All-Female Officiating Teams Lead the Way in 2025

Registration for the 2025 Alberta Challenge Regional Camps has reached capacity.

To be placed on a waitlist, please email [email protected].

Registration for the 2025 Alberta Cup Regional Camps has reached capacity.

To be placed on a waitlist, please email [email protected].

The 2024 Ben’s Cup brought together 32 hockey teams from across Alberta for an unforgettable event that combined hockey, competition, and fundraising for a meaningful cause. Held from December 27th to 29th, 2024, at the Ardrossan Recreation Complex and Strathcona Olympiette Centre, the tournament featured 16 U-11 and 16 U-13 teams, competing in AA, Tier 1, and Tier 2 divisions for each age group. This Hockey Alberta-sanctioned tournament aimed to raise funds for the Ben Stelter Foundation, which is dedicated to bringing Proton Beam Therapy to Canada for the first time.

A unique aspect of the Ben’s Cup was the participation of the top 40 fundraisers, who had raised the most money leading up to the All-Star Game. These players were selected to play in the highly anticipated All-Star game, where they were joined by special guest appearances from beloved figures like the Edmonton Oilers mascot, Hunter, and super fans such as Banjo Guy, Super Fan Magoo, and McMullet. Mike and Leah Stelter also coached the teams, while Hunter split his time between the orange and blue teams as a player.

All funds raised from Ben’s Cup went directly to the Ben Stelter Foundation, which is working to bring Proton Beam Therapy to Canada. Proton Therapy is a cutting-edge cancer treatment, but Canada is the only G8 country without it. Every year, many Albertans must travel to the United States to access this vital treatment. The Ben Stelter Foundation is committed to changing that by bringing Proton Therapy to Canada and making it available to all who need it.

Before the puck dropped, attendees heard from special guest Peyton Walker, a 16-year-old who received Proton Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida, earlier this year. Peyton shared her powerful story of strength and courage, inspiring everyone in attendance. The Stelter family also spoke about the importance of Ben’s Cup and what it means to them. To make the event even more special, Robert Clark the Edmonton Oilers anthem singer sang "O Canada" before the game began.

All fundraisers were recognized at the end of the All-Star game, with Kaleb Williams leading the way by raising an impressive $19,467. He was followed by Emmett Madigin ($18,097), Jake Sarvas ($11,640), Carson Walker ($10,330), and Niall O’Brien Buckley ($9,975). Their dedication to the cause not only contributed to the success of Ben’s Cup but also played a significant role in raising funds to bring Proton Therapy to Canada.

The 2024 Ben’s Cup served as a powerful reminder that hockey is about more than just the game. As Mike Stelter stated, “It’s more than just a game.” He expressed his gratitude to all the players and parents for their incredible efforts in helping raise money for such a meaningful cause. It was an unforgettable weekend. Mike explained, “What made the tournament so great was seeing the kids stepping up to help other kids and fundraise.” By December 28th, the tournament had raised an incredible $494,897.77, and by December 30th, that total had risen to $605,402.91 in support of the Ben Stelter Foundation.

Mike continued, “It had such a fun environment, and hockey almost felt like the fun bonus of the weekend. The kids worked so hard on their fundraising, and it was so great to see them have so much fun after all of their hard work and dedication at the All-Star game.”

The success of this event highlights the power of sport to bring people together. The generosity of the hockey community will leave a lasting legacy on the lives of many Canadians.

To learn more about the Ben Stelter Foundation and how you can contribute to bringing Proton Therapy to Canada, visit www.benstelterfoundation.com.

2024 BEN’S CUP - PHOTO GALLERY >

Happy Holidays from Hockey Alberta!

Staff at Hockey Alberta would like to wish you and your families Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. The Hockey Alberta office is closed December 25-31 and January 1, with some staff working remotely January 2-3. The Hockey Alberta office at Red Deer Polytechnic re-opens with regular hours on Monday, January 6.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the host communities for the 2025 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB.

Host communities for the 30 provincial championships have been confirmed. The remaining four provincial champions are determined through league playoffs.

Championship tournaments are being hosted in locations across the province - from Peace River to Okotoks, and Jasper to Wainwright, the action will carry itself throughout Alberta.

2025 Provincial Hosts >

ATB is returning as the presenting sponsor of the 2025 Provincial Sponsorships.

Participating teams for the provincial championship tournaments are determined through league playoffs.

Hockey Alberta’s Tiered and Female leagues include: Hockey Calgary, Edmonton Federation Hockey League, Central Alberta Hockey League, All Peace Hockey League, North Eastern Alberta Hockey League, Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League, and East Central Alberta Female Hockey League.

Week one (March 20-23) sees the first action on the schedule, with championships including: U18 Female A, U18 Female B, U16 AA, U15 AAA, U15 AA, U15 A, U15 B, U15 C, U15 A NBC, U15 Female AA, U13 A, U13 B, U13 C, U13 D and U13 Female B.

Week two (March 27-30) features: Junior C, U18 AA, U18 A, U18 B, U18 C, U18 A NBC, U18 Female AA, U15 Female A, U15 Female B, U13 AA, U13 Female AA, U13 Female A and U11 AA.

The final weekend (April 2-6) showcases Junior B and U17 AAA.

Junior A, Junior Female, U18AAA and U18 AAA Female provincial champions are decided through league playoffs.

RED DEER – Forty volunteers have been selected to lead the eight teams competing at the 2025 Prospects Cup.

The staffing complement for each team includes a director of operations, a coach mentor, a head coach, two assistant coaches, and a trainer. The Prospects Cup is a core Hockey Alberta Development program that allows athletes, staff and on-ice officials an opportunity for growth into the next steps of their hockey journey.

The Prospects Cup is being held in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, May 7-11. The province is divided into four regions, with two teams selected from each region. Male athletes born in 2012 and playing in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned program are eligible to try out.

Regional Camp registration opens on January 20. Regional camps will take place April 11-13 in Calgary, Olds, Vegreville, and Edmonton.

Listing of team staff below, the director of operations will be announced closer to the Prospects Cup.

North Grey (Vegreville) 

 
North Blue (Vegreville) 

 
Capital Green (Edmonton) 

 
Capital Purple (Edmonton) 

 
South Gold (Olds) 

 
South Black (Olds) 

Calgary White

Calgary Red

 
Hockey Alberta Staff 

RED DEER  –  Thirty volunteers have been selected to lead the six teams competing at the 2025 Alberta Challenge.

The staffing complement for each team includes a director of operations, head coach, mentor coach, two assistant coaches, apprentice coach and therapist. The Alberta Challenge is a core Hockey Alberta Female Development program that allows athletes, staff and on-ice officials an opportunity for growth for the next step in their hockey journey.

The Alberta Challenge is hosted at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer from April 30-May 4. The province is divided into North and South regions, with three teams selected from each region. Female athletes born in 2010 and 2011, playing in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned program, are eligible to try out.

Regional Camp registration opens on January 13. Regional camps will take place April 4-6 in Cochrane and Beaumont.

Listing of the director of operations and therapists will be announced closer to the Alberta Challenge.

Alberta Challenge Website >

South Black 

 
South Green 

 
South Grey 

 
North Blue 

 
North Red 

 
North Yellow 

 
Hockey Alberta Staff 

RED DEER – Thirty-six volunteers have been selected to lead the six teams competing at the 2025 Alberta Cup.

The staffing complement for each team includes a director of operations, coach mentor, head coach, two assistant coaches and a therapist. The Alberta Cup is a core Hockey Alberta Elite Development program that allows athletes, staff and on-ice officials an opportunity for growth for the next step in their hockey journey.

The Alberta Cup is hosted in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, April 23-27. The province is divided into North, Central and South regions, with two teams selected from each region. Male athletes born in 2010 and playing in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned program are eligible to tryout.

Registration for regional camps opens on January 7. Regional camps will take place March 28-30 in Calgary, Red Deer, and Spruce Grove.

Listing of team staff is below.

Alberta Cup Website >

Alberta Green (Calgary) 

 
Alberta Red (Calgary) 

 
Alberta Black (Red Deer) 

 
Alberta Blue (Red Deer) 

 
Alberta Gold (Spruce Grove) 

 
Alberta Grey (Spruce Grove) 

 
Hockey Alberta Staff 

During the 117th Annual General Meeting, three candidates were elected to Hockey Alberta’s Board of Directors.

Incumbents Bill Gourley and Karen Lee are joined by Zahra Nurani all of Calgary were elected to the three-year term by the member organizations in attendance at the AGM, which was held virtually on November 28.

Short videos for the newly-elected directors can be found on the Hockey Alberta website. They join returning directors Allan Mowbray, Francois Gagnon, Michael Bates, Al-Amin Vira, Danielle Paradis, and Len Samletzki (Chair).

Additionally, the 2024 AGM included two Notices of Motion that were passed unanimously to amend Bylaws 1.7(f) and 5.1(a), (b), (c).

The amended bylaws implement term limits for all directors, and replace election of the chair position by the members with the Chair being appointed by the elected directors.

2024 AGM >

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is now accepting coach applications for the 2025 Team Alberta programs.

Team Alberta U18 Female is looking fora Head Coach, two Assistant Coaches, one Video Coach, and one Goaltender Coach to guide the team at the 2025 National Women’s Under-18 Championship. The event takes place in November at a location that will be determined later.

U18 FEMALE COACH APPLICATION >

Team Alberta U16 Male is seeking a Head Coach, two Assistant Coaches and one Video Coach for the 2025 WHL Cup. The WHL Cup is slated for October 2025.

U16 MALE COACH APPLICATION >

Applicants must:

- Be qualified at the NCCP High Performance 1;

- Be in good standing with Hockey Alberta and/or member Branch;

- Have a strong knowledge base and understanding of systems and strategies.

The deadline for all applications is January 6, 2025.

Inquiries can be directed to Mike Kraichy, Manager, High Performance at [email protected].

It is a milestone in the world of hockey officiating.

For Chiara Knowlton, officiating hockey was just part of growing up. “It’s a family affair,” she says. Chiara started officiating at age 11, while her mom, Shelley, has officiated for over 27 years, with Chiara following suit. “We all tried it at least once, and I just really loved it.” Chiara recalls. Years later, the pair became the first mother-daughter duo to officiate a U SPORTS Canada West game on October 25, 2024.

Shelley’s journey began in St. Albert, where she played hockey as one of the few girls in the league. After years of complaining about bad calls, a referee challenged her to take a clinic. “I did, and I never looked back,” Shelley says. She soon got her kids involved, bringing them to referee ice sessions when they were young. “They were immersed early on.” Shelley says.

For Chiara, the realization of the milestone hit her during the anthem. “That’s when it really sank in — we’re doing this now.” Shelley had a similar moment pre-game while at Clare Drake Arena that night. As they stepped onto the ice, she let Chiara go first for their lap and thought, “She’s arrived.” The two of them joke that Chiara is Shelley’s “succession plan”, and while Shelley couldn’t be prouder, she declares, “She’s faster than me now. I won’t admit it, but I’m a little worried. She’s coming for my job!”

All three of Shelley’s children started refereeing around the age of 11, but Chiara is making the game even more enjoyable for both mother and daughter. “When I work with her, it’s really fun because I don’t have to worry about watching her. I trust that she’s going to do the right thing,” Shelley says. However, for Chiara, it can be more challenging, as Shelley holds her children to a higher standard. “I hold my kids to a little bit higher standard than I would hold other officials, but I think that’s just me trying to make sure that they’re doing a really, really good job,” Shelley explains.

As the presence of female officials continues to grow in hockey, the Knowltons’ story is bound to inspire the next generation. Chiara’s advice for young officials is simple: “Don’t get discouraged.” Even when faced with challenging situations, “you can overcome every obstacle. You just have to persevere and learn new tricks to stay focused in the big moments.”

Shelley agrees, noting, “Female hockey is the fastest-growing demographic, and there are so many opportunities for young female officials.” She encourages those thinking about officiating to take the leap. “It’s never too late. There’s always a place in hockey to officiate.”

For anyone interested in starting their officiating journey, Hockey Alberta offers programs to help get anyone involved and develop in the role. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to advance, there are pathways to grow and thrive in the officiating world.

QUISPAMSIS – Team Alberta U18 Female competed in the National Women’s U18 Championship from November 3-9 in Quispamsis, NB, finishing in sixth place.

Team Alberta faced adversity to begin the tournament, losing their opener 8-2 to the eventual gold medalist Ontario Red. Tayla Lamabe (Sherwood Park) and captain Sade Sandilands (Carstairs) scored the goals for Team Alberta.

Following the loss to start the tournament, Team Alberta bounced back, defeating Team Atlantic 4-3, scoring four consecutive goals in a come-from-behind victory. Ella Lloyd (Ardrossan) and Emelia McDermid (Airdrie) turned in two-point performances with one goal and one assist. Daniella Martorana (Edmonton) also pitched in with two assists. Goaltender Taya Christie (Medicine Hat) made 20 saves in the Alberta win.

In the final game of the preliminary round, Team Alberta lost to Team Saskatchewan 5-2. Alberta got goals from Presley Zinger (Red Deer) and Brooklyn Deck (Chestermere), and the helpers for both Team Alberta goals came from Paige Smith (Gibbons). Alberta finished third in Group A with a win and two losses, setting up a quarterfinal game against Team BC (1-1-1), who finished second in Group B.

Team Alberta then fell 6-1 in their quarterfinal game to the eventual bronze medalist Team BC. Alberta failed to keep up with BC’s scoring, allowing four unanswered goals following the first period. Alberta’s lone goal came from Smith late in the first. The quarterfinal loss put Alberta in the fifth-place game against Ontario Blue, where they ran into a hot goaltender and could not find the back of the net, losing 2-0.

Smith and McDermid led Alberta in scoring, scoring three points each in five games. Lamabe was Alberta’s lone multi-goal scorer, finishing the tournament with two goals. Alyssa Barrette (Calgary) and Christie shared the net throughout the tournament, each appearing in two complete games and splitting duties in the final contest. Barrette finished with a 4.80 goals-against-average and a .818 save percentage. Christie finished with a 4.50 goals-against-average and a .836 save percentage.

You can view the entire schedule from the tournament here.

Hockey Alberta is hosting female-only coach clinics in Edmonton for the 2024-25 season.

There are two clinics available for the season. Intro to Checking Principles on November 12 at the South Side Athletic Club Office, and Coach 2 is scheduled for November 17 at the Downtown Community Arena. Registration for these courses is now available below.

CHECKING PRINCIPLES – NOVEMBER 12 >

COACH 2 – NOVEMBER 17 >

Female-only coach clinics provide an inclusive environment to all female to learn the game and become certified in the necessary clinics.

For questions and information on the upcoming clinics, please contact Danielle Wheeler, Manager, Female Development at [email protected].

Monday, November 4 marks Hockey Alberta’s recognition of Rule 11.4 in the Hockey Canada rulebook for on-ice discrimination AND Maltreatment Awareness Day. The following was written by Anton Joseph, EdD (Candidate), MBA, BSc. Anton is the chair of Hockey Alberta’s EDI Committee.

Maltreatment in hockey, whether in the form of abuse, harassment, or neglect, poses significant risks not only to the individuals directly involved but also to the sport as a whole. As hockey culture becomes more aware of mental health and player well-being, understanding why addressing maltreatment is essential becomes crucial for players, parents, coaches, and administrators. Ignoring maltreatment may perpetuate a cycle of harm that undermines trust, development, and safety within the sport.

Impact on Players’ Mental and Physical Health

Maltreatment can have severe psychological and physical impacts on young athletes, leading to long-term mental health challenges, diminished self-esteem, and increased anxiety. A study by Stirling and Kerr (2009) highlights the pervasive effects of emotional abuse in sports, showing that athletes who endure maltreatment may experience depression, anxiety, and a loss of enjoyment in the sport. The negative psychological effects can lead to burnout or the abandonment of a promising athletic career.

Failing to address maltreatment reinforces the idea that such behaviour is acceptable or unavoidable in competitive environments. Players who experience support and protection are more likely to thrive both in their athletic performance and overall development, fostering resilience and commitment to the sport.

The Role of Parents in Preventing Maltreatment

Parents are central to the protection and development of young athletes. Parental involvement provides an essential oversight role in their child’s athletic environment and reinforces a safe culture within the sport. According to Côté (1999), parents contribute significantly to shaping a young athlete’s motivations and values in sports. When parents recognise and respond to signs of maltreatment, they demonstrate to their children that their well-being is more important than athletic achievement, building trust and safeguarding the player’s mental health.

Ignoring maltreatment can inadvertently communicate to young athletes that such behaviour is permissible, affecting their understanding of healthy boundaries and self-worth. Therefore, parents must not turn a blind eye to maltreatment but instead should advocate for their children’s safety and work with coaches and administrators to address concerns.

Coaches Responsibility to Foster a Safe Culture

Coaches have a profound influence on players’ development and experience in hockey, making them uniquely responsible for preventing and addressing maltreatment. Coaches who actively support a positive, respectful environment contribute to players’ growth and performance. A study by Brackenridge (2001) highlights that coaches who ignore maltreatment inadvertently endorse abusive behaviours, creating a hostile environment that can become a breeding ground for ongoing abuse and harassment.

Taking action against maltreatment strengthens the trust between coaches and players, ultimately leading to a healthier, more productive athlete-coach relationship. By addressing harmful behaviours, coaches reinforce a culture of accountability and respect that benefits the entire team.

Administrators and the Enforcement of Anti-Maltreatment Policies

Administrators play a critical role in establishing policies and procedures that protect players from maltreatment. Implementing comprehensive anti-abuse policies and fostering an environment where athletes feel safe reporting issues are vital to upholding the sport’s integrity. Donnelly and Petherick (2004) argue that effective administrative oversight and clear policies are essential to address maltreatment concerns and create a culture of zero tolerance for abuse.

Turning a blind eye to maltreatment issues risks diminishing the reputation of the hockey program, driving away athletes and stakeholders who prioritise safety. Administrators who ensure robust policies and clear reporting mechanisms demonstrate a commitment to protecting young athletes and promoting hockey as a safe, supportive sport.

Long-term Effects on the Sport’s Reputation and Growth

Ignoring maltreatment has broader consequences for the future of hockey. When young players experience harm within the sport, it can lead to disillusionment and withdrawal, deterring others from participating in the future. As more attention is drawn to the treatment of athletes, sports organisations that are proactive in addressing these issues will be better positioned to attract new players, sponsors, and fans.

Creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment contributes to hockey’s positive reputation as a sport that values its players’ well-being. This environment encourages continued growth, participation, and respect for the sport at all levels, ensuring its future as a viable and respected athletic pursuit.

Addressing maltreatment in hockey is a responsibility shared by all stakeholders – players, parents, coaches, and administrators. By proactively addressing harmful behaviours, each person involved in the sport can foster a safe, supportive environment that enhances young athletes’ growth, health, and success. Maltreatment left unchecked not only damages individuals but also undermines the integrity of the sport. Hockey has an opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that the safety and well-being of players come first.

Monday, November 4 marks Hockey Alberta’s recognition of Rule 11.4 in the Hockey Canada rulebook for on-ice discrimination AND Maltreatment Awareness Day.

By enforcing Rule 11.4 and recognizing Maltreatment Awareness Day, Hockey Alberta is working to prevent discrimination and ensure respect, fairness, and safety for all involved in the game. These are vital steps toward making hockey a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to play.

“When we can acknowledge that there are systemic challenges in our sport involving equity, diversity, and inclusion we can also recognize that it takes significant commitments and movements in positive directions in order for any change to happen,” said Carlia Schwab, Manager of EDI and Safe Sport at Hockey Alberta. “Rule 11. 4 is just one of these commitments. By seeking to prevent, reduce and ultimately remove on-ice discrimination we are taking a step in the right direction.”

Hockey Alberta’s statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, which was released in September 2023, shares a commitment to creating safe sporting environments and nurturing a positive hockey culture. Hockey Alberta continues to lay the foundation and provide the tools and resources to succeed, but it is up to every one of our members to make it happen. It starts with those who have the power to enact change, your actions and behaviors contribute to safe sport environments, putting you directly in the path of creating change.

“We know that there is much work to be done, that it is hard work and that it takes the combined commitment of our staff, volunteers, members, and participants to help us progress on this path,” said Schwab.

Hockey Alberta’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee has shared a list of reminders and strategies that you can do to contribute to this positive change and help move us forward.

Players be aware of the language that you use and how it can harm others.

• Find opportunities to learn about those around you, focus on your differences and similarities and how they contribute to a healthy team.
• Impact vs. Intention. Be aware of the impact of your actions. Even though our intentions may be innocent, or we are reacting in the-heat-of-the-moment, our words and behaviors can have a big impact.
• Take the Hockey Alberta Player Pledge to commit to respect, inclusion, and fair play in every game.

Parents and Families, your support is essential in creating a positive, inclusive hockey experience.

• Be a Positive Role Model: Your actions make a difference. Show respect and integrity when interacting with coaches, officials, players, and other parents.
• Stay Informed: Understanding the issues around safe sport helps us all. Take some time to learn about the dynamics of inclusivity and respect in hockey.
• Know Your Association’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with your association’s guidelines so you can support a fair and respectful environment.
• Step In: If you notice bullying, harassment, or harmful behavior, trust your instincts and take action to help. Use “I” statements to express feelings and create dialogue (e.g., “I felt uncomfortable when I saw...”).
• Promote Inclusive Spaces: Speak up about creating welcoming environments that let all players thrive.
• Respect in Sport for Parents: Access Hockey Canada’s Respect in Sport for Parents course to learn tips on how to build positive interactions both on and off the ice.

Coaches, you play a pivotal role in shaping a positive and inclusive environment for your players, both on and off the ice. Here are some essential resources designed to support your efforts.

• Consult the 4 C’s SafeSport Guide to discover effective strategies to create a safe and supportive coaching environment that prioritizes player well-being.
• Enrol in the NCCP online module Anti-Racism in Coaching to enhance your understanding of diversity and inclusion within your coaching practices. Learn how to make a meaningful impact!
• Learn how to build respectful and positive spaces for all players in the Creating a Positive Sport Environment NCCP online module. Help equip yourself with the tools to foster a welcoming atmosphere!

Game Officials, be aware, ensure positive experiences for every player.

• Stay Vigilant: Be aware of all interactions on the ice, as maltreatment can occur at any moment. Your awareness helps create a safer environment for everyone.
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Let players and team personnel know that their concerns about maltreatment are important. Make it clear that you’re there to listen and support them.
• Document Allegations: If an in-game allegation is reported to you, even if you didn’t witness it, be sure to inform the appropriate bench staff. This ensures the incident is properly documented in the Game Incident Report.
• Apply the Rules Fairly: Remember, the playing rules apply to all participants. As officials, it’s your responsibility to enforce these rules consistently, promoting respect and fairness on the ice.

Minor Hockey Association (MHA) Members. As a valued member of Hockey Alberta, we encourage each local Minor Hockey Association and club team to establish clear policies and procedures to address unacceptable conduct within your organization. By fostering a proactive approach, we can work together to create a supportive environment for everyone involved. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Promote a Positive Culture: It’s important for every member to help maintain a safe and respectful atmosphere by preventing harassment and abuse in all aspects of your organization. Together, we can make a difference.
• Encourage Open Communication: If any participant safety concerns arise, we invite you to bring them forward to your local association or club team. This helps ensure that issues are managed appropriately and in line with your established policies and procedures.
• Discussion Resources: Facilitate open conversations with staff and volunteers on creating inclusive environments. Try prompts like, “What does a supportive environment look like to you?”
• Stay Up to Date: Visit the Hockey Alberta Website for resources and updates on EDI initiatives, reporting maltreatment, policy support and more. Update your own MHA website to ensure members have access to the latest information.

We recognize Monday, November 4 as 11.4 Maltreatment Awareness Day, however, every day is a day to prevent, interrupt and respond to discrimination and maltreatment. Thank you for your continued dedication, support and positive interactions.

You can find more information on how Hockey Alberta responds to Maltreatment, Bullying and Harassment by visiting our website.

MALTREATMENT >

RED DEER – 17 players from across the province have been named to the NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch list for the 2025 NHL Draft.

Tri-City Americans defenceman Jackson Smith (Calgary) earned an ‘A’ rating, a rating indicating players who are projected to be taken in the first round of the NHL draft. Forwards Nathan Behm (Calgary) and Braeden Cootes (Sherwood Park) earned a ‘B’ rating, meaning that a player is projected to be selected in the second or third round.

Players with ‘C’ rating are projected to go in the fourth or fifth round, while the ‘W’ rating indicates players projected to be sixth- or seventh-round candidates.

The full list of Albertans named to the Players to Watch List can be found below: