The Alberta Female Hockey League is excited to announce several significant growth and expansion plans.
Over the past year, the AFHL has been reviewing the structure of elite female hockey in Alberta, to ensure alignment and progression within the entire hockey system. As a result, the following will occur starting in the 2023-2024 season:
1. Addition of a U13 AA division, to provide a competitive all-female option and development pathway for female athletes through the elite system.
2. Expansion of the number of teams within the U15 AA division, due to increased numbers of female players graduating through the system.
Within the new U13 AA division, the intent is to operate teams within three or four regionally-based divisions under the AFHL banner. Draw Zones will be developed to help support existing U15 AA draw zones. Tournament-style playoffs would lead to a provincial championship tournament.
Within the U15 AA division, new teams will be added to the league as part of a review of the existing Draw Zones based on current registration numbers.
All teams in the U13 AA division, and expansion teams in the U15 AA division, will be selected as part of a bid process where interested Hockey Alberta Member organizations can submit franchise hosting applications. Bid applications will be accepted starting November 15, with a December 15 deadline. The application package will be available on the Hockey Alberta and AFHL websites.
February 1 is the target date for finalizing U13 and U15 division changes for the 2023-24 season.
Additionally, during the 2022-2023 season, the Elite Female Committee will review the structure and alignment at U18 AAA for changes and potential expansion in the 2024-25 season.
For questions or more information, emails can be submitted to:
RED DEER - Twenty male athletes from Alberta have been selected to represent their province at the 2023 Canada Winter Games.
Two goaltenders, six defence, and 12 forwards have been named to the team that will travel to Prince Edward Island in February to participate in the Games which run February 18-March 5.
Players were selected to the roster based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta scouting process, past Team Alberta programs, and at the U16 Summer Camp in Red Deer, July 4-10. Eighty players were invited to Red Deer, and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions. From summer camp, thirty-three players were placed on a shortlist, and scouted with their club teams throughout the fall.
“Our staff has worked incredibly hard throughout this process, and we are thrilled to announce our final roster," said Serge Lajoie, Head Coach of Team Alberta U16 Male. “We are confident in the players we have chosen, and are excited to begin our preparations for the competition in February."
The Hockey competition will be split between Credit Union Place in Summerside and the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown, PEI.
TEAM ALBERTA APPAREL
Hockey Alberta has set up an online store to purchase additional Team Alberta apparel. Please feel free to share the link with family and friends who wish to cheer on Team Alberta at the Canada Winter Games. There are a number of items to choose from, but jerseys are not available for purchase. The store is open until January 3. Orders will be shipped by February 1.
GivingTuesday celebrates its 10th anniversary today in Canada today.
The day that focuses on supporting charitable organizations got its start in 2012 in the United States, coming north of the border in 2013.
According to givingtuesday.ca, the Tuesday following American Thanksgiving has become a global generosity movement where “charities, companies and individuals join together and rally for favorite causes.”
Hockey Alberta believes everyone should have the opportunity to play hockey. That’s why the Hockey Alberta Foundation (HAF) gave more than $974,000 to support communities and programs across Alberta throughout the 2021-22 season.
During the season, more than 80 communities were supported in order to get kids on the ice, female, para and Indigenous programming and coach education.
The HAF also supports and partners with organizations that continue to make hockey accessible for everyone:
Sports Central – provides sports equipment at no cost to kids in need. Based out of Edmonton, the volunteers also accept gently-used equipment by donation.
Calgary Flames Sports Bank – helps kids and families across southern Alberta access equipment at no cost. The organization works with KidSport Calgary to breakdown the cost of fees and equipment to ensure every child has an opportunity to play sports. The Calgary Flames Sports Bank operates with the help of volunteers and donations.
KidSport – offers grants to help cover the registration costs for sport, allowing all kids to play. Grants can be applied for online and the organization welcomes donations.
HEROS Hockey – uses the game of hockey to teach life-skills and empower marginalized youth. The organization provides free hockey programming for at-risk children and youth, offering a safe and stable environment for them to grow, connect and succeed.
Because of the efforts of the HAF and its partners across the province, thousands of kids are able to pick up a stick each year.
GivingTuesday is not just about donating funds – it is also about volunteers working hard to carry out good deeds and give back to their community
In the spirit of GivingTuesday, Hockey Alberta is launching Hockey Gives Back. Throughout the holiday season, Hockey Alberta will feature teams and associations who are taking the time to help others. Whether it’s a food drive, shoveling snow or donating toys, teams and associations are giving back to their communities and Hockey Alberta wants to share it.
To share how your team or association is giving back this season, complete the following form:
The three-time Olympian began playing her minor hockey in Spruce Grove. As a teenager, she moved to Calgary to play for the Oval X-treme in the Western Women’s Hockey League before committing to the University of Wisconsin.
MacLeod made her first appearance on the international stage with Canada’s National Women’s Under 22 Team in 2002. The five-foot, four-inch defender cracked the National Women’s Team roster in 2005, where she participated in her first of four IIHF World Championships. The team struck gold at the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, Italy and again at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. Following the 2010 Olympics, MacLeod retired from playing with two Olympic gold medals, one World Championship gold medal and three silver medals.
Over the course of her playing career – whether it was with the national team or the Oval X-treme - the road always led her back to home in Calgary.
“I’m really fortunate to have grown up in Alberta and be a product of the Alberta built model,” said MacLeod. “I think the main reason I’ve always tried to give back to Hockey Alberta, even when I was still playing, was understanding that you want that impact and that opportunity for the next generation and the next group coming up.… We see these women at the Olympics or at the World stage, but really the starting point is the provincial branch and that’s something I’ve never forgotten.”
Following her playing days, MacLeod took the step behind the bench, coaching at every level over the past decade.
Her coaching career started as an assistant coach at Mount Royal University. In 2012, MacLeod made her international coaching debut as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team at the World Championships. That season, MacLeod became an assistant coach with the Japanese Women’s National Team.
For three seasons, MacLeod travelled back and forth to Japan, while balancing her position at Mount Royal and a job in banking. During her tenure, Japan qualified for their first Olympic Games since hosting the tournament in 1998. In 2014, MacLeod made her third appearance at the Olympic Games, her first as a coach.
“English was very limited in that situation, so everything was translated,” said MacLeod. “A small example, you call a timeout in the game and instead of having 30 seconds, you have 15 because everything has to be translated. The impact of language is profound but having said that, it’s also the privilege of coaching internationally.”
Following the 2014 Olympics, MacLeod returned to Calgary as head coach of the U18 Prep Team at the Edge School. She also availed herself of coaching opportunities offered by Hockey Alberta, including assistant coach with Team Alberta at the National Women’s Under-18 Championships in 2015 before taking over as head coach in 2016.
“Short-term competition in general is very unique, I think it’s one of the greatest pieces of sport because everything is expedited and your preparation is so critical in short-term,” said MacLeod. “As a coach, you’re trying to make sure 30 of you are in the right state, that you’re ready to go and everyone is comfortable and confident – and everyone needs something a little different to get there.”
MacLeod returned as Alberta’s bench boss at the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Under her direction, Alberta won its third-ever gold medal, the first since 2011.
“It was just a privilege to coach that group. All we wanted to do as a staff was to ensure that those girls had the best experience possible at that level. That’s not a result-based goal, that’s a process-based goal, ultimately for us the result took care of it as well,” said MacLeod.
In 2021, MacLeod took the next step in her career – head coach of the University of Calgary Dinos.
Then, a year later, she was offered a new challenge ahead of the Women’s World Championships – head coach of Czechia’s National Women’s Team. In recent years, Czechia had built a strong foundation, but it was up to MacLeod to get them to the next level. After nearly upsetting the United States at the 2022 Olympics, all eyes were on them at the World Championships.
“Anyone who watched the World Championships or the Olympic Games could see that there was momentum within the Czech Women’s Team. We did a lot from a coaching perspective to get to know the players as people,” said MacLeod. “We wanted to maintain and build on that foundation that had been laid but we knew that if we wanted to take that next step and push for a medal in the ‘A’ pool, we’d have to do some things differently. That was part of the growing process and it’s part of the journey.”
MacLeod found the next step with Czechia. With the first female coach in federation history, Czechia won their first-ever medal when they claimed bronze at the World Championships.
Through MacLeod’s Alberta roots, she is delivering the same level of game to the world.
The 2022 Hockey Alberta Annual General Meeting (AGM) is being held on Thursday, December 1. The meeting will be held virtually, using Zoom, starting at 7 PM (MST). The agenda and a package of supporting documents for the AGM can be found on the 2022 AGM page on the Hockey Alberta website.
It is important for Executive Members of Member organizations (MHAs, Recreational/ Pond Hockey Programs, Para/ Sledge Hockey Programs, Accredited Schools, Junior Leagues and Senior Leagues) to attend the AGM to exercise your right to vote in the elections and on Notices of Motion. It is also important for sanctioned Minor Hockey Leagues to attend to obtain valuable information.
The Annual Meeting of Hockey Alberta is held within six (6) months of the conclusion of the fiscal year. Hockey Alberta’s fiscal year runs August 1 to July 31. In addition to any other business that may be transacted, the following business shall be conducted this year:
The election of the Chair and Vice Chair, each for a three-year term;
The presentation of the independent auditor’s report and financial statements;
The appointment of the auditor for the ensuing fiscal year; and
The report of the Directors, if any.
Additionally, the 2022 AGM will include two Notices of Motion that are being presented by Hockey Alberta’s Board of Directors to amend Bylaws related to ‘Nominations’ and ‘Board Positions’ (see the Notices of Motion posted to the 2022 AGM webpage).
Based on the outcome the Notices of Motion, the business of the AGM may include the election of one Director at Large position, for a three-year term.
NOMINATION COMMITTEE FINAL REPORT
Hockey Alberta’s Board of Director positions are elected by the members of Hockey Alberta at the AGM. The Chair and Vice Chair positions are up for election at this year’s AGM. Additionally, based on the outcome of the Notices of Motion, one (1) Director at Large position may be up for election. Each successful candidate will serve a term of three (3) years. Per Hockey Alberta Bylaw 5.2, the final date for nominations to be accepted for Board of Directors elections was November 17, 2022 and therefore the nomination process is now closed.
Per the Hockey Alberta Bylaws, the following recommended candidates will be presented for election to the Board of Directors at the 2022 Hockey Alberta AGM on Thursday, December 1:
Position
Nominee
Hometown
Chair
Len Samletzki
St. Albert
Vice Chair
Allan Mowbray
Calgary
Director at Large
Danielle Paradis
Edmonton
A credentials summary and short video of each candidate can be accessed at the following link on the Hockey Alberta website:
Information Bulletin 22-06, 2022 Annual General Meeting - Final Update was distributed earlier this afternoon (November 18) to Hockey Alberta Member organizations, and includes important information on ensuring voting delegates are registered, as well as other information that will be covered at the AGM. The full text of the Bulletin is available on the Bulletins page on the Hockey Alberta website.
RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is hosting two free online professional development opportunities on November 29 and December 5.
Tuesday, November 29 @ 6:30pm - Defending the Rush
Spokane Chiefs Associate Coach Stefan Legein will lead the group through a variety of techniques and tactics currently being implemented at the WHL level. The presentation will include discussion on the following components:
Skating & Edgework Techniques
Stick detail,
Setting and Maintaining Gaps
Sorting
Tracking
The presentation will be 30-40 minutes followed by a question period.
The target audience for this presentation is AA and AAA coaches, but is open to anyone who would like to attend.
Monday, December 5 @ 6:30pm - Evidence Based Skill Acquisition
Hockey Alberta is excited to have Coach Brian Keane share his thought-provoking views on player development and skill acquisition. Brian has been immersed in the skill acquisition process for many years, not only in theory but also in practical application through his various coaching roles. Ever wonder why your players can execute in practice but not the game? Coach Keane will share various strategies and insights on how to best convert practice time into game results!
Brian Keane is a Former Umass Minuteman hockey player who naturally transitioned into a hockey development professional. He currently lives in the Chicago area and works with the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Mission Hockey Club, and also operates Prodigy Hockey Development.
The presentation will be 45 minutes followed by a question period.
The target audience for this presentation is AA and AAA coaches, but is open to anyone who would like to attend.
STRATHCONA – Jason Michaud is just trying to create better people. Nikolas Michaud is just using the lessons his dad is teaching him.
Jason and Nikolas were named the 2022 the Coach of the Year and Player of the Year, two of the prestigious Hockey Alberta Awards presented by ATB. This marks the first time a father and son duo has received these awards.
“I’m honoured and humbled myself, but I’m super proud of (Nikolas),” said Jason. “I was blessed to have great coaches. I’ve always just wanted to model my craft to not only be a good hockey coach, but a coach of humans, to make kids better people.”
Tamara Dawson saw first-hand the positive influence the Michauds had on the team and in the community. She was one of the numerous people from the Strathcona area who nominated Jason and Nikolas.
“My son had been in hockey for a couple years before he had Jason as a coach,” said Dawson. “We really noticed a big difference with positive role modeling and encouraging the kids on sportsmanship, being a good person and working your hardest.”
Jason has now coached Dawson’s son for three years in the Strathcona Minor Hockey Association.
“It’s not always about winning, it’s about trying your best and developing the players as people first and then as players. He’s always done a really good job at that,” said Dawson.
Growing up playing hockey, Jason is now a teacher by trade. When his sons began playing hockey, he saw the chance to coach as an opportunity to join his love of the game and teaching skills.
“I’ve always said if I can have every single player sign up to play next year, that’s how I rate myself as a coach,” said Jason. “All 16 of my players last year are playing again this year. They’re all good people, doing wonderful things in the community. That’s the most important thing – kids who want to play hockey for life long and just be good people on and off the ice.”
The apples have not fallen far from the tree. Jason’s emphasis on the importance of being active in the community and giving back has been instilled into his sons, Ryan and Nikolas.
Jillian Michaud, Jason’s daughter and sister of Ryan and Nikolas, has a rare genetic disorder called Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). The syndrome is a developmental disorder. Over the years, Ryan and Nikolas have hosted various events to raise funds and awareness for SMS. Most recently, they completed ‘Saves for SMS’.
“They had a garage sale and lemonade stand a couple years ago and it made $400 or $500,” said Jason. “With Saves for SMS, they were hoping to make $1,000. It was a modest goal.”
Saves for SMS was the brainchild of Ryan and Nikolas. Nikolas, a goaltender for the Tier 4 Strathcona Warriors ST505, wanted to use his goalie skills to raise awareness for SMS. In February, Ryan tallied each save that Nikolas made. Together, they collected pledges, sent weekly emails with statistics and posted videos to social media. After 83 saves, they raised over $25,000.
The money was donated to PRISMS (Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome), an organization that has helped the Michaud family with Jillian. Their hope is all the money goes to SMS research to improve the life of Jillian and children living with SMS.
“Our boys are blessed. They live with this so they are naturally innate with empathy, but to see it come out in the other boys … if you watch my daughter, there are other kids watching her, other boys in the association. This community is awesome. Strathcona Minor Hockey has embraced our family, has embraced this crazy life with our daughter,” said Jason.
To wrap up the month-long initiative, the Strathcona Warriors ST505 played the “Saves for SMS Celebration Game” at Saikers Acres – a well-known local outdoor rink for hosting charity events. With over 100 people in attendance, the game celebrated Jillian, Saves for SMS and continued to raise awareness.
“It was a really good experience for the kids and the parents to be a part of that and a part of the community,” said Dawson. “The kids really got to know Jillian and to know that being different is good and to be comfortable with it.”
Often talking about his sister, Nikolas makes her a part of his everyday life. So much so, Jillian became part of the team, calling them “her boys”.
“It felt great to have the team’s support,” said Nikolas. “The team did good with Jillian. Jillian had lots of friends on the team, they would hang out with her and give her hugs.”
Having a sibling with Smith-Magenis Syndrome comes with many challenges, but Nikolas is her biggest supporter.
“He is a good example of showing and embracing people who are different and working your hardest against all odds,” said Dawson of Nikolas. “It was just a really good feel-good community feeling and it’s really special to see Jason and Nikolas be such a positive influence on the players and the community.”
As part of the Hockey Alberta Awards program, award recipients receive $1,000 for their association. The Michauds couldn’t be more appreciative of their association.
“I’m blessed to coach these awesome kids and he’s blessed to have lifelong friends here,” said Jason. “They say it takes a village and Strathcona County, this association, has been a huge village for our family and we’re just blessed to be a part of it.”
Do you know someone who impacts your association or the game of hockey like Jason and Nikolas? Nominate them for a 2023 Hockey Alberta Award presented by ATB.
RED DEER – Twenty-two male players will represent Alberta at the 2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Winnipeg, May 7-13.
The team consists of 11 forwards, eight defence and three goaltenders. Twenty athletes were named, with the final two selections to be made at a later date.
Players attended the selection camp August 4-6, in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Over 100 athletes tried out for the team, with the roster selected from a shortlist of 46 players. Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, coordinated the selection process for the players and coaches. The process included recruiting and selecting the Indigenous coaching staff, registration and selection camps for players, team training, and designing the uniforms.
The national championships provide a forum for elite U18-aged Indigenous male youth and attracts participation from First Nation, Inuit and Metis players across 13 provinces and territories. The annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride as well as an opportunity to celebrate the athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes from across the country.
RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the recipients of the annual Hockey Alberta Awards, presented by ATB. These awards allow Hockey Alberta and the Alberta hockey community to recognize outstanding individuals, teams and associations for their hard work and accomplishments in making a positive difference for our participants in the game of hockey during the 2021-22 season.
The Hockey Alberta Awards program, presented by ATB, includes awards that are open to nominations from Hockey Alberta member organizations, staff members or volunteers, and others that are determined by Hockey Alberta through a review of eligible candidates. Award recipients will also receive $1,000 for their association (not including the Chair of the Board Award recipients).
The 2021-22 Hockey Alberta Award recipients are:
Volunteer of the Year: Jody Dickau (Wetaskiwin). Jody has been involved in minor hockey for over 14 years as a parent, coach, and board member. Currently the Vice President of Wetaskiwin Minor Hockey, Jody created the Heart of the Game Foundation in memory of a local coach who passed away to cancer. Through this foundation, Jody is committed to raising funds to keep kids on the ice.
Coach of the Year: Jason Michaud (Strathcona). Jason coached in the Strathcona Minor Hockey Association. He is passionate about developing the human first by creating opportunities and encouraging his players to positively contribute to the community. He helps players improve individually and as a team both on and off the ice.
Player of the Year: Nikolas Michaud (Strathcona). During the 2021-22 season, Nikolas created a fundraising initiative called “Saves for SMS” to raise awareness for Smith Magenis Syndrome (SMS). Through the initiative, Nikolas educated his teammates on SMS and encouraged them to give back to their community.
Official of the Year: Brayden Arcand (Edmonton). Brayden is a National High-Performance Referee who worked the final series of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He also represented Alberta at the Centennial Cup, officiating the championship game.
Team of the Year: Lloydminster Female U13 Blazers. The Blazers were the winners of the 2022 Good Deeds Cup for their plan to make their local arena more accessible. The team also hosted Try Para Hockey event to raise awareness about the sport and the importance of ensuring arenas across the province are accessible for individuals with different kinds of disabilities.
Minor Hockey Association of the Year: Whitecourt Minor Hockey Association. Whitecourt Minor Hockey and their key volunteers showed great leadership throughout the 2021-2022 season not only in their community but regionally and provincially as well. Significant steps were taken to review their overall governance, policies and overall delivery of Hockey within Whitecourt. Whitecourt is a proud member of Hockey Alberta and have always contributed to discussion and collaboration sessions in efforts of improving the participant experience. A key area of focus for WMHA was in growing and supporting the opportunities for female hockey, which will continue to benefit both Whitecourt and surrounding communities.
Chair of the Board Award (2020): Dean Hengel (Edmonton). Dean spent 11 years as the Executive Director of Hockey Edmonton. Throughout his time, he served on various Hockey Alberta committees and was devoted to evolving the game, including his work in the development of the Alberta Elite Hockey League.
Chair of the Board Award (2021): Denise Broadbent (Leduc). Denise is the Vice President of Female Hockey for Leduc Minor Hockey. Her dedication and passion for the game is a direct correlation to the growth and success Leduc’s female program has experienced throughout Denise’s involvement.
Congratulations to all the award recipients and nominees. Hockey Alberta and the hockey community thank you for your contributions to our sport.
Nominations for the 2022-23 Hockey Alberta awards, presented by ATB, are now being accepted.
Hockey Alberta is looking for individuals/teams who are doing outstanding work in their communities to make the game better.
Nominations are now being accepted for:
Player of the Year
Coach of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Official of the Year
Team of the Year
Minor Hockey Association of the Year
Award recipients will receive $1,000 for their association.
RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is proud to introduce a new initiative on Friday, November 4 – 11.4 Maltreatment Awareness Day.
Falling on November 4, the day coincides with Rule 11.4 in the Hockey Canada rulebook on Discrimination. The goal of the day is to educate and provide resources to make our game more inclusive. To help achieve this goal, Hockey Alberta is posting 11 times throughout the day on our social media platforms with informative pieces about the rule and the enhanced measures we are taking moving forward.
“All forms of discrimination are unacceptable in our game. Community is one of Hockey Alberta’s Values, and we know that a sense of belonging is important for our participants and stakeholders in our sport. We also know that establishing and maintaining that sense of community is hard work,” said Rob Litwinski, CEO of Hockey Alberta.
“Hockey Alberta has taken steps in dealing with maltreatment and discrimination with our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, along with the work undertaken in tracking and acting upon reported cases of Maltreatment. But there is still much work to do. Today is another step in that process for Hockey Alberta as we continue to educate and create awareness to remove discrimination and maltreatment from our game.”
Prior to the 2021-22 season, Section 11 - Maltreatment was implemented in the Hockey Canada rulebook. The rule encompasses five areas:
1 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
2 Disrespectful and Abusive Behaviour
3 Spitting
4 Discrimination, and
5 Physical Harassment of Officials.
Hockey Alberta, along with the rest of the provincial branches began tracking infractions, allegations, and complaints of 11.4 Discrimination. The data tracked can be found on the Hockey Alberta website’s Maltreatment, Bullying and Harassment page under the “2021-22 Statistics” tab.
New this season, a confidential reporting mechanism overseen by an Independent Third Party (ITP) has been established for the reporting of all complaints of abuse, discrimination, and harassment.
As an additional resource for 11.4 Maltreatment Awareness Day, Hockey Alberta’s Centre Ice Podcast interviewed Bryden Burrell, Manager of Minor Hockey, and Brett Kelly, Manager of Officiating, about the creation, implementation, and review of the Maltreatment rule and tracking process.
11.4 Maltreatment Awareness Day is a springboard to the ongoing work of Hockey Alberta and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Thanks to funding provided from Safe & Welcoming Sport Grant through the InMotion Network and Government of Alberta, Hockey Alberta has set a goal to get informative signage up in 30 arenas around the province by the end of November. The messaging will focus on educating parents, participants, coaches, and others about Maltreatment.
Players attended the selection camp in August in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. The top 36 athletes were shortlisted for a camp on September 25. Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, coordinated the selection process for the players and coaches. The process included recruiting and selecting the Indigenous coaching staff, registration and selection camps for players, team training, and designing the uniforms.
The national championships provide a forum for elite U18-aged Indigenous female youth and attracts participation from First Nation, Inuit and Metis players across 13 provinces and territories. The annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride as well as an opportunity to celebrate the athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes from across the country.
