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.”