ROUND
199th Thomas Matte Moose Jaw Warriors Forward Calgary
204th Cole Unger Medicine Hat Tigers Defence Medicine Hat
206th Hayden Fechner Saskatoon Blades Forward Edmonton
207th Logan Greenough Everett Silvertips Defence Calgary
215th Nicholas Johnson Portland Winterhawks Forward Calgary

ELEVENTH ROUND
220th Jadon Iyogun Saskatoon Blades Forward Calgary

TWELFTH ROUND
226th Luke Roberts Seattle Thunderbirds Goalie St. Albert
228th Jack Ketsa Winnipeg Ice Defence St. Albert

Home Ice Feature

Volunteer Spotlight - Lesley Burton & Kayne Warwick

RED DEER - To celebrate National Volunteer Week, Hockey Alberta is shining the spotlight on a handful of volunteers who make a huge impact on the sport in Alberta.

More volunteer profiles can be found on Hockey Alberta’s Volunteer Appreciation page.

Lesley Burton

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterLesley holds a number of volunteer roles within her Southern Alberta community, most notably as a founding director of the University of Lethbridge Women’s Hockey Alumni Foundation.

She also is the manager of the Tilley Curling Club, President of the Tilley Hockey Academy, and a board member and coach for hockey and power skating. She also recently was a key volunteer for Hockey Alberta’s Female Hockey Day in Lethbridge.

"Growing up, I watched my parents help run our community and I was always very proud of what they did for all of us," said Lesley. "It takes a lot of work sometimes, but the friends you develop and the experiences you take away are what life is all about... ’leave it better than you found it’ is the way I look at it. Being a role model is very important to me as well, helping an athlete achieve their goals is so incredibly rewarding."

Lesley notes her time as a coach has been very memorable, as well as her position with the Tilley Curling Club, which is very near and dear to her family.

Kayne Warwick

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterKayne currently sits on the Sylvan Lake Minor Hockey Association Board of Directors as the Initiation Director, where he started the Learn To Play and Junior Coach programs.

In addition to coaching within SLMHA, Kayne represents the association within the West Country league, and has also coached baseball, lacrosse, and volleyball.

"(I volunteer) for the kids and the game. Whatever small part I can play to ensure that the kids have a safe, fun and a positive experience playing and learning the game I love," said Kayne. "My most memorable moments have come from seeing the kids within the new programs attain that sense of achievement of trying something new and realizing its okay to fall, and there’s nothing that a little determination and work can’t overcome."

Hockey at Home

Hockey at Home with Crash Conditioning - Episode Three (Featuring Mike Green and Dr. Christopher Woo)

Hockey Alberta is excited to partner with Doug ’Crash’ Crashley of Crash Conditioning Ltd to bring a weekly series to the homes of hockey players across Alberta, focused on strength and conditioning.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep us all at home, it’s important to maintain strength, conditioning and proper nutrition as much as possible. Follow along with Crash each week as he takes us through a routine to help everyone become a ’Crashlete’ at home! Stay tuned every for a new workout from Crash every Tuesday.

Episode three features vision training with Dr. Christopher Woo, and strength training with Edmonton Oilers defenceman Mike Green.

The Workout:

1.Warmup - 15-20 metres for each, or approximately 5-15 reps:
a) Sock walk
b) Ankle walk
c) Toe walk - forward/reverse lateral
d) Lunge walk - forward/reverse lateral
e) Inchworm - forward/reverse
f) Leg swings
g) Marching
h) High knees

2. Linear speed - 3 step quickness (4-8 reps)

3. Lateral step quickness (4-6 reps)

4. Strength:
a) Rear foot elevated split squat
b) Seated shoulder press

5. Follow the Hockey Alberta nutrition guide - eat and sleep well!

Hockey at Home Series >

Home Ice Feature

Volunteer Spotlight - Julie Feragen & Scott Henderson

RED DEER - To celebrate National Volunteer Week, Hockey Alberta is shining the spotlight on a handful of volunteers who make a huge impact on the sport in Alberta.

More volunteer profiles can be found on Hockey Alberta’s Volunteer Appreciation page.

Julie Feragen

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterJulie is currently Hockey Alberta’s Minor Female Chair, a position she’s held for four years, and is the Senior Midget Governor for NAI. She’s previously held the position of Vice President and President of the Ponoka Minor Hockey Association, and the Governor for the North Central.

"(Volunteering) brings much appreciation from many, people make a point of telling you that it’s worth it," said Julie. "I find that it’s a great way to meet new people and show that you appreciate others at the same time. Great networking!"

Julie says her most memorable moments are being a part of the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships every year, and being there to see the excitement of the teams who make it to gold medal games.

Being in the agriculture industry, Julie is an essential employee and continues to work and serve her clients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scott Henderson

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterScott has given his time to the sport for 12 years as a coach, board member and director with Hockey Calgary, as well as the First Shift Program and the Calgary Flames Learn to Play Program.

"I’ve had all four of my children play hockey, and it gave so much to our family that I really like to give back," said Scott. "The satisfaction of seeing children progress from just starting on ice to skating and developing a love for the game is why I volunteer."

Scott currently works in the construction industry, and continues to work through the COVID-19 pandemic.

News

Home Ice Feature

Volunteer Spotlight - Bernie Vanderham & Keith Hurd

RED DEER - To celebrate National Volunteer Week, Hockey Alberta is shining the spotlight on a handful of volunteers who make a huge impact on the sport in Alberta.

More volunteer profiles can be found on Hockey Alberta’s Volunteer Appreciation page.

Bernie Vanderham

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterBernie Vanderham is a volunteer coach with the Innisfail Timbit Eaglet program for four year-olds, a position he’s held for 14 years. Bernie has had the opportunity to coach the program alongside his son Logan, who was just 15 years old when he began coaching.

In addition to his role with the Eaglet program, Bernie also volunteered in various roles throughout his son’s time playing minor hockey, both as a coach and as a manager, earning him numerous awards and recognition, including a Citizen of the Year award from the Town of Innisfail, and a Governor’s Award.

Bernie is also a long-time volunteer at the Innisfail Ski Hill, performing maintenance and inspections when needed.

"My favorite moments are when the young 4 year old players finally get motion forward with their stride, the look on their faces is amazing, once they figure skating out, it’s really cool," said Bernie. "With the ski hill, it’s the same thing , the smile on their faces after a day of skiing."

As a Corrections Officer, Bernie is an essential employee, and continues to work and serve his community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keith Hurd

Hockey Alberta Ice Times NewsletterKeith Hurd has been an active volunteer since 2007, including over 10 years with the Team Alberta program as a Director of Operations at the Alberta Cup, and Camp Coordinator at the Team Alberta U16 Summer Development Camp.

Keith has also served as a Team Manager for four different teams: Calgary Royals Minor Midget AAA (2007-2009), Calgary Royals Bantam AAA (2009-2014), Okotoks Bantam AAA (2014-2017) and Okotoks Midget AAA (2017-2018).

"I love being part of a team and helping to provide lifelong memories for young hockey players," said Keith. "I was on a plane in London Ontario, a couple years ago, on the way to Toronto, when a young man, who was boarding, looked at me and said ’are you Keith?’. It was Devan Reed, who was then attending Western University and had played in the Alberta Cup for Team Calgary North several years earlier... it truly is a lifelong connection."

Keith notes winning the AMBHL Championship and a silver medal in the Western Canadian Bantam Championship with the Okotoks Bantam AAA team, as well as winning the Alberta Cup with Team South in 2017 as two of his most memorable experiences as a volunteer.

Hockey at Home

Hockey at Home Goalie Skills - Moving Across the Crease & Tracking

As part of the Hockey at Home Series, Hockey Alberta will publish a weekly video focused on goaltender skills drills that can be done at home.

This week, Team Alberta alumna, University of Calgary Dinos goaltender Dayna Owen shows how to practice moving across the crease and passing. Check back every Saturday for the latest goalie skills video!

Moving Across the Crease & Tracking

Now is the perfect time to improve your footwork, agility and tracking, this drill can assist you in improving your skills as you get ready for next season!

Being able to move across the crease, get your feet set and square before the shot is a key element to save selection. You can isolate your footwork and agility skills, or you can combine them with tracking exercises to your glove and blocker. In season and during team drills these skills, without deliberate focus and repetitions, can be easily overlooked which will ultimately limit performance. This drill can be done with a puck or a ball, whichever works best for your training. When practicing these skills, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • Start in an athletic stance - bent ankles/knees, chest up and back straight
  • Hands away from the body, blocker and glove are positioned in front of the body. Elbows are bent and hands are ready.
  • Head stays level during shuffle movements (no bobbing up and down)
  • Both hips face forward and square up with your target
  • Make sure to square up your shoulders to the “shooter” (or ball being thrown)
  • Set your feet prior to the “shot”
  • Make sure to track the puck all the way into your glove.
    • If you do not catch it, square up to the rebound to practice good habits
  • Make sure to do this on both sides (glove and blocker)
  • To progress this drill:
    • Have someone flash a different number of fingers every 2-3 seconds at the mid-way point
    • Incorporate up/down movements to simulate getting in and out of the butterfly (knee pads encouraged)
    • Reaction balls can be bounced off of the ground towards the goaltender
    • Obstacles can be placed to simulate a screen (depending on the skill set of the goaltender)
    • Change up the footwork patterns (smaller shuffles, bigger T-Push like cross crease movements, etc)

Hockey Alberta Goaltender Guide >

For more Hockey at Home videos, go to hockeyalberta.ca/hockey-home

Hockey at Home

Hockey at Home with Ali Stead: Wide Pulls - Backhand

Hockey Alberta is excited to work with Ali Stead (@never2late2learn.hky) to bring you weekly off-ice skills drills, as part of the Hockey at Home Series.

Ali Stead is a hockey player and social media influencer. Having only started playing hockey a few years ago, she developed her skills quickly, and is now passionate about sharing her love and knowledge for the game. Be sure to check back every Thursday for the latest drill!

Wide Pulls - Backhand

The top players in the game have the ability to extend their puck handling range to beat opponents. Start with this simple stationary drill to get the feel of moving the puck out wide under control.


Challenge yourself to move the puck out as wide as possible using the points listed below:

  • Start in a good hockey stance with knees bent, head and chest up
  • Keep the puck narrow to start and work up to full extension
  • Stay low and shift weight from one leg to the other
  • Top hand must be active, roll the wrist to cradle/pinch the puck
  • Adjust elevation of the top hand, moving the top hand lower to the ground will extend range even further

For more Hockey at Home videos, go to hockeyalberta.ca/hockey-home

Hockey at Home

Hockey at Home with Crash Conditioning - Episode Two

Hockey Alberta is excited to partner with Doug ’Crash’ Crashley of Crash Conditioning Ltd to bring a weekly series to the homes of hockey players across Alberta, focused on strength and conditioning.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep us all at home, it’s important to maintain strength, conditioning and proper nutrition as much as possible. Follow along with Crash each week as he takes us through a routine to help everyone become a ’Crashlete’ at home! Stay tuned every for a new workout from Crash every Tuesday.

The Workout:

1. Foam rolling series - 20-30 seconds of each

2. Dynamic warm-up - 10-12 minutes:
a) Lunge complex - 3-5 reps
b) Squat stretch - 5 reps
c) Sumo squats - 5 reps
d) Mountain climber complex - 5 reps slow, 3 reps fast
e) Peeing dog to donkey kick - 5 reps
f) Hip can-opener - 2 sets: 5 opener, 5 squat

3. Ankling:
a) Ankle up/down - 5-10 reps
b) Ankling springs - 10 reps
c) Single-leg ankling - 5 reps/leg
d) 2-leg lateral hops - 2 sets, 5 reps
e) 2-leg forward/backward - 2 sets, 5 reps
f) Single-leg lateral hops - 5 reps
g) Single-leg forward/backward - 5 reps

4. Cross-over Step - 5reps per side (across and return)

5. Strength:
a) Towel pulls (step and pull) - 3 sets, 5-8 pulls
b) Banded split-position pull - 3 sets, 5 reps (hold for 4 seconds)
c) Hockey stick push-pull complex - 5 reps of forehand and backhand (hold for 10 seconds)
d) Bucket/medicine ball seated shoulder press - 2-3 sets, 5 reps

6. Follow the Hockey Alberta nutrition guide - eat and sleep well!

Hockey at Home Series >

Hockey at Home

Hockey at Home Goalie Skills - Pulling the Puck Off the Boards and Passing

As part of the Hockey at Home Series, Hockey Alberta will publish a weekly video focused on goaltender skills drills that can be done at home.

This week, former Team Alberta netminder Dayna Owen shows how to practice pulling the puck off the boards and passing. Check back every Saturday for the latest goalie skills video!

Pulling the Puck off the Boards and Passing

Now is the perfect time to improve your puck-handling and passing, this drill can assist you in improving your passing skills as you get ready for next season!

Being able to pull the puck off the boards, move it away from pressure and up the boards to one of your teammates can assist your team in breaking the puck out of your own zone. Try isolating this skill, without deliberate focus and repetitions it can be easily overlooked which will ultimately limit performance. When practicing this skill try to keep the eyes up as much as possible, there will always be a need to “check” the puck but push yourself to keep your eyes up, when possible, to be able to scan and evaluate incoming forecheckers.

  • Start in an athletic stance - bent ankles/knees, chest up and back straight
  • Hands away from the body, blocker is positioned at the butt end of the stick and the glove hand is positioned in an inverted grip above the paddle of the stick
    • The glove can rotate to a standard player grip on the stick – based on the skill set of the goaltender
  • Glove hand applies downward pressure and prepares to pass the puck
  • Sweep the puck along the surface and pass towards your target
  • Legs are bent and feet pivot as you make the pass
  • Obstacles can be placed to simulate a defender (depending on the skill set of the goaltender)
  • To progress this drill:
    • Head is up to read options to make the pass
    • Do this on your backhand
    • Have someone flash que cards
    • Have someone flash a different number of fingers every 2-3 seconds
    • Identify various things in your environment to cycle between

Hockey Alberta Goaltender Guide >

For more Hockey at Home videos, go to hockeyalberta.ca/hockey-home

Hockey at Home

Hockey at Home with Ali Stead: Eyes-up stick handling

Hockey Alberta is excited to work with Ali Stead (@never2late2learn.hky) to bring you weekly off-ice skills drills, as part of the Hockey at Home Series.

Ali Stead is a hockey player and social media influencer. Having only started playing hockey a few years ago, she developed her skills quickly, and is now passionate about sharing her love and knowledge for the game. Be sure to check back every Thursday for the latest drill!

Eyes-Up Stick Handling

Now is the perfect time to improve your puck-handling by feel, this simple skill can dramatically improve hockey sense in a short time!

Scanning the ice in order to gather more information leads to better decisions, the ability to efficiently scan the ice can be severely affected by stick handling habits. Try isolating this skill, without deliberate focus and repetitions it can be easily overlooked which will ultimately limit performance. When practicing this skill try to keep the eyes up as much as possible, there will always be a need to “check” the puck but work towards handling with feel & peripherals only.

  • Start in a proper hockey stance with bent ankles/knees, chest up and back straight
  • Hands away from the body, top hand should not touch hip
  • Head should be tilted down slightly to improve peripheral range
  • Start narrow and work the puck wider as comfort level increases
  • For better control remember to pinch/shade the puck by rolling wrists
  • Practice these various scanning habits while stick-handling:
    -watching TV
    -have someone flash que cards
    -have someone flash a different number of fingers every 2-3 seconds
    -identify various things in your environment to cycle between
  • Progress to a combination of puck handling and shooting without looking directly at the puck

For more Hockey at Home videos, go to hockeyalberta.ca/hockey-home

Home Ice Feature

Photo credit: LA Media

Twenty-four Albertans listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings

RED DEER - NHL Central Scouting has released its final rankings for the 2020 NHL draft, with 24 Albertans on the list.

Six Albertans landed in the top 30 of the North American Skater rankings: Jake Sanderson (4), Kaiden Guhle (8), Dylan Holloway (12), Ridly Greig (14), Ozzy Wiesblatt (19) and Jake Neighbours (26).

Garin Bjorklund (5), Taylor Gauthier (19), Blake Lyda (26) and Brayden Peters (30) are listed among the top North American goaltenders.

The full list of Albertans appearing in the NHL Central Scouting final rankings can be found below:

Midterm Rank Player Position Last Amateur Club League
4 Jake Sanderson Defence USA U-18 NTDP
8 Kaiden Guhle Defence Prince Albert WHL
12 Dylan Holloway Forward Wisconsin Big 10
14 Ridly Greig Forward Brandon WHL
19 Ozzy Wiesblatt Forward Prince Albert WHL
26 Jake Neighbours Forward Edmonton WHL
50 Carter Savoie Forward Sherwood Park AJHL
57 Michael Benning Defence Sherwood Park AJHL
65 Connor McClennon Forward Winnipeg WHL
75 Ronan Seeley Defence Everett WHL
77 Ethan Edwards Defence Spruce Grove AJHL
103 Owen Pederson Forward Winnipeg WHL
130 Luke Prokop Defence Calgary WHL
139 Benjamin Zloty Defence Winnipeg WHL
145 Alex Young Forward Canmore AJHL
151 Rhett Rhinehart Defence Saskatoon WHL
166 Tyrel Bauer Defence Seattle WHL
178 Ryker Evans Defence Regina WHL
201 Noah Boyko Forward Lethbridge WHL
208 Kyle Crnkovic Forward Saskatoon WHL
5 Garin Bjorklund Goaltender Medicine Hat WHL
19 Taylor Gauthier Goaltender Prince George WHL
26 Blake Lyda Goaltender Seattle WHL
30 Brayden Peters Goaltender Calgary WHL

Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email [email protected].

Hockey at Home

Hockey at Home with Crash Conditioning - Episode One

Hockey Alberta is excited to partner with Doug ’Crash’ Crashley of Crash Conditioning Ltd to bring a weekly series to the homes of hockey players across Alberta, focused on strength and conditioning.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep us all at home, it’s important to maintain strength, conditioning and proper nutrition as much as possible. Follow along with Crash each week as he takes us through a routine to help everyone become a ’Crashlete’ at home!

The Workout:

1. Lacrosse ball rolling - 20-30 seconds of each body part
2. Sitting squat - 30 second hold, two sets
3. Angle lunge mobility - 10 reps per side, two sets
4. Standing ankle ’toes up, heels up" - 10 reps, two sets
5. Sitting squad - 30 seconds, one set
6. Hip-dominant push complex - repeat order of each exercise 2-4 times with 60 seconds rest between each, 5 reps per.
a) Double-leg squat - 6 second isometric hold
b) Rear-foot elevated single-leg squat - 6 seconds down, 4 seconds iso hold per leg
c) Single-leg squat - 6 seconds down, 4 seconds iso hold per leg
7. Hip posterior chain pull complex - same as above for volume
a) Slider hip raise leg curls - 6 seconds down, 4 seconds iso hold
b) Single-leg versions of above
c) Stork stand to hinge reach - 6 seconds down, 4 seconds iso hold per leg
8. Upper body prep complex - 2-3 sets of the below exercises, 60 second rest periods:
a) Towel push-pull tension - 5 x 12 second reps with as much force as possible
b) Split-position lateral towel raise - 5 x 8 second iso holds
9. Aerobic recovery - 15-20 minutes of some type of static movement (jog, bike, skip, row, etc) at your 60% effort level (about 125-135 bpm heartrate)
10. Stretch - 40 second holds of static stretch exercises
11. Follow the Hockey Alberta nutrition guide - eat and sleep well!

Stay tuned every for a new workout from Crash every Tuesday!