Hockey in Jasper - Rebuilding A Community Through Sport

Eight months after the devastating fires swept through the town of Jasper, the community came together to host the U15 A NBC Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships presented by ATB, from March 20-23.

The strength and perseverance of the community was apparent during the exciting weekend. Everyone worked together to ensure that the tournament was a success and showed everyone in attendance how beautiful the town truly is.

Michelle Skilnick, Manager of Foundation and Events for Hockey Alberta, explains that “We are excited with our legacy plan, being able to give back to the community and those that want to play minor hockey … but also just showcase their town and bring back tourism to Jasper.”

The host committee welcomed guest to Jasper with heartfelt words, “at the beginning of this season, we weren’t sure if we would even have a hockey team. Now, here we are - sport is an essential part of rebuilding our community”.

While the host team opened the tournament by saying, “Jasper is a community that loves its hockey, and we are proud to host teams near and far”.

“A tournament such as this is so incredibly important to our community… (every team) will talk about their experience in Jasper, and that is what drives our economy,” said Richard Ireland, Mayor of Jasper.

“Jaspers big thing was to be able to bring back the economy to their town, show the resiliency of their town and the people that live there,” said Skilnick.

The fires devasted much of the community, including many of the Bearcat’s players. Hockey was able to be a small escape from the realities that they have faced.

Luka Kahlina, goaltender for the Bearcats, lost his home in the fire. Through it all, he found solace on the ice.

“When I played hockey I kind of just forgot about it,” he says.

Moment like these remind us why hockey is more than just a game. It’s a way to bring a community together, even in the toughest of times, it connects people, lifts communities, and provides strength even in the darkest times. The story of Jasper is an amazing example of that.

“The community gets together when we have to, hockey is just one of those things that keeps it together for us.” Says Paco Artiaga, Assistant coach for the U13 and U15 Bearcats. “The community is just beautiful.”

The parents of the U15 Jasper Bearcats shared their sincere appreciation as the tournament came to a close “thank you to all seven teams for coming to Jasper, for supporting our local economy, for your gratitude for the event, for your sportsmanship and your conduct in our arena and for the amazing hockey we all got to play”.

Watch the full video to learn more about Jasper’s journey, resilience, and love for the game.

Hockey is more than just a game—it’s a community, and the Taber Golden Suns Athletic Association has continued to prove that through their Green Shirt Day Game, held this year on February 23.

The event was created three years after the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash, where Logan Boulet’s organ donation inspired nearly 150,000 Canadians to register as donors—the largest surge in Canadian history. This movement, now known as the Logan Boulet Effect, continues to bring awareness to organ donation across the country.

The Golden Suns partnered with Jan Clemis, a kidney donor recipient and dedicated advocate for organ donation, to start this event. Over the years, it has grown in impact, bringing the community together to celebrate life, honor donors, and encourage others to register.

This year’s event saw the Taber Highlanders U11 team join for the first time, making it even more special. “I was very interested but really had no idea what it would turn into and the success we would see as a result,” said Jamie Matisho, President of Golden Suns Athletic Association.  

The event marked the fourth annual event. They set up a table at the rink to answer questions, give out information, sell T-shirts, and take donations. The donations they get are split between the Canadian Transplant Association and the Logan Boulet Foundation.  

Bernie and Toby Boulet, Logan’s parents, attended once again, sharing their son’s story and answering questions at their information table. Through donations and merchandise sales, they raised $500, while the Golden Suns contributed an additional $800.

With green stick tape on every player’s stick and a sea of green in the stands, the support for this cause was overwhelming. The Mayor of Taber continued his tradition of attending, and many heartfelt conversations took place about organ donation and the importance of discussing your wishes with your family.

“Great hockey, great fans, and an incredible way to honor Logan’s legacy. Sincere thanks to the entire Boulet family for supporting the event!” – Jan Ehlert Clemis

Huge thanks to the Golden Suns, Taber Highlanders, the Boulet family, and the entire community for making this event such a success.

If you are interested in learning more about registering to become an organ donor, please check out https://greenshirtday.ca/

Or to donate blood, Book an appointment today, tomorrow or in the coming weeks to help fuel Canada’s Lifeline https://www.blood.ca/en

Two teams have been crowned champions over the third weekend of the 2025 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships hosted by ATB.

Read below to see who walked away with the banner in the final week of play.

Junior B - Morinville Jets

U17 AAA - Calgary Flames (NWCAA)

With the final two teams crowned over the weekend, the 2025 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, proudly hosted by ATB, officially came to a close.

Congratulations to all the provincial champions and every team that earned their spot at provincials — what an incredible way to celebrate the game.

Championship tournaments took place across the province from Peace River to Okotoks, Jasper to Wainwright — bringing excitement to communities far and wide.

A huge thank you to the players, coaches, host committees, volunteers, officials, and fans who helped make the championships a massive success.

We’re already counting down to next year.

Celebrating Our Champions!

Congratulations to all our championship winners! Your hard work, dedication, and passion have earned you a place in Alberta’s hockey history. If you’re looking for the perfect way to commemorate your championship victory, Hockey Alberta is proud to partner with Baron® Championship Rings!

Baron® is all about crafting Championship Rings that capture the journey, the moments, and the legacies of players and teams. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure that every ring tells a story—your story. At Baron®, it’s all about "our people, our process, and our products"—a commitment to excellence that makes them the perfect partner for Hockey Alberta.

Start designing your Championship Ring today!

Provincials are over… now what? 

Although the hockey season might be over, there is still a lot of excitement to look forward to before next season.  

Spring Showcase:  

The Hockey Alberta Spring Showcase features three main events: The Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge, and Prospects Cup. These events are held to showcase incredible athletes from across the province. Regional camps to try out for the showcase are held at for players to try out for the showcase tournament.  

MORE INFORMATION HERE > 

The National Aboriginal Hockey Championships:  

From May 5-10, both Team Alberta male and female will be competing in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Kamloops, B.C.  

This event helps promote cultural unity and pride and celebrate the athletic skills of Indigenous players from across Canada. Players for Team Alberta were selected at camps held last August.  

MORE INFORMATION HERE >

Registration for Next Season:  

Thinking of signing your child up for hockey next season? Make sure you stay on top of Minor Hockey Association registration dates in your area! Early bird registration opens up in June, and all other registration opens in July.  

Hockey is beneficial for kids of all ages. It helps them stay active while having fun with friends and getting involved in the community. It also helps them learn how to work as a team and helps to make them happy, healthy, and confident.  

REGISTRATION DATES HERE >

Spring Camps and ID Camps:  

AA and AAA Minor Hockey Associations across Alberta are hosting local spring training camps, providing athletes with an opportunity to showcase and sharpen their skills during the offseason.   

Spring camps are beneficial in developing and sustaining player’s skill, fitness, and mental fitness, ensuring players are prepared for next season.  

Hockey Alberta hosts many camps including Hockey Alberta goalie sessions, U11 goalie preparation programs, Female Goalie Camps, and more. These sessions provide specialized training led by experienced coaches to help players reach their full potential.  

GOALTENDER SKILLS CAMP >

Becoming an Official:  

Becoming an official is an excellent idea to stay in the game at any level. It helps you stay active, learn more about the game, and contribute to the hockey community. It is also an excellent way to help develop leadership skills including conflict resolution, problem solving, working with others, and how to make decisions quickly.  

Hockey Alberta holds clinics annually from September 15 and November 30. We hold clinics to get certification at any level, except level 1. You must be 13 years old or older and complete the Hockey University Officiating online course and register for the Hockey University ½ clinic.  

REGISTER TO BECOME AN OFFICIAL HERE >

Winning a provincial championship is an incredible achievement—but winning four in a row is something truly special. For four young athletes and one dedicated coach, their recent U15 Female B provincial victory marked the continuation of an extraordinary streak.

Irma Minor Hockey Association’s very own, Ella Byrne, Wren MacKay, Emory Holt, and Ella Gulbraa, along with coach Clay Holt, have now won four consecutive provincial titles. Their journey started in 2022 with a U13 Female B championship, followed by another U13 Female B title in 2023. In 2024, they moved up to U15 Female A and captured yet another championship before adding the 2025 U15 Female B title to their impressive collection.

This remarkable group has demonstrated resilience, skill, and an undeniable passion for the game. Over the past four seasons, they’ve battled through tough competition, adapting to new challenges, and continuing to find success at every level. Their dedication to the sport and their commitment to their team have been key factors in their ongoing dominance on the provincial stage.

“Watching all the girls develop over the years is what I’m most proud of, and most specifically these four girls this year” shares Head Coach Holt. “During our first two championships, Ella G. and Emory were third-line forwards, while Ella B. and Wren were 4-5 defensemen”.

“Before I talk about this year, you should know that our 2023 championship had this same age group on it. From that year to this season, we lost 10 girls from the 2023 team—seven are playing AA, one went to a development team, and two pursued other sports. So, these four girls were specifically asked to step up, and they did in a huge way.”

Coach Holt went on to describe each player’s unique impact:

• “Ella G. has been small her whole life, so she has developed a very feisty game. If takeaways were a stat in our league, she would be far ahead of second place."

• "Emory is the natural goal scorer; she has soft hands and great feet. Coaching her (my daughter) was a struggle sometimes because she was always right, and I ‘didn’t know what was going on out there!"

• "Ella B. is the girl that coaches love to coach. Whatever direction you give, you get a head nod, and she goes out and does whatever was asked—without ever needing to be told again."
• "Wren was the biggest turnaround of all. For the first five years of hockey, she did not want to be on the ice. That was followed by a couple of years of wanting to learn. Then a switch flipped last year, and she became a beast on the ice—our towering shutdown and offensive d-man.”

Coach Holt also praised their ability to adapt to new roles, sharing, “Ella G. and Emory, who have been best friends since preschool, were asked to be our two centers—positions they had never played before. They finished 1-2 in league scoring, with Ella taking the title by one point. In provincials, Emory led the tournament, with Ella G. just one point behind. Wren and Ella B. became our top two defensemen, leading by example for our first-year girls. These four have won every year since they became provincial-eligible—four and counting—and I don’t think they understand how rare that is.”

Reflecting on the journey, Coach Holt also acknowledged the support from other mentors: “They have had several great coaches and assistants over the years. I’ve just been very fortunate to be the only one to share all four years with them.”

For the players, the experience has been nothing short of incredible, each speaking on how it has impacted them as players:

"I think it really sunk in this year just how lucky we’ve been to get to provincials for four straight years, let alone to win each time. Something that made this year just a bit more special for me is knowing how much my role on the team has changed from the first year to this year. I’ve grown a lot as a player since year one." - Wren MacKay

"Winning provincials for four years in a row has been an amazing and rewarding experience. Every year, it has been just as fun and exciting with all the different girls I’ve met and played with. I feel I have grown a lot from the first year and have become a smarter hockey player. A key to my team’s success is never giving up, even when you’re down, and keeping a positive attitude and mindset." - Emory Holt

"When I was younger, I didn’t realize how lucky I was to go to provincials, but now, especially after winning four times in a row, I’ve realized just how special and exciting it is. It’s something we can be really proud of. Every year, we’ve had a bit of a different team, but we’ve always been lucky to have a great group of girls—on and off the ice. I think that’s part of why we’ve had so much success. We’re always a close, dedicated team, and we’ve had great coaches. Over these four years, I’ve become a much more confident hockey player and have taken on more responsibility and leadership roles." - Ella Byrne

"Winning provincials every year has been so exciting and special. Each year has been with different teammates, and each one has been so fun. Over the years, I think I’ve grown not only as a player but as a person too. Playing with these girls has shown me to never give up—no matter the situation—and to play to the end with a strong mindset." - Ella Gulbraa

Four championships. Four years. One unforgettable run. Congratulations to Ella B, Wren, Emory, Ella G. and Coach Holt on an incredible accomplishment!

For 15-year-old Peyton Walker, hockey has always been more than just a game—it has been a source of strength, community, and determination. A native of Wainwright, Alberta, Peyton is a member of the Lloydminster U18 AAA Steelers. But her path to this season has been anything but ordinary.

Last season, Peyton played for the U15 Steelers with her dad, Scott, serving as team manager. Her team’s journey to U15 Provincials in Airdrie was a highlight—she fondly recalls the banquet, line dancing, and, of course, the competition. But just three days after Provincials, Peyton’s world was turned upside down.

After discovering a lump on her cheek and jaw, she underwent a series of medical tests—CT scans, biopsies, PET scans, and MRIs. The diagnosis was devastating: Stage 3, Group 3 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

On April 26, she underwent surgery before beginning an intense 67-week chemotherapy regimen at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. For any teenager, such a diagnosis would be overwhelming. But for Peyton, the hardest part wasn’t just the treatments—it was the fear of letting her team down.

She had been set to move up to the U18 team in September and was eager to compete in her second Hockey Alberta Challenge. Knowing she would have to step away from the game she loved was heartbreaking. But true to the resilience that hockey had instilled in her, Peyton approached this battle like any other challenge—head-on, with determination and grit.

In July 2024, Peyton and her family traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, for two months of specialized Proton Radiation Therapy, a cutting-edge treatment not yet available in Canada. The grueling daily radiation sessions, combined with the loneliness of being away from home, made for an incredibly difficult time. But Peyton never faced it alone.

Five days after her diagnosis, a video message from her teammates and coaches poured in, reminding her that her hockey family stood behind her. It was a gesture that meant the world to Peyton—one she still replays on tough days for encouragement.

Her community continued to rally around her. Just six weeks into her battle, her teammates organized a charity golf tournament, bringing together over 200 golfers and 350 attendees. The overwhelming support allowed Peyton and her family to focus on healing rather than the financial strain of treatment.

Throughout her journey, Peyton has been given opportunities that have lifted her spirits in unimaginable ways. She has met hockey superstars like Connor McDavid, Darnell Nurse, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. She’s connected with Carla MacLeod and the entire Ottawa PWHL team. And between hospital visits, she found moments of joy at Universal Studios and Disney World.

But perhaps one of the most impactful moments of Peyton’s journey has been her advocacy work. She has become a passionate supporter of the Ben Stelter Foundation, which recently announced the construction of the Ben Stelter Facility for Proton Radiation Therapy in Edmonton—the first of its kind in Canada. Having experienced firsthand how this treatment saved her life, Peyton is now a fierce advocate for fundraising and awareness, ensuring that more children will have access to life-saving care closer to home.

Peyton recently underwent scans and completed her fourth round of maintenance chemotherapy. While Peyton’s scans are looking promising, she continues treatment with hope and determination, knowing that the finish line is in sight.

Through it all, Peyton has remained an inspiration. She never let losing her hair dim her confidence. She never allowed her diagnosis to define her. And she never made excuses—she simply fought, just as she always has on the ice.

Now, she balances treatment with her love for the game, staying with a billet family in between chemotherapy sessions while attending morning practices, afternoon workouts, and team activities. Her teammates don’t treat her differently, and she wouldn’t want it any other way.

As she sets her sights on returning to full competition in the fall, Peyton has one goal in mind—to battle her way back to the ice and chase an Esso Cup championship.

Her message to others facing challenges is simple:

“Find the courage and determination to accomplish your goals, and don’t be afraid to lean on your teammates when you need them.”

The 2024-25 minor hockey season made history with the inauguration of the U11 AA league. This decision came after the positive feedback received from the two-season long U11 Hockey Alberta Pilot project. This project explored the top U11 hockey in Alberta and came back with excellent results.

This season was composed of 48 teams consisting of talented U11 players from across the province. The goal of creating this level was to bridge the gap between tiered and elite hockey.

“The U11AA League was created to allow the progression of our players, coaches, and officials at the developmental level, filling a void between Tiered and Elite Hockey. One of the most memorable moments throughout the season was the U11 AA Showcase in January, where we saw 47 teams from across the province come together. This showcase was a pivotal moment in which we witnessed teams really excel as they were matched up against similar skill in competition,” said Dana Henfrey, Chair of the U11AA Committee.

The excitement of this historical season was felt throughout the hockey community.

“The first year of the official U11 AA Hockey League has been exciting to watch unfold,” said Morgen Kidney, Hockey Alberta Minor Leagues Coordinator. “The buy-in has been fantastic and development is the primary focus.”

The division was filled with strong athletes and great hockey that made the inaugural season very exciting to experience. The top eight teams made their way to the U11 AA Provincial Championships hosted in Strathmore by the Wheatland Hawks.

“Post-showcase, we have really noticed the competitive sportsmanship of teams leading into Playoffs, with teams earning the right to represent their division at the very first U11 AA Hockey Alberta Provincial Tournament. All in all, this inaugural season can be measured in success by the abundance of smiles on the players’ faces that we’ve seen at the arena,” said Henfrey.

This first showing of this age group’s talent was as incredible as expected.

“The teams that have made it here have persevered and put in the hard work, and it (was) an entertaining weekend filled with great hockey,” said Kidney.

All the teams fought their way through the tournament with grit and determination. On Sunday, semi-finalists battled to win their spot in the championship game. The semi-final A game consisted of the Lakeland Panthers and the Wainwright Polar Kings, sending the Polar Kings to the championship game with a 4-1 win. The semi-final B game was played by the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Red Deer Chiefs, ending in a 6-3 final sending the Hurricanes to the championships.

The Provincials Championship game was fought hard by both teams. In a 6-3 final, the Lethbridge Hurricanes became the first ever U11 AA Provincial Champions.

“I have been able to watch the development within this league all season, and it has culminated with some of the very best competing this Provincial weekend. I am awestruck to watch the talent and skill that truly defies the age of these players,” said Henfrey.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more exciting or worthy of an inaugural Provincial weekend! Congratulations once again to the Lethbridge Hurricanes, our first ever U11AA Provincial Champions.”