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:

RED DEER – Team Alberta showed that even when things got difficult, there was never a time to back down or quit. A 8-1 win in a rematch of last year’s final against Team Manitoba left Team Alberta as champions of the WHL Cup for the sixth time in team history.

The first period kicked off with Mirco Dufour (Rocky View County) opening the scoring to give Team Alberta the lead. Matthew Hilderman (Cochrane), Brock England (Airdrie), Jensen Marsh (Cochrane) and Nathan Cole (Airdrie) added on to the unanswered lead in the second period. Manitoba would get one back close to the end of the second period. Kyle Obobaifo (Calgary) and Jaggar John (Fort McMurray, 2) found the back of the net in the third period to extend the lead for Team Alberta. Leif Oaten (Calgary) made 16 saves in the win. England was awarded the MVP of the WHL Cup.

Team Alberta’s round robin started off a bit rocky with a 5-2 opening loss to Team Saskatchewan. They followed that with a 5-2 win to Team Manitoba with captain Ben Harvey’s (Edmonton) natural hat-trick leading the way. A 2-0 shutout loss against Team British Columbia saw Alberta placing third in round robin play and setting up a rematch in the semifinals against Team Saskatchewan. There, they trailed 4-0 about halfway into the second period, but things suddenly clicked and Team Alberta scored eight unanswered goals, with Hilderman capping off the comeback victory with his fourth goal of the game, an empty netter, to win 9-5 and set up a rematch against Team Manitoba.

This team deserves to be proud of their performance all week and the results showed it. Congratulations!

You can view the complete schedule from the WHL Cup HERE.

Save the Date!

Alberta Female Hockey Day returns for its sixth year. The event will take place in the southeast corner of the province, hosted by Medicine Hat on February 1^st, 2025.

Female Hockey Day is a Hockey Alberta initiative aimed at bringing female players, parents, coaches, and supporters together for the development, growth, and celebration of the game. Female Hockey Day has made stops in Red Deer, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Calgary, and Fort McMurray.

The Hockey Alberta Foundation will be giving community grants (up to $1,000 per applicant/MHA) for associations to hold their own Female Hockey Day event in conjunction with the main event. Please see Female Hockey Day Grant Application to apply to host your own.

RED DEER – Team Alberta has selected the twenty athletes representing Team Alberta Female at the 2024 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, November 3-9, taking place in Quispamsis, New Brunswick.

This year’s roster consists of two goalies, six defence and twelve forwards. Ten players on this year’s squad also represented Alberta at the 2023 Championship in Dawson Creek, BC, and are returning for another run at the championship.

Fourteen communities across Alberta are represented in this year’s squad. Communities include Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Sherwood Park, Carstairs, Ardrossan, Red Deer, Dunmore, Okotoks, Chestermere, Gibbons, Strathmore, Airdrie and Desert Blume.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S U18 ROSTER >

Team Alberta’s selection process included the U18 Summer Camp in July in Red Deer with 46 players involved in on and off-ice sessions and three scrimmages. A shortlist of 28 took part in the Team Alberta Fall Camp in Red Deer which included three games against USports women’s teams (University of Alberta and MacEwan University).

Staff members of this year’s team are Chris Leeming (Edmonton), Head Coach; Jessie Olfert (Edmonton), Assistant Coach; Erin O’Toole (Lethbridge), Assistant Coach; Danielle Wheeler (Sylvan Lake), Video Coach; Bella McKee (Paradise Valley), Goalie Coach; Paige Shannon (Calgary), Therapist; Dave Campbell (Grande Prairie), Equipment Manager; Rob Dawson (St. Albert), Coach Mentor; Kendall Newall (Red Deer), Head Scout; and Michael Kraichy (Red Deer); Director of Operations.

“As a staff, we felt that this was a competitive process and are excited to work with the 20 players selected as we move towards the National Championship.” stated Kraichy.

Team Alberta, who is powered by Gatorade, will begin its tournament on November 3 against Ontario Red. The team’s full schedule can be found below, with times listed in MST.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is excited to announce the dates for the 2025 Spring Showcase.

The three-week event features the Alberta Cup (April 23-27), Alberta Challenge (April 30-May 4), and Prospects Cup (May 7-11), and is returning to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic.

For the Alberta Challenge and Prospects Cup, this is the first step for athletes entering into the Team Alberta program. For Alberta Cup athletes, it is an opportunity for players to showcase their talents in hopes of being invited to U16 Team Alberta Summer Camp and ultimately representing Team Alberta at the 2025 WHL Cup.

Prior to the spring competitions, regional camps are hosted at various locations across Alberta to identify the players who will compete at each event. Each regional camp includes three virtual sessions from guest speakers to prepare players for the camp, a jersey and four ice-sessions. Dates and locations for regional camps are outlined below.

Applications are now being accepted from individuals interested in volunteering as a team staff member for any of the three events. Application deadline is October 30. Interested applicants should fill out the form(s) located at the applicable link(s) below.

2025 Alberta Cup - April 23-27

• Male players born in 2010.
• Regional camp registration opens on January 6.
• Regional camps run March 28-30 in Calgary, Red Deer, and Spruce Grove.

Team Staff Applications:

Hockey Alberta is seeking one head coach, two assistant coaches and one trainer for each of the six Alberta Cup teams.

AB Cup Coach Application > | AB Cup Trainer Application >

Go to the Alberta Cup website >

2025 Alberta Challenge - April 30 - May 4

• Female players born in 2010 and 2011.
• Regional camp registration opens on January 13.
• Regional camps run April 4-6, locations Beaumont and Cochrane.

Team Staff Applications:

Hockey Alberta is seeking one head coach, two assistant coaches, one apprentice coach and one trainer for each of the six Alberta Challenge teams.

AB Challenge Coach Application > | AB Challenge Apprentice Coach Application > | AB Challenge Trainer Application >

Go to the Alberta Challenge website >

2025 Prospects Cup - May 7-11

• Male players born in 2012.
• Regional camp registration opens on January 20.
• Regional camps run April 11-13 in Calgary, Olds, Vegreville and TBD (Capital).

Team Staff Applications:

Hockey Alberta is seeking one head coach, two assistant coaches and one trainer for each of the eight Prospect Cup regional teams.

Prospects Cup Coach Application > | Prospects Cup Trainer Application >

Go to Prospects Cup website >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has announced the roster for the Team Alberta U16 Male squad that is representing the province at the 2024 WHL Cup, taking place at the Peavey Mart Centurium in Red Deer.

The roster for this year’s squad is comprised of two goaltenders, seven defence and eleven forwards. Of the players on the twenty-man roster, seven players were taken in the first round of the 2024 Western Hockey League Draft, eight players were taken in the second round, three players were taken in the third round, and one player each was taken in the fourth and sixth rounds. This roster includes Aden Bouchard (Airdrie) and Ben Harvey (Edmonton) who were selected in the top five at third and fourth overall respectively, as well as Ossie McIntyre (St. Albert) and Owen Hayden (Calgary) who were selected in the top ten of the draft.

This year’s team includes players from eleven different communities across Alberta – Calgary, Edmonton, Cochrane, Blackfalds, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Sturgeon County, Airdrie, Rocky View County, Fort McMurray and Olds. Nine players play in the Alberta Elite Hockey League, while the other eleven players play in the CSSHL.

TEAM ALBERTA U16 WHL CUP ROSTER >

The selection process saw eighty players attend the Summer Selection Camp in Red Deer in July. A shortlist of thirty-five players was selected from that camp before the roster was finalized down to the twenty players representing the province at the WHL Cup.

“We’re excited with the group that we have selected for this year’s WHL Cup.” said Mike Kraichy, Manager, High Performance for Hockey Alberta. “We feel that we have a lot of depth at all three positions and look forward to getting to compete against the best players across Western Canada in October.”

The team’s staff this year includes Derrick Martin (Edmonton), Head Coach; Ryan Allen (Grande Prairie), Assistant Coach; Chad Scharff (Airdrie), Assistant Coach; Marcus Cheng (Calgary), Video Coach; Theo Zubot (Calgary), Goalie Coach; Matt Goertzen (Edmonton), Therapist; Dave Campbell (Grande Prairie), Equipment Manager; Bobby Fox (Calgary), Head Scout; Barry Medori (Spruce Grove), Coach Mentor; and Kraichy (Red Deer), Director of Operations.

The 2024 WHL Cup will showcase the top 2009-born players from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Team Alberta, powered by Gatorade, kicks off the WHL Cup against Team Saskatchewan on Wednesday, October 23. The schedule is available below.

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.

MORE INFORMATION >

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

Taking place at the East Calgary Twin Arenas, there are three clinics available for the season. Coach 2 is scheduled for October 20, Intro to Checking Principles on October 27, and Coach 1 on November 2. Registration for these courses is now available below.

COACH 2 – OCTOBER 20 >

INTRO TO CHECKING PRINCIPLES – OCTOBER 27 >

COACH 1 – NOVEMBER 2 >

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].

Hockey Alberta staff as well as coaches from across the province gathered at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for The Coaches Site Live Conference. Over 400 attendees from 14 different countries participated in the three-day event, which featured on ice, breakout and main stage sessions involving some of the best coaches in the sport.

Some of the presenting speakers included Cail MacLean from the Calgary Flames, Moncton Wildcats head coach Gardiner MacDougall, Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love and University of Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato.

“The Coaches Site Live is regarded as the premier coaching conference in the world,” said Mike McGinnis, Hockey Alberta’s Manager, Player Development. “Hockey Alberta is proud to partner with The Coaches Site and we send approximately 20 delegates to the annual event. Every year we see exponential growth in those who attend as it’s impossible to not pick up one or two things from each presentation. We truly look forward to this event each year and we are excited to continue expanding our relationship with The Coaches Site to offer more opportunities for coaches in Alberta.”

One of those Alberta delegates who attended the event was Sage Sansregret, who spent this past season as an assistant coach with the Edmonton Junior Oilers White.

“The experience was definitely worthwhile,” Sansregret said. "It was a lot of fun being there to network and learn from some of the best coaches in the world. I think the biggest takeaway for me from this event is always to be willing to learn. There’s a lot of new concepts that you hear about during the conference and they really challenge you to expand your view and knowledge of the game.”

Sansregret believes events like these are vital to ensuring the next generation of coaches are making the most out of their opportunities.

“I think it’s extremely important,” she said. "It’s great to connect with other coaches and share ideas and thoughts. I think it helps the game continue to grow and move forward and it’s also great for young coaches like myself who want to start building a network and create a foundation for their coaching careers. High-level coaching jobs are network based, so events like these are great opportunities.”

The 2025 event is once again set for June at the University of Michigan.

The Female Coach Development Network is back for the 2024-25 season! The second season of the network is scheduled to pick up October 14.

Featuring monthly and bi-monthly presenters, the program provides access to mentors and resources for coaches to help navigate their seasons. One call or two calls are scheduled each month, from October-March, with professional development and the opportunity to discuss situations coaches are going through.

The Female Coach Development Network was created for female coaches across the province to connect and learn from each other. Sixty-seven coaches registered for the first year of the network.

The network is free to join and open to coaches at all levels and ages. Coaches who were participants in the network last season are required to register again for this season. Meeting and presentations will be recorded and distributed to the group following the session.

REGISTRATION LINK >

Sharpen your skates and tape your stick, the 2024-25 season is around the corner.

Hockey Alberta has been working to ensure the game gives everyone a positive experience this season. The 2024-25 Season Puck Drop is here to share the changes coming this season, and information you need to know as you sharpen your skates for the new season.

On the webpage you can find what’s new in 2024, learn about Hockey Alberta’s strategic direction, how to play, coach and official clinics, how to report maltreatment, the new concussion protocols, information on Team Alberta programs, grants and funding and important dates.

2024-25 Season Puck Drop >

Good luck this season! And remember, hockey is supposed to be fun. Let’s give everyone a positive experience in 2024-25.

RED DEER – Bring memories that last a lifetime to your community. Applications are now open to host the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships presented by ATB.

The deadline to apply is November 15. All bids must follow the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships Bid Guidelines.

A total of 35 events will be held in communities around the province in 2025. With tournaments beginning March 20, events will run three consecutive weekends:

Most Minor Tiered and Minor Female events will feature eight teams – the host, a wild card and the champions from each division’s respective leagues: All Peace Hockey League, Central Alberta Hockey League, East Central Female Hockey League, Edmonton Federation Hockey League, Hockey Calgary, North Eastern Alberta Hockey League and the Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League, Alberta Junior Female Hockey League, Alberta Elite Hockey League’s U18 AAA and Alberta Female Hockey League’s U18 AAA champions will be determined in a playdown format.

Provincial Championships are some of the most exciting and high-profile events each season, bringing together the top teams from across the province in each division. The thrill of playing in this exciting event makes hosting a Hockey Alberta Provincial Championship tournament a unique and special opportunity.

Bids should be emailed to [email protected].

The Recreational Hockey Model has been renamed to the Play Hockey Model by Hockey Alberta.

The Play Hockey Model, and the three streams within it, ensures families have access to affordable, fun, and safe opportunities to participate in youth hockey with a moderate to low time and financial commitment. The streams within the Play Hockey Model remain unchanged – Rec Hockey, Pond Hockey and Learn to Play.

PLAY HOCKEY MODEL >

To kick off the season, Hockey Alberta is hosting a Virtual Town Hall via Zoom on September 12, from 6-7 pm. The updated Play Hockey Model will be discussed, and Organizations and MHAs can connect and share best practices.

Please attend if you have sanctioned, are planning to sanction, or would like more information about sanctioning a Play Hockey Model program for the 2024-25 season.

Register at this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqceGgpzIqHNYsOgXLhRSitNSYkZQY2zwS

Read all the information about the transition to the Play Hockey Model in the information bulletin.

INFORMATION BULLETIN 24-02 – PLAY HOCKEY MODEL >

RED DEER - Updates have been implemented to Hockey Alberta’s Coach Education Pathways, with new and/or updated requirements and qualifications for the 2024-25 hockey season.

The changes involve new names for online courses offered within the Hockey Canada Coach Clinic (previously HU-Online), and Hockey Alberta’s in-person Coach 1, Coach 2 and Checking Skills clinics. There are also updated online course requirements for coaches at the Intro to Hockey and Minor Leagues levels.

Full details on the name changes, the specific requirements for coaches at each level of hockey, and the process for registering in HCR are available under the Coach tab on the Hockey Alberta website.

COACH REQUIREMENTS >

The clinic structure itself is unchanged for the 2024-25 season, with a required Online component, and a required In-Person clinic (includes classroom and on-ice time). As well, requirements continue for completing Respect in Sport – Activity Leader, and Hockey Canada Safety Program – Level 1.

INFO BULLETIN 24-01 – UPDATED COACH REQUIREMENTS >

CALGARY – Forty athletes are gathering at Cardel Rec South in Calgary for Hockey Alberta’s 2024 Female U16 Summer Development Camp August 9-11.

Four goaltenders, 12 defence and 24 forwards are attending the camp. The development camp serves as an introduction to the Team Alberta process.

U16 SUMMER DEVELOPMENT CAMP ROSTERS >

Camp features on and off-ice activities including both physical and mental sessions and will wrap up with Team Blue versus Team Gold at 12:30 P.M. on Aug. 11.

CAMP SCHEDULE >

All athletes who are registered with a Hockey Alberta or Hockey Canada sanctioned minor hockey association are eligible for Team Alberta programming.

RED DEER – Team Alberta tryouts for the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship (NAHC) are taking place at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer, August 8-11.

Athletes are gathering in Red Deer to compete for a roster spot, with both Male and Female camps featuring on-ice sessions including small area games, practices and games. At 2PM on August 10, the Top 40 List for the Male team released. At 3:15 PM, the Top 33 List for the Female team relased.

TOP 40 MALE / TOP 33 FEMALE / CAMP SCHEDULE >

Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council – Alberta, are sending a U18 Male and U18 Female team to the 2025 tournament, scheduled for May 4-11 in Kamloops, British Columbia on the traditional territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

Team Alberta U18 Female won silver at last year’s event in Grande Prairie while the U18 Male squad won its placement game by a 10-2 score over Team Eastern Door & North.

NAHC was established in 2002 by the Aboriginal Sport Circle, to serve as the premiere competition for young Aboriginal hockey players in Canada.

The annual event provides a forum for elite U18 aged Indigenous male and female youth and attracts participation from First Nations, Métis and Inuit athletes across the 13 provinces and territories. This annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride to celebrate Indigenous athletes and sport.

Coaching Staff announced for 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

RED DEER – The coaching staffs have been named for Team Alberta Male and Female competing at the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

Team Alberta Female will be guided by head coach Richard Demery (Edmonton) who served as an assistant coach last year on the Male team. He is entering his ninth year of coaching, all of which has been at the U15 AA to U18 AA levels. Kendra Rosychuk (Calgary) returns to the team as an assistant coach with Chelsea Gauchier (Edmonton) rounding out the group.

Kevin Hasselberg (Dutchess) has been named the head coach of Team Alberta Male. Hasselberg is the current Head Coach and General Manager of the Drumheller Dragons and has more than 20 years of coaching experience. He also has been involved with Hockey Alberta’s development programs as he has taken part in the Alberta Cup and Prospects Cup tournaments. Damien Kulynuch (Calgary) is returning for a second year as an assistant coach along with Dallas Hines (Marwayne) who is working his first experience in the Team Alberta program.

RED DEER – Twenty-eight athletes have been selected to attend the Team Alberta Female Fall Camp.

Three goaltenders, nine defence and 16 forwards are competing for a roster position on Team Alberta’s U18 entry at the 2024 National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Quispamsis, New Brunswick Nov. 3-9.

TEAM ALBERTA U18 FEMALE FALL CAMP INVITES >

“There are a lot of talented players in these age groups, making the decision to get down to 28 players a tough one,” said Chris Leeming, Head Coach of Team Alberta’s U18 Female team. “Our staff is confident in these players that we’ve selected for the next process as they have demonstrated the ability to consistently execute our style of play, concepts and habits. We are excited to continue working with this group.”

Fall Camp takes place Sept. 27-29 in Red Deer, where the U18 hopefuls are participating in on and off-ice sessions including games against women’s teams from USports.

Team Alberta’s U18 Female, fueled by Gatorade, finished fourth at the 2023 National Women’s U18 Championship in Dawson Creek, B.C., losing a tight battle to Team B.C. in the bronze medal game.

The Alberta Amateur Hockey Association (Hockey Alberta) is seeking qualified candidates for three (3) Director at Large positions on its Board of Directors. Deadline to submit a nomination package is AUGUST 31, 2024.

Hockey Alberta is the governing body for organized amateur hockey in the Province of Alberta. The Board of Directors builds and monitors the strategy of the organization through its vision, mission, values and strategic direction. The Board operates under a Policy Governance Model and delegates operations to the Chief Executive Officer. The Board is elected by and accountable to the members of Hockey Alberta. The Board holds regular meetings, either in-person in Red Deer or via phone/ online platform.

The Board of Directors is focused on being a diverse group comprised of individuals with a variety of skill sets and experiences. For 2024, criteria to be considered by the Nominations Committee for each candidate include:

Diversity

The Board of Directors believes in the benefits diversity brings and recognizes that diversity of thought makes prudent business sense. Having a Board composed of individuals with diverse skills, experience, backgrounds and perspectives, as well as individuals of diverse gender identity, will provide:

• competitive advantage;
• robust understanding of opportunities, issues and risks;
• inclusion of different concepts, ideas, and relationships;
• enhanced decision-making and dialogue; and
• heightened capacity for oversight of the organization and its governance.

For purposes of Board composition, diversity includes business and industry skills and experience, gender, and ethnicity. The Board will make good use of these differences and distinctions among individuals in recruiting for the optimum composition of the Board.

Recruitment for Board members must collectively reflect the diverse nature of the business environment in which the organization operates and be made on merit, in the context of the skills, experience, independence and knowledge which the Board requires to be effective.

The Board is committed to ensuring gender diversity and to diligently act to effect change, it aspires to maintain a Board in which no gender represents more than 2/3 of the board.

• The current composition of the six directors not up for election in 2024 includes five males and one female.

Target Skills, Experience and Background

Industry Knowledge

• Experience with aspects of the game at various levels
• Knowledge/ experience with Membership Relations (in medium and small sized communities)

Technical Skills

• Legal expertise; or
• Fund Development and Revenue Generation for Non-Profit expertise; or
• Communications/ Marketing/ Social Media expertise.
• Human Resources Management

Governance

• Experience in Advocacy – Government Relations/ Lobbying; or
• Diversity / Inclusion Strategy and Education expertise; or
• Environmental and Social Responsibility expertise.

In addition:

• Previous experience on a not-for-profit board and knowledge of the workings of a board from a good governance perspective are preferred.
• Experience and understanding of the workings of a Provincial Sport Organization is an asset.
• Passion for the sport of hockey and previous experience within amateur hockey.
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check is required.

DIRECTOR AT LARGE JOB DESCRIPTION >

APPLICATION / NOMINATION FORM >

Process Overview

The Governance Committee of Hockey Alberta has created an external three-person Nominations Committee that includes a former Chair of the Board of Directors.

All submitted applications are reviewed by the Nominations Committee. Through the application and interview process, the Nominations Committee will prepare a list of qualified candidates to be presented to the membership for election.

Board of Director positions are elected by the Members of Hockey Alberta at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Elected individuals will serve a term of three years.

Article 5 of the Bylaws of the Alberta Amateur Hockey Association outlines the requirements that must be met for an individual to be considered eligible to be elected to the Board of Directors.

The links below to the Hockey Alberta website provide more information on Hockey Alberta Bylaws, and the Board’s Governance Model, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest policy. Candidates are required to complete a conflict of interest declaration with their application.

I. BYLAWS AND REGULATIONS >

II. BOARD GOVERNANCE, STRUCTURE AND POLICIES >

For more information, please contact:

Rob Virgil

Nominations Committee Chair, Hockey Alberta

[email protected]

780-915-2873

Rob Litwinski

President & CEO, Hockey Alberta

[email protected]

403-967-0048