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 – Hockey Alberta is one step closer to naming the roster for Team Alberta’s Under-16 Male team that is representing the province at the WHL Cup in October.

Thirty-five athletes are in contention to make the final roster, with four goaltenders, 12 defence, and 19 forwards included on the shortlist.

TEAM ALBERTA UNDER-16 MALE SHORTLIST >

Athletes were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta scouting process, past Team Alberta programs, and at the Under-16 Summer Camp in Red Deer, July 2-7. Eighty players were invited to Red Deer and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

“There are a lot of talented players in this age group. We saw it at Alberta Cup, and we saw it at summer camp,” said Derrick Martin, Head Coach of Team Alberta’s Under-16 Male team. “We’re constructing a team that can compete at an elite level in short-term competition. The decisions don’t get easier and now it’s up to these 35 players to show us why they belong on the roster.”

Team Alberta, fueled by Gatorade, is slated to compete at the WHL Cup in Red Deer against Team B.C., Team Saskatchewan and Team Manitoba.

RED DEER – Forty-six athletes are gathering in Red Deer for the 2024 Team Alberta Female Summer Camp, July 16-20.

Six goaltenders, 16 defence and 24 forwards are attending the Under-18 camp. Athletes are going to be evaluated and shortlisted for Fall Camp, with hopes of securing a position on Team Alberta to compete at the 2024 National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Quispamsis, New Brunswick Nov. 3-9.

TEAM ALBERTA FEMALE U18 SUMMER CAMP INVITES >

Camp features on and off-ice sessions, as well as games. The groups are evenly split into Team Blue and Team Yellow with the first of 10 skill sessions beginning with Team Blue on Tuesday, July 16 at 4 P.M. Team Yellow has its first skill session at 5:30 P.M. that same day. The two teams are then scheduled to play the first of three contests against one another on Thursday, July 18 at 7 P.M.

Team Alberta’s U18 Female team 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.

RED DEER – Eighty athletes are in Red Deer for the 2024 Team Alberta Male Under-16 Summer Camp.

The camp takes place July 1-7 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

Eight goalies, 24 defence and 48 forwards born in 2009 were invited to attend the camp. Athletes invited are vying for a spot on the roster that will be competing in the 2024 WHL Cup.

TEAM ALBERTA MALE U16 SUMMER CAMP INVITES >

Selections were determined based on the Team Alberta scouting process throughout the 2023-24 season and the 2024 Alberta Cup. From summer camp, a short list will be set, and those players will be scouted with their club teams until the 20 player-roster is named.

GRANDE PRAIRIE – The round robin has wrapped up for the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship.

Team Alberta U18 Female had a strong round robin, going undefeated through four games, outscoring their opponents 14-3 in the process. Team Alberta opened the tournament on May 6 with a 2-1 win over Team British Columbia. The team followed up their opening victory with wins over Team Eastern Door & North, Team Manitoba and Team Atlantic.

Their strong play resulted in Team Alberta finishing second in the standings behind only Team Ontario and earning a berth in Friday’s semi-finals.

U18 FEMALE MEDAL ROUND SCHEDULE >

Team Alberta’s U18 Male team finished fifth in round robin with a 1-1-2 record. Team Alberta tied Team Saskatchewan on the first night of the tournament and followed that up with a 4-2 loss to Ontario, 6-4 win over Team Atlantic and a 1-0 loss to Team Manitoba.

Alberta is taking on a familiar foe in the quarterfinals, as they play Team Saskatchewan today at 12 noon at Design Works Centre in Grande Prairie.

STREAM >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has announced the 80 athletes invited to the 2024 Team Alberta Male Under-16 Summer Camp.

Eight goalies, 24 defence and 48 forwards born in 2009 who participated in a Hockey Canada sanctioned program this season, were invited to attend the camp scheduled for July 1-7 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer. Athletes invited to the camp are vying for a spot on the roster that is competing in the 2024 WHL Cup.

U16 MALE SUMMER CAMP TOP 80 >

“We have evaluated many talented players throughout the duration of the season as well as the Alberta Cup,” said Mike Kraichy, Hockey Alberta’s Manager, High Performance. “This is the next step in the process towards the 2024 WHL Cup and we’ve selected players who we believe have what it takes to represent Alberta at an elite level.”

Selections were determined based on the Team Alberta scouting process throughout the 2023-24 season and the 2024 Alberta Cup. From summer camp, a short list is going to be set, and those players are going to be scouted with their club teams until the 20 player-roster is named.

RED DEER – Up and coming second year U13 Male athletes from across the province are taking to the ice May 9-12 for the Prospects Cup.

The tournament kicks off Thursday (May 9) with North Grey taking on Capital Royal at 11:30 am. It is the first of four games to mark the beginning of the tournament. The championship game is set to take place on Sunday (May 12) at 3:30 pm.

All Prospects Cup games are streamed live on FloHockey. Entry to games in person is free.

Throughout the weekend, eight teams are facing off in a modified round-robin tournament at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Each team is comprised of two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards.

Players were selected at the conclusion of four Regional Camps last month in Calgary, Edmonton, Olds and Vegreville. Male born players born in 2011 who participated in a Hockey Alberta or Hockey Canada sanctioned program this season were eligible to try out. Two teams from each camp were selected to compete in the Prospects Cup.

ROSTERS >

Over the course of three weeks, Hockey Alberta is welcoming hundreds of people from across the province to Red Deer for the Spring Showcase. The Alberta Cup launched the annual event, and the Alberta Challenge wrapped up the previous weekend. The Prospects Cup is the final event taking place.

Throughout the duration of the tournament a progressive 50/50 is taking place, with the draw planned for Sunday, May 12. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online.

PROSPECTS CUP WEBSITE >

RED DEER – North Blue are the 2024 Alberta Challenge Champions.

Team North Blue defeated South Black 6-2 in the final game to take home the trophy. Catch up on all the action from the final day below.

The 2024 Spring Showcase continues with the Prospects Cup (9-12).

Games are livestreamed on FloHockey.

Standings > | Stats > | Schedule > | Round Robin Recap >

Game #13

North Red 3 – North Yellow 0

North Red captured their first win of the Alberta Challenge by winning the fifth place game over North Yellow in a 3-0 victory. Lauren Darby (6 SV) and Mattia Naranjilla (15 SV) combined for 21 saves to blank North Yellow, while Addison Moore (2) and Mercedes Dunbar found the back of the net for North Red.

Players of the Game: North Red: #10 Mercedes Dunbar | North Yellow: #10 Ava Lazaroff

Boxscore >

Game #14

South White 5 – South Green 3

South White got payback for losing their round robin game to South Green, defeating them 5-3 to win third place in the Alberta Challenge. Lyla Montoya, Alexis De Haas, Avery Michaluk, Jasmine Lazzari and Macy Morrison scored for White, while Green’s goal were scored by Jocelyn Bodnar, Abigail Lee and Violet Crawford. South Green officially finished fourth in the tournament.

Players of the Game: South White: #4 Kamryn Kutzner | South Green: #8 Jocelyn Bodnar

Boxscore >

Game #15

North Blue 6 – South Black 2

Facing off for the first and only time this tournament, it was North Blue who emerged victorious, scoring six unanswered goals on South Black to win 6-2. The first half of the game saw South Black go up 2-0 on goals from Kat Choquette and Ainsley Kryway, but North Blue responded in the second period with three goals in under four minutes from Riley Cooper (2) and Tavia Koscielnuk. Mya Lafayette, Raevyn Neahr and Kinsley Peacock added goals in the third to contribute to the championship victory.

Players of the Game: North Blue: #2 Riley Bourque | South Black: #11 Ainsley Kryway

Boxscore >

RED DEER – The round robin phase has wrapped up for the 2024 Alberta Challenge.

All six teams play their final game tomorrow, with fifth place, third place and first place victories up for grabs.

North Yellow (5th) and North Red (6th) are playing for fifth place at 9:30 am.

South White (3rd) and South Green (4th) are playing for third place at 12:30 pm.

South Black (1st) and North Blue (2nd) are playing for the championship at 3:30 pm.

Check out the recap of all twelve games prior from this weekend.

All games are livestreamed on FloHockey.

The 2024 Spring Showcase continues with the Prospects Cup (May 9-12).

Standings > | Stats > | Schedule >

Game #1

South White 5 – South Black 3

Players of the Game: South White: #16 Lyla Montoya | South Black: #7 Aoife Scase

Boxscore >

Game #2

North Yellow 4 – North Red 4

Players of the Game: North Yellow: #15 Sienna Powell | North Red: #11 Clover Good-Rioch

Boxscore >

Game #3

North Blue 1 – South Green 0

Players of the Game: North Blue: #31 Sophie Quaschnick | South Green: #31 Breina Moore

Boxscore >

Game #4

South Black 6 – North Red 2

Players of the Game: South Black: #4 Ryann Jugnauth | North Red: #17 Madison Stark

Boxscore >

Game #5

South White 4 – North Yellow 1

Players of the Game: South White: #2 Emersyn Allen | Alberta Black: #8 Ryann Chimera

Boxscore >

Game #6

South Green 3 – North Red 1

Players of the Game: South Green: #19 Ella Simard | North Red: #31 Mattia Naranjilla

Boxscore >

Game #7

North Yellow 1 – North Blue 1

Players of the Game: North Yellow: #1 Harlee Houle | North Blue: #3 Makayla Cramer

Boxscore >

Game #8

South Black 6 – South Green 0

Players of the Game: South Black: #1 Abby Szilagyi | South Green: #14 Neve Jugnauth

Boxscore >

Game #9

North Blue 3 – South White 3

Players of the Game: North Blue: #17 Raevyn Neahr | South White: #1 Jenna Ring

Boxscore >

Game #10

South Black 5 – North Yellow 1

Players of the Game: South Black: #18 Avery Sam | North Yellow: #17 Talia Reinhart

Boxscore >

Game #11

South Green 3 – South White 1

Players of the Game: South Green: #10 Violet Crawford | South White: #14 Jasmine Lazzari

Boxscore >

Game #12

North Blue 3 – North Red 2

Players of the Game: North Blue: #12 Tavia Koscielnuk | North Red: #18 Peyton Stephenson

Boxscore >

RED DEER – The best U16 female athletes from across the province are taking to the ice May 2-5 for the Alberta Challenge.

The tournament kicks off Thursday (May 2) with South White taking on South Black at 8:30 am. It is the first of five games to mark the beginning of the tournament. The championship game is set to take place on Sunday (May 5) at 3:30 pm.

All Alberta Challenge games are streamed live on FloHockey. Entry to games in person is free.

Throughout the weekend, six teams are facing off in a modified round-robin tournament at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Each team is comprised of two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards.

Players were selected at the conclusion of three Regional Camps last month in Beaumont and Cochrane. Female born players born in 2009 and 2010 who participated in a Hockey Alberta or Hockey Canada sanctioned program this season were eligible to try out.

ROSTERS >

Over the course of three weeks, Hockey Alberta is welcoming hundreds of people from across the province to Red Deer for the Spring Showcase. The Alberta Cup launched the annual event, and the Prospects Cup (May 8-12) is soon to follow.

Throughout the duration of the tournament a progressive 50/50 is taking place, with the draw planned for Sunday, May 5. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online.

ALBERTA CHALLENGE WEBSITE >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has announced the coaching staff for Team Alberta U18 Female at the 2024 National Women’s U18 Championships.

After guiding Team Alberta to the bronze medal game at last year’s event, Chris Leeming (Edmonton) is returning for his second year as the team’s head coach. Leeming is also the head coach of the MacEwan University Griffins female team, as well as a Coach Mentor in the 2024 Alberta Challenge. He previously held the role of assistant coach for Team Alberta at the 2021 Western Branch Championship.

Joining Leeming are assistant coaches Jessie Olfert (Edmonton) and Erin O’Toole (Lethbridge), along with Video Coach Danielle Wheeler (Sylvan Lake) and Goaltending Coach Bella McKee (Paradise Valley).

“This is a very talented staff that comes with a lot of experience, which includes previously coaching at this tournament,” said Michael Kraichy, Manager, High Performance for Hockey Alberta. "I’m excited to see what this staff can do with this crop of talented U18 players.”

Other members of the staff for Team Alberta U18 Female include Therapist Paige Shannon (Calgary), Equipment Manager Dave Campbell (Grande Prairie), Head Scout Kendall Newell (Red Deer), Coach Mentor Rob Dawson (St. Albert) and Director of Operations Michael Kraichy (Red Deer).

Olfert returns for her second stint as an Assistant Coach for the U18 group. She is currently an Assistant Coach of the Nait Ooks Female hockey team. Her previous roles include coaching in the Alberta Challenge and was named Team Alberta’s Video Coach for the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

O’Toole takes over as an assistant coach after spending last year’s tournament as the team’s Video Coach. She is the Co-Head Coach of the Alberta Female Junior Hockey League’s Lethbridge Eagles and has gone through Hockey Alberta’s system by coaching at the Alberta Challenge.

Wheeler is a former professional player and played NCAA Division I for Mercyhurst University. Coupled with her work with Hockey Alberta, she has coached in the Alberta Challenge and at various local minor levels. A lifelong student of the game, she is currently coaching Male U15 AA.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the 2024 Alberta Cup All-Stars:

Goaltender

#1 Seth Badry - Alberta Gold

GP: 3 | MP: 150 | W: 1 | L: 0 | OTL: 0 | T: 1 | SO: 0 | SA: 101 | GA: 6 | SVS: 95 | GAA: 2.44 | SV%: .941

Defence

#2 Aden Bouchard - Alberta Blue

GP: 5 | G: 5 | A: 1 | Pts: 6 | PIM: 20

Defence

#2 Colt Carter - Alberta Grey

GP: 5 | G: 2 | A: 1 | Pts: 3 | PIM: 0

Forward

#10 Brock England - Alberta Black

GP: 5 | G: 4 | A: 5 | Pts: 9 | PIM: 4

Forward

#18 Luke Ruptash - Alberta Gold

GP: 5 | G: 4 | A: 2 | Pts: 6 | PIM: 16

Forward

#17 Jensen Marsh - Alberta Blue

GP: 5 | G: 4 | A: 4 | Pts: 8 | PIM: 4

Top Official

Grayson Pollock - Edmonton

RED DEER – Alberta Blue are the 2024 Alberta Cup Champions. Blue defeated Alberta Grey in the final game 5-1 to take home the championship.

Read up on all three finals games below.

The 2024 Spring Showcase continues with the Alberta Challenge (May 2-5) and the Prospects Cup (9-12).

Games are livestreamed on FloHockey.

Standings > | Stats > | Schedule > | Round Robin Recap > | 2024 Alberta Cup All Stars >

Game #13

Alberta Black 8 – Alberta Red 3

Players of the Game: Alberta Black: #16 Crew Martinson | Alberta Red: #5 Nolan Pilsner

Alberta Black defeated Alberta Red 8-3 to win fifth place in the tournament. Alberta Cup All-Star Brock England and teammate Devin Pelletier led the charge for Black with two goals each, with Jordin St. Louis, Crew Martinson, Zachery Hall and Gavin Harrison also finding the back of the net in the win. Kyle Obobaifo, James Matheos and Carson Ward were Red’s goal scorers.

Boxscore >

Game #14

Alberta Green 7 – Alberta Gold 4

Players of the Game: Alberta Green: #18 Cohen Pentney | Alberta Gold: #2 Nathan Castonguay

In a rematch of the only tied round robin game, Alberta Green came away victorious with the third place victory, 7-4. Cohen Pentney (2), Antonio Cazac, Chad Clark, Sam Rishaug, Luke Jamieson and Boris Sigachev all scored for Green in their victory, while Gold’s goals came from Luke Ruptash (2), Asher Halliday and Rylan Poitras. Goaltender Seth Badry and Ruptash were named Alberta Cup All-Stars at the end of the game.

Boxscore >

Game #15

Alberta Blue 5 – Alberta Grey 1

Seeking revenge, Alberta Blue won their rematch against Alberta Grey, 5-1, to win the Alberta Cup. Hunter Colombe, Aden Bouchard, Mirco Dufour, Landon Horiachka and Jensen Marsh all scored for Blue in the victory, and Leif Oaten made 16 saves. Ben Harvey was the lone goal scorer for Grey. Bouchard, Marsh and Grey defenceman Colt Carter were all named as Alberta Cup All-Stars at the conclusion of the game.

Players of the Game: Alberta Grey: #17 Ben Harvey | Alberta Blue: #5 Harry Mattern

Boxscore >

Gatorade Canada #AlbertaBuilt Performer of the Day

#5 Harry Mattern - Alberta Blue

The Alberta Built player of the day is the athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of an “Alberta Built” player. Alberta Built is defined as:

1. Good person – Know who you are.
2. Character player – Believe in yourself.
3. Grit player – Thrive on adversity
4. Leadership – Treat yourself & people right
5. Standard of performance – Focused approach on process – ALWAYS COMPETE – EVERY-DAYERS

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has named the 120 players who earned themselves a spot at the Alberta Challenge.

Six teams (three from each of the North and South regions) will compete in a modified round-robin tournament May 1-5 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer. Two goalies, six defence and 12 forwards comprise each team.

ROSTERS >

Regional Camps were held April 5-7 in Cochrane and Beaumont. Female players born in 2009 and 2010 who were registered with a Hockey Alberta or Hockey Canada sanctioned program this season were eligible to tryout.

“This year’s group of players is very talented and that was on display at the Regional Camps, said Danielle Wheeler, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Female Development. “The competition at Alberta Challenge will truly showcase best-on-best competition and allow for athletes and staff to take the next step in their hockey journey.”

The Alberta Challenge is the sole female-only event part of Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase. It is the first opportunity for athletes, coaches, therapists, equipment managers and administrators to experience short-term competition and an introduction to Team Alberta programming.

The Spring Showcase opens with the Alberta Cup (April 24-28) and wraps with the Prospects Cup (May 8-12).

Partnership opportunities are available for the 2024 Spring Showcase and can be found in the document below.

SPRING SHOWCASE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES >

TBS is Hockey Alberta’s preferred apparel provider for the Alberta Challenge, powered by Gatorade. A wide variety of merchandise items are available for purchase, with the deadline to place your order ending at 11 PM on April 16 in order to receive your merchandise by the Alberta Challenge. Online orders placed by the deadline will deliver to the event for pickup at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on May 1. Any questions regarding merchandise can be directed to Kara Spady ([email protected]) at Hockey Alberta.

SHOP HERE >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has named the 120 athletes who are representing their regions at the 2024 Alberta Cup.

Two teams from each of the North, Central and South regions are facing off against each other in a modified round-robin tournament taking place in Renexd Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, April 24-28. Each of the six teams is comprised of two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards.

ROSTERS >

Athletes gathered at three Regional Camps over the weekend (March 29-31) in Calgary, Red Deer and Spruce Grove. Male players born in 2009 who participated in a Hockey Canada sanctioned program this season were eligible to try out.

“There were many talented kids from across the province who tried out for the Alberta Cup program,” said Blake Cosgrove, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Elite Hockey Development. “While this opportunity focuses on player development, it is also another opportunity to evaluate players as we progress towards the WHL Cup. We are very excited for this age group to showcase themselves at Alberta Cup as well as future Hockey Alberta events.”

The Alberta Cup provides players and staff with an opportunity to experience elite level play in a short-term competition, and is part of the player evaluation process for selecting Team Alberta to compete at the WHL Cup in October.

ALBERTA CUP WEBSITE >

Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase, fuelled by Gatorade, begins with the Alberta Cup. The Alberta Challenge (May 1-5) and the Prospects Cup (May 8-12) are also being played in Red Deer.

Partnership opportunities are available for the 2024 Spring Showcase and can be found in the document below:

2024 SPRING SHOWCASE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES >

The Alberta Cup aids in the identification and selection of potential players for Hockey Alberta’s Team Alberta program, with hundreds of players annually trying out for 120 spots (20 positions on each of the six regional teams). In addition to player development, the Alberta Cup also features opportunities for administrators, referees, coaches, therapists, and equipment managers to be identified for potential positions at higher level events, such as the World U17 Hockey Challenge.

TBS is Hockey Alberta’s preferred apparel provider for the Alberta Cup, powered by Gatorade. A wide variety of merchandise items are available for purchase, with the deadline to place your order ending at 11 PM on April 10 in order to receive your merchandise by the Alberta Cup. Online orders placed by the deadline will deliver to the event for pickup at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on April 24. Any questions regarding merchandise can be directed to Kara Spady ([email protected]) at Hockey Alberta.

SHOP HERE >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has announced the coaching staff that is joining Head Coach Derrick Martin behind the bench for Team Alberta U16 Male at the 2024 WHL Cup.

Joining Martin are assistant coaches Ryan Allen (Grande Prairie) and Chad Scharff (Airdrie), along with Video Coach Marcus Cheng (Calgary) and Goaltending Coach Theodore Zubot (Calgary).

“We are extremely excited to have such a talented staff assembled for this year’s U16 cycle,” said Michael Kraichy, Manager, High Performance for Hockey Alberta. “The combined experience amongst these coaches is second-to-none, and we’re looking forward to seeing what this group can accomplish.”

Other members of the staff for Team Alberta U16 Male include Athletic Therapist Matt Goertzen (Edmonton), Equipment Manager Dave Campbell (Grande Prairie), Head Scout Bobby Fox (Calgary), Coach Mentor Barry Medori (Spruce Grove) and Director of Operations Michael Kraichy (Red Deer).

Martin is the bench boss of the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Camrose Kodiaks. He spent the 2023 cycle with Team Alberta as an assistant coach at the WHL Cup. He also served as the Video Coach for Team Alberta at the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

Allen is in his fourth season as the Head Coach of the U15 AAA Grande Peace Storm. He’s previously spent time in the AJHL with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and Drayton Valley Thunder. Allen has also coached and mentored in the Alberta Cup and Prospects Cup programs, while holding the role of Video Coach for Team Alberta in the 2016-17 season.

Scharff is in his first season as the Head Coach of the U18 AAA Airdrie CFR Bisons. His previous coaching roles include being an Assistant Coach of the WHL’s Vancouver Giants, as well as coaching in the Alberta Cup.

Cheng is currently the Head Coach of the U18 AAA Calgary Northstars. He was previously the Video Coach of the Alberta Golden Bears and coached at the Alberta Cup.

Zubot was the Goalie Coach of the U15 AAA and U17 AAA Calgary Northstars before moving up to the Western Hockey League where he’s currently the Goalie Coach of the Calgary Hitmen.

The 2024 WHL Cup is slated for October, in Red Deer.

Red Deer – Peace River’s Théa Thompson is competing in her second consecutive Arctic Winter Games taking place this week in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska.

The 18-year-old is a key member of Alberta North’s defence group this year and has helped her team to a 3-0 record in group play with wins over Nunavut (7-1), Northwest Territories (1-0), and Alaska (3-0). They wrap up the round robin portion of the tournament tonight (March 13) against Yukon. Semifinal games begin on March 14 and the Games wrap up on March 15 with the Junior Female bronze and gold medal games.

TEAM ALBERTA NORTH JUNIOR FEMALE ROSTER >

Prior to the tournament kicking off, Thompson was selected to be Team Alberta North’s flag bearer for the opening ceremonies.

“It was a very great honour,” Thompson said. “I was thrilled to be selected as Team Alberta North’s flag bearer as I had the opportunity to not only represent my province but my sport as well.”

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Games are a celebration of athletic competition, culture, friendship, and cooperation between north contingents. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

“It is a really great honour to be able to compete in this tournament,” Thompson said. “It’s truly the best feeling in the world to put on that Hockey Alberta jersey and have the chance to represent our province in an international tournament. It is a great privilege. The group of girls we have this year is awesome and the built-in chemistry some of us have from last year can be a positive impact as we move through the competition.”

Thompson knows what it takes to win as she was part of the group that brought home the golden ulu in last year’s event.

“Winning the golden ulu last year was an incredible feeling, especially winning on home soil … it meant a lot to my teammates and I,” Thompson said. “I know we have a bit of pressure on us to compete the way we did last year and come home with that medal for a second year in a row. I know that if we play to the best of our abilities, we can put ourselves in a good position to win gold for a second consecutive year.”

Team Alberta North games can be livestreamed on HomeTeam Live. The team’s remaining schedule can be found below:

SCHEDULE AND RESULTS >

RED DEER – When the roster for the Team Alberta North U15 Male squad was announced in late November, there might not have been a person more excited to see his name on the roster than Peace River’s Ryder Flynn.

“I was super excited,” Flynn said who played his minor hockey season with the Peace River Sabres. “I worked hard all summer because my biggest goal for the year was to make this team. I was also excited to see that some of my teammates on the Sabres had made this team too.”

TEAM ALBERTA NORTH U15 ROSTER >

Flynn and his Alberta North teammates travel to Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska for the 2024 Alberta Winter Games which begin tomorrow (March 10) and conclude on March 16. The U15 gold medal game is scheduled for March 15. The team is made up of two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards, all of whom must reside north of the 55th parallel in order to be eligible for the tournament.

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Games are a celebration of athletic competition, culture, friendship, and cooperation between north contingents. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

“I’m mostly excited but a little bit nervous as well. I know it’ll be a great experience up there but it’s also something entirely different from what I’m used to. However, I’m sure I’ll have a lot of fun,” Flynn said of his feelings heading into the tournament. “You need to figure out how to play together very quickly to have success in Arctics. However, I don’t think my team will have much of a problem with that after all the preparation we’ve done.”

Team Alberta North U15 Male begin their tournament with two games on March 11 against Nunavut and Yukon, and will finish up the round robin with games against Northwest Territories and Alaska on March 12 and 13. Semi-final games feature first place vs fourth place and second place vs third place.

Like most of his teammates, Flynn has never made a trip to Alaska. The young forward is eager to get to start the Games to experience a new culture.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “I’m sure I’ll have some amazing experiences that I’ll always remember. I’m excited to see all the different things that come with visiting Alaska.”

And while taking in the sights and sounds of the Arctic Winter Games is part of the experience, Flynn said he and his teammates are focused on avenging last year’s gold medal loss.

“It’s really motivated us to be better and win gold. We want to show that we have the team to win it all and not fall short like last year. We want to show how much we’ve improved,” Flynn said. “Not only that but it would mean a lot to the team as well as the province. It shows we can compete and that can improve from previous years.”

Team Alberta North games can be livestreamed on HomeTeam Live. The team’s full schedule can be found below:

SCHEDULE AND RESULTS >

GRANDE PRAIRIE - Lloydminster Western Financial Steelers (Zone 7) and Calgary Royals White (Zone 3) captured the gold medals in the hockey competition as the Alberta Winter Games wrapped up on Monday in Grande Prairie.

Lloydminster won the Female Division crown, while Calgary captured the Male Division title.

FEMALE DIVISION

The championship in the Female Division featured the top two teams from Pool A - Lloydminster and the St. Albert Raiders Bolts (Zone 5). Lloydminster continued its tournament long dominance with a 7-2 victory to earn the gold medal.

Lloydminster went a perfect 3-0 in the round robin, outscoring its opponents 25-6 before defeating Rocky Mountain Raiders (Zone 2), 11-2, in the semi-finals. St. Albert (1-1-1) defeated Central Alberta Twins (Zone 4), 3-2, in the semi-finals. Central Alberta, who had finished first in the other pool, and Rocky Mountain faced off in the bronze medal match with the Raiders winning 1-0 in a shootout.

MALE DIVISION

The Male Division final had a similar setup with the top two teams in Pool A also facing off for the gold medal. This time, though, it was the second-place team from Calgary (Zone 3) playing a near-perfect final to blank the Lakeland Panthers (Zone 7), 4-0, to capture the gold.

Lakeland (2-0-1) finished first in its pool in round-robin, with the tie coming against Calgary. Calgary (1-0-2) finished second. Lakeland defeated Peace River, 9-1, in the semi-finals, while Calgary punched their ticket to the final, 6-3, over the Okotoks Oilers (Zone 2). Okotoks had finished first in the other pool.

Peace River Sabres (Zone 8) edged Okotoks, 6-5, in overtime, to earn the bronze medal.

OFFICIALS

The female officials crew includes Brooke Akune, Aryn Chambers, Sara Deneweth, Kristen Gallant, Chiara Knowlton, Neve Palmer, and Elizabeth Tanguay. Linespeople include Kristina Krywolt, Shelby Lazarowich, Alyssa Maier, Jessica Pele, Janine Van der Wekken, Caira Stucklschwaiger, and Yelena Zaleschuk.

On the male side of the tournament, officials include Scott Roessler, Fraser Berg, Brett Friesen, Kale Salacki, Darryl Smith, Kanin Boese, Brian Gilles and Taylor West as referees. Dylan Francis, Jaxon Peters, Jordan Wills, Robert Rowney, Rylie Payeur, Nate Millsap and Jesse Roessler were the linespeople.

For all the scores and standings, check out the Alberta Winter Games website.

RED DEER – Mason Alexander models his game after Vancouver Canucks defenceman and captain Quinn Hughes.

“I really like his defensive and offensive play style,” Alexander said. “He’s really good at moving the puck in the offensive zone and generating scoring chances.”

Makes sense, considering Alexander is a more than a point-per-game player this season with the U15 AA Strathcona Warriors as a defenceman, third amongst his position in the Northern Alberta Hockey League.

But if you were to ask Alexander about his stellar campaign, he’ll be sure to give the credit to his teammates who he’s spent the last couple seasons with.

“We get along well together. We all know each other from the past and basically all of us go to school together,” he said. “It makes it easier to connect in the room, we’re always talking about plays and I think everyone really fits in and enjoys themselves."

The off-ice connections have become apparent as the Warriors are sporting a 25-3-2 record, booking their ticket into Grande Prairie’s Alberta Winter Games as the Zone 5 representative.

While Strathcona has had a solid season, the male hockey tournament has some strong competition for Alexander and his teammates. Zone 5 is in Pool A with the Lethbridge Hurricanes (Zone 1), Calgary Royals White (Zone 3), and a familiar foe to the Warriors – the Lakeland Panthers (Zone 7). The Panthers are one point ahead of Strathcona in the NAHL standings while playing in the same division. Pool B features the Okotoks Oilers (Zone 2), Camrose Vikings (Zone 4), South Side Athletic Club Innovation Physio (Zone 6) and Peace River Sabres (Zone 8).

“It’ll be super amazing,” Alexander said about facing some new competition while seeing some familiar teams as well in Lakeland and South Side Athletic Club. “Especially heading into playoffs, it’s more competitive and it’ll be nice to play different teams. To be able to get a feel of what the competition is going to be like and giving us the opportunity to optimize our game heading into the postseason.”

There have been athletes from the province that have used the Alberta Winter Games as a steppingstone to other achievements in their careers. Alexander is looking to follow that trend.

“Everyone’s dream is obviously to go to the NHL, but I also want to accomplish other things along the way,” Alexander said. "I want to play in the Alberta Cup, go to the WHL, play for Team Canada. It’s a life goal and I want to make the most of it.”

Alexander said none of his success would be possible without the love, helpfulness and support of his parents.

“My parents are great, I couldn’t have done it without them,” Alexander said. "They drive me to practice; my mom drives me everywhere and is a really good supporter. My dad has been coaching me my whole life … helped me get into training sessions and with my on-ice play.”

Round-robin play started Saturday morning, and continues through until Sunday afternoon. Semi-finals are Sunday evening, with bronze and gold medal games slated for Monday morning. Games are being played at the County Sportsplex, with one game on Monday morning at the Dave Barr Arena.

ALBERTA WINTER GAMES MALE HOCKEY SCHEDULE >

RED DEER – Everyone loves an underdog story.

Calgary Fire White currently sit in fourth place of the Alberta Female Hockey League’s U13 AA South Division behind Calgary Fire Red and Calgary Fire Black.

But it’s Fire White that is headed off to Grande Prairie to represent Zone 3 at the Alberta Winter Games.

This year’s team selection process differed from previous years, as teams in the AFHL’s newest division vied for the right to represent their zone. For Calgary’s three teams, they faced off in a round-robin followed by a final between the two highest-ranked teams in the round-robin. Fire White defeated Fire Red 5-3 and lost 3-1 to Calgary Fire Black in round-robin, before finding redemption with a 1-0 victory over Fire Black to secure their spot in the Games.

Forward Ailyn Stachniak said it was a great feeling to know that her team overcame the odds and qualified for the upcoming tournament.

“I think our team was super pumped. As the clock was counting down, I think my heart was pounding,” she said. “It was a super stressful moment but as soon as the clock was a second away from zero, I knew we had won, and we were going to represent our zone. It’s an honour and will be a good opportunity.”

Stachniak has had a strong season thus far, putting up 14 points (matching her jersey number) in 21 games, for fourth on the team. The up and coming forward said she’s having fun with her teammates and the team has gotten better as the season’s progressed.

“We’ve been able to beat some of the tougher teams throughout the season as we’ve been getting better as a team,” Stachniak said. "I really enjoy my teammates and it’s nice playing with them. They’re super helpful, our captains motivate us to get through hard games. Everyone is really kind and respectful and we’ve made a lot of memories through the highs and lows.”

The highs and lows of this season have helped Stachniak and her Fire White teammates to be prepared for the competition at the Alberta Winter Games.

“It’s a super exciting and a huge honour to be able to go and play against those teams,” Stachniak said. “We’re familiar with some of the teams we’ll be playing, but there are also some that we haven’t played before. So I think it will be nice to get to see other teams and see how they play.”

If Zone 3 can come away from the tournament with a medal, Stachniak said it would be a very rewarding experience.

“It would be very exciting for us to get to have that opportunity and such an honour to be able to win a medal,” she said. “It’ll take a lot of hard work from us to be able to do that, but it would be really exciting.”

Calgary Fire White are in Pool A with Southern Express (Zone 1), St. Alberta Raiders Bolts (Zone 5) and Lloydminster Western Financial Steelers (Zone 7). Pool B includes Rocky Mountain Raiders (Zone 2), Central Alberta Twins (Zone 4), Edmonton Ice Blue (Zone 6) and Norlan Ram PCFAC Storm (Zone 8).

Female hockey action gets underway on Saturday with round-robin action continuing through until Sunday afternoon. Semi-finals are Sunday evening, with bronze and gold medal games on Monday morning. Games are being played at the Dave Barr Arena and County Sportsplex.

ALBERTA WINTER GAMES FEMALE HOCKEY SCHEDULE >

All 2011-born male players, registered with a Hockey Alberta-sanctioned Minor Hockey Association are now able to register for a Regional Camp and try out for the Prospects Cup.

REGISTER HERE >

Positions at the four Regional Camp tryouts are limited and awarded based on the order that registration is completed and confirmed in the online registration system. Regional Camps are scheduled for the weekend of April 12-14 at the following locations:

• South (Olds Sportsplex – Olds)
• Calgary (Don Hartman NESS – Calgary)
• Capital (The Meadows – Edmonton)
• North (Wally Fedun – Vegreville)

REGISTER IN THE CORRECT REGION

Prior to Regional Camp registration, please review the Prospects Cup registration directory to determine in which region your child resides.

2024 PROSPECTS CUP REGISTRATION DIRECTORY >

Athletes are only permitted to register for the region in which they reside and the position (goaltender, defence or forward) for which they wish to be considered for the Prospects Cup. Any athlete who registers for an incorrect region or position may have their registration refunded (less an admin fee) and is not guaranteed a spot at to the Regional Camp tryout, subject to position availability in the correct region.

Please ensure you have your athlete’s Alberta Health Number when registering. This is a required field. Player Hockey ID numbers are not required.

The cost to participate in a Regional Camp is $250 (plus tax and admin fee) and includes:

• Four ice sessions
• One practice jersey
• Three zoom webinars in March to help athletes prepare for the Regional Camp, and learn more about Short Term Competition, and the Team Alberta program.

Once registered, a confirmation email will be sent to the billing email. Athletes who register will be sent webinar information in February. Approximately one week prior to Regional Camp weekend, rosters and schedules for the tryouts are sent to each player.

REGIONAL CAMP WAIT LISTS

It is expected that registration will fill up quickly on January 22. In the event the region and position your child falls within, or the registration in its entirety is sold out at the time you try and register, do not attempt to register for another position or camp. Instead, please do the following:

• Email Hudson Kelly ([email protected]) to be added to a waitlist
• In your email, provide the following information for the player you are looking to add to the waitlist:
  • Full name,
  • Position (F,D,G),
  • Region (South, Calgary, Capital, North)
  • Date of Birth
  • Current team

PROSPECTS CUP

Two teams of 20 players are selected from each Regional Camp to compete at the Prospects Cup, May 8-12. The cost for those selected for the Prospects Cup is being finalized (usually approximately $1000 per player) and includes:

• 5 days and 4 nights of accommodations and meals (including busing to offsite meals) at the event
• One practice on Wednesday of the event
• One practice on either Thursday or Friday
• 4 games from Thursday – Sunday
• Team jersey and socks
• Team Alberta apparel

Registration for the 2024 Alberta Challenge Regional Camps has reached capacity.

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

RED DEER – Two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards have been named to the Team Alberta North Junior Female roster for the upcoming Arctic Winter Games March 10-16 in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska.

The Junior Female team is looking to defend its gold ulu after defeating Team Northwest Territories 2-1 in the 2023 championship final that was held in Alberta’s Wood Buffalo Region.

The 17 athletes were chosen after Junior Female Selection Camp December 1-3 in Manning. Females playing at any level born in the ranges of 2005-2010 are eligible. Athletes must reside north of the 55^th parallel to be eligible for Team Alberta North.

ROSTER >

The Junior Female team will participate in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for medal-round pairings. One gold ulu is awarded in each division. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Arctic Winter Games are a celebration of athletic completion, culture, friendship and cooperation between northern contingents. Athletic competition features sports that enjoy worldwide popularity alongside traditional Arctic Sports and Dene games. The cultural component is a pillar of the Games, featuring visual arts, dance, ceremonies and galas with participants from across the circumpolar region.

RED DEER – Seventeen athletes will be representing Team Alberta North in the U15 Male division at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska, March 10-16.

The final roster was determined after selection camp November 24-26 in Peace River. The camp was open to players born in 2009-2010 who are not playing AAA hockey this season.

The team will consist of two goaltenders, six defence and nine forwards, including four members who competed in the 2023 Prospects Cup.Goaltender Bracken Larocque and forward Ryan Sieker played for Team North Blue while goaltender James Reed and forward Kayton Reinders suited up for Team North Grey.

ROSTER >

To be eligible for the Arctic Winter Games, athletes must reside north of the 55^th parallel to be eligible for Team Alberta North.

Team Alberta North U15 Male participates in a round-robin tournament to determine seeding for the medal-round pairings in hopes of qualifying for the playoffs to compete for the gold ulu.

In 2023, Alberta’s Wood Buffalo Region hosted the Games with the U15 Male team claiming silver at the event.

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event. The Arctic Winter Games are a celebration of athletic completion, culture, friendship and cooperation between northern contingents. Teams that regularly participate in ice hockey include Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

RED DEER – Team Alberta’s U18 Female squad had a strong showing at the National Women’s U18 Championship November 5-11 in Dawson Creek, B.C., but fell just short of reaching the podium after a 3-1 loss to Team British Columbia in the bronze medal game.

Team Alberta overcame some early tournament adversity – losing their tournament opener, 4-1, to the eventual silver medalists from Quebec - to be one of the final four teams standing.

After the opening day loss, Team Alberta defeated Team Atlantic 6-3, thanks to two-point efforts from Keira Grant (Dunmore), Rylee McLeod (Grande Prairie) and Makayla Watson (Rocky View County). Taya Christie (Medicine Hat) made 28 saves in goal.

Team Alberta then clinched second place in Group B and a quarter-final berth, with a win in their final preliminary round game over Team Saskatchewan. Jordan Blouin (Calgary) scored Alberta’s only goal late in the second period and Christie kicked aside 28 shots for her first shutout of the tournament.

The win over Saskatchewan placed Alberta in the quarterfinals against Team Ontario Blue (1-1-1), who finished third in Group A. Alberta once again rode the hot hand of their goaltending, as Alyssa Barrette (Calgary) earned her first win and shutout of the tournament with 29 saves in a 1-0 victory. April Klarenbach (Cochrane) scored the only goal of the contest after she showed a great burst of speed, split the defence and beat the Ontario Blue goaltender with a forehand, backhand deke to punch Alberta’s ticket to the semi-finals.

In the semis, Alberta lost 4-0 to the eventual tournament champion Ontario Red. Ontario Red scored two goals in the first, one in the second and one in the third to push their way into the gold medal match. Alyssa Barrette made 22 saves in the loss.

The semi-final loss put Alberta in the bronze medal game against British Columbia. Claire Carruthers (Crossfield) potted her second goal of the tournament and Christie made 26 saves in the loss.

Even though the result was disappointing, Team Alberta defenceman Jayde Sansregret (Red Deer) said the U18 tournament was a great way to match herself up against the best players from across the country.

“It’s a great compete level,” Sansregret said. “It pushes you to your limits and it’s really great hockey and great competition to play against.”

McLeod and Watson led Alberta’s scoring with three points each in six games. Grant and Raedyn Spademan (Cochrane) each had two points. Christie and Barrette shared the net throughout the tournament, each appearing in three games. Christie finished with a 2.03 goals-against-average, a .932 save percentage and one shutout. Barrette ended the tournament with a 2.67 goals-against-average, a .904 save percentage and one shutout.

RED DEER - The opening of the 2023 National Women’s U18 Championship, which dropped the puck on Sunday, November 5 in Dawson Creek, B.C., stirred up memories for Team Alberta alumni Bree Kennedy.

Kennedy was a member of Team Alberta that competed in the 2019 tournament in Morden and Winkler, Manitoba.

“As always, when putting on the Team Alberta logo, I was filled with a sense of pride and deep commitment to represent my province in the best way possible,” Kennedy recalled. “Knowing my role and embracing it was a necessity, as was applying what I had learned before the tournament with unwavering effort and precision. Although we didn’t achieve the results we had strived for, I firmly believe we had the potential to go even further.”

“What’s also amazing is that I had the privilege of sharing this unforgettable experience with so many of my current teammates (at the University of Alberta). I’ve had the pleasure of watching each one of them grow tremendously from our Team Alberta days to now.”

Kennedy is now suiting up in USports with the Pandas and while the result of the tournament didn’t fall in Team Alberta’s favour with a sixth-place finish, she gained the confidence to know she could play at the next level.

“When competing against the top opponents from each province, I was motivated to play as meticulously and gritty as I could. Understanding my role on the team was important, too,” Kennedy said.

“In competing at this elite level where everyone excels, knowing and appreciating why you were chosen to represent your province is important. In this championship, where all players are elite, if you thought you were good before, you may find yourself questioning your abilities. It’s important to play to your strengths to the best of your abilities and control what you can control.”

The 21-year-old forward also highlighted her time with Hockey Alberta as a special experience for her, one that helped her grow both on and off the ice as she went through Hockey Alberta’s Elite Female Pathway.

“The impact these experiences (with Team Alberta) have had on my athletic development and personal growth. Taking part in many of the development camps and being part of various teams enhanced my understanding of the game and bolstered my confidence,” Kennedy said.

“I also gained an appreciation for the concept that winning demands 100% effort from every individual involved in the team. Above all, my experiences with Team Alberta taught me the importance of controlling what you can control, which ultimately means not worrying about what everyone else is doing and focusing on what I can do. Playing for Team Alberta also paved the way for me to play at the university level and fueled my passion for taking the game as far as possible.”

Hayleigh Craig of the University of Alberta Pandas is now a three-year veteran on the team and a mainstay on one of the top teams in the country, as the Pandas were listed third in the nation amongst USport teams in the most recent rankings on October 24.

They are looking to end a seven-year drought, and bring home their ninth USports national championship to add to their already record leading eight since the Golden Path Trophy was handed out for the first time in 1998.

But before Craig was tasked with helping the Pandas achieve these goals, she was part of the team selected to represent Alberta at the 2019 National Women’s U18 Championship in Morden and Winkler, Manitoba.

“I remember it went by really fast,” Craig recalls of that tournament in which she played in all four games as Team Alberta finished sixth. “We didn’t do as well as we wanted in that tournament, but we had a great group of girls, so it was a really good learning experience.”

The tournament features the best players from across Canada, something that Craig said really helped her prepare for the university level.

“I learned a ton. You go from playing AAA or in one of the school leagues, where there’s a little more variety of skill level to playing for your province where it’s best-on-best,” Craig said. “You have to adjust quickly in a tournament like that. You have to play faster, think faster and I think it’s a really good steppingstone for those looking to move onto the next level. A lot of the girls from our team as well as others are now playing in USports or the NCAA and I think a lot of that has to do with all the tips and tricks we learned from that tournament and the coaching we got, and getting shown a professional environment such as living in a hotel for a week and having to come together quickly with a bunch of people from different backgrounds.”

Craig wasn’t the only member from Team Alberta to make her way to the Pandas. Three other members from that 2019 squad - Bree Kennedy, Natalie Keiser and Jaydnn Morden – also are suiting up for the University of Alberta.

“It’s super cool,” Craig said. “At that time, I think Bree and I were the only ones who had committed, but obviously the others followed suit. It’s nice having the familiarity with them and made the adjustment at the university level a bit easier. We played together at the Canada Winter Games too, so I’ve spent a lot of time with them, and it’s been a really great experience.”

Coincidentally, the 2023 version of Team Alberta that will be competing in the National Women’s U18 Championship November 5-11 in Dawson Creek, B.C., took on Craig’s Pandas in an exhibition match to help determine Team Alberta’s final cuts ahead of this year’s tournament.

“This year I noticed they were big and strong. They had some really skilled girls as well, but stepping onto the ice for the first time with them I really noticed how strong they were,” she said. “They were really hard on the puck and sometimes you don’t really find that with 16 or 17-year-old girls. Hopefully they have some success this year and bring a gold medal back to Alberta.”

Team Alberta will begin its tournament against Quebec. The team’s full schedule can be found below:

RED DEER – The hockey competition at the 2024 Alberta Winter Games will have a slightly different look than previous events.

New for 2024, the competing teams at the Alberta Winter Games will be club teams - U15 AA for the Male competition and U13 AA for the Female competition. The Games take place February 16-19 in Grande Prairie.

In keeping with the Zone format established for the Alberta Winter Games, teams will be selected to represent each of the eight zones.

For the Male competition, U15 AA teams had to declare their interest in representing their zone by October 12. The team in each zone with the highest win percentage in its respective league, as of December 19, will be selected to compete at the Games. Male teams that have declared their interest in participating in the Alberta Winter Games are:

For the Female competition, U13 AA teams in the Alberta Female Hockey League will have a different selection process. Zones with more than one team eligible will see those teams face off in a play down tournament, with each winning team earning the right represent its zone at the Games.

RED DEER – After a hard-fought gold medal game against Team Manitoba, Team Alberta came away from the 2023 WHL Cup with a silver medal after a 6-5 shootout loss on Sunday, October 22.

The Albertans got off on the right note early in the contest when Patrick Sopiarz (Edmonton) opened the scoring with his third marker of the tournament 2:21 into the first period. The remainder of the period was a back-and-forth affair, as the two teams would trade off goals with Caelan Joudrey (Airdrie) potting Alberta’s second goal of the game to level the playing field at 2-2 after one.

The deadlock would only last 56 seconds into the second as Cruz Pavao (Calgary) found the back of the net with his third of the event to make it 3-2 in favour of Team Alberta. Midway through the second stanza, Manitoba broke the game open with three consecutive goals to turn a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 lead heading into the final period.

Jordan Duguay (Edmonton) made it 5-4 six minutes into the third and Sopiarz tied the game at 5-5 with his second goal of the afternoon and fourth of the tournament. The game headed into a 10-minute overtime period, and while there were chances at both ends, neither team found the back of the net which pushed the championship game to a shootout.

The shootout went six rounds and while Pavao found the net on Alberta’s fifth attempt, Manitoba scored on their fifth and sixth tries to take a 6-5 victory and the gold medal.

Joudrey wrapped up his strong tournament with a goal and three assists in the final game, while Ty Meunier (St. Albert) chipped in with three assists. Goaltender Ryley Budd (Calgary) turned aside 29 of the 34 shots he faced throughout the game. Joudrey was tied for the team lead in points (8) with Meunier and Jordan Duguay, and goals (4) with Patrick Sopiarz. The trio of Joudrey, Duguay and Meunier were tied for third overall in tournament point leaders.

Alberta’s path to the gold medal game began on Wednesday, October 18 when they defeated Manitoba 4-2. The group followed up that performance with 3-2 loss to Saskatchewan and a convincing 8-1 victory over British Columbia to close out round robin play with a 2-1 record. Alberta would exact a measure of revenge on Team Saskatchewan in the semi-finals with a 7-3 victory that pushed them to the final against Manitoba.

To say Sebastian Cossa has been part of some big games would be an understatement.

Cossa, who is now suiting up for the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, was part of the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship Gold Medal Game where Team Canada defeated Team Finland 3-2 in overtime.

He also played in multiple Western Hockey League playoff series during his final junior season which concluded with Cossa and his Edmonton Oil Kings teammates hoisting the Ed Chynoweth Cup after defeating the Seattle Thunderbirds in six games. He then played every minute for the Oil Kings that same spring when Edmonton went to the 2022 Memorial Cup in Saint John, NB.

But before he was backstopping his team to WHL glory or part of the group that helped return the gold medal to Canada, before he was drafted with the 15^th overall selection in the 2021 NHL draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Cossa was part of the goaltending tandem for Team Alberta at the 2017 WHL Cup.

“Ah, the high stick goal that got us a silver medal,” said Cossa, when asked about what he remembers from that tournament.

Team Alberta went undefeated through the round robin, with Cossa splitting the netminding duties with Washington Capitals prospect Garin Bjorklund. Team Alberta earned a spot in the gold medal final against Team British Columbia, but lost 4-3 when BC’s Ben King deflected a high shot past Cossa. Team Alberta immediately called for the goal to be disallowed due to a high stick, but there wasn’t a review process so the call on the ice stood.

While the result of the tournament didn’t fall in the favour of Cossa and his teammates, it was an unbelievable experience.

“It was really fun and really competitive,” Cossa said. “Obviously the best players from BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta all gathering at Winsport in Calgary. I have a lot of good memories from that tournament.”

“We had a strong round robin, fell a little bit short there in overtime against BC, but looking back at the rosters, there’s a lot of guys on both teams that are now playing professional hockey. That tournament overall over the years has had a lot of players get drafted to the NHL, a lot of first-round picks as well so playing with and against a lot of those guys was really good for me and my development.”

Cossa, who was originally born in Hamilton, ON, moved to Alberta at a young age. He played his minor hockey with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons as well as the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers, where he helped the U15 AAA Rangers win the provincial title in the 2016-17 season.

He said playing in the WHL Cup with so many other elite prospects really gave him the confidence that he could compete at the Western Hockey League level.

“That’s the highest level of competition I had played at to that date. It’s the best of the best from each province and there’s a couple of steps you have to go through in order to make Team Alberta,” Cossa said.

Cossa also had accolades for the volunteer coaches and Hockey Alberta staff for creating a solid program that ensures a positive experience for the participants.

“They’ve been doing it for a long time and have had a lot of players go through their program and make the NHL. They know what they’re doing, and it was a lot of fun to go through that process,” said Cossa.

The 2023 edition of the WHL Cup is set to get underway on Wednesday, October 18 when Team Alberta takes on Team Manitoba. Alberta will then take on Saskatchewan on Thursday and British Columbia on Friday. Semi-finals are Saturday, with the finals on Sunday.

RED DEER – Team Alberta has selected the group of 20 athletes representing Alberta at the 2023 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, November 5-11 in Dawson Creek, BC.

Two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards were selected for this year’s squad, which features six players who represented Alberta earlier this year at the 2023 Canada Winter Games. Those players are and forwards Paige Smith (Gibbons), Raedyn Spademan (Cochrane), Rylee Mcleod (Grande Prairie), Emelia McDermid (Airdrie) and Chloe Goofers (Leduc), and defence Makayla Watson (Rockyview County)

The team has representation from 17 different communities across Alberta – Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Hythe, Ardrossan, Fort Saskatchewan, Carstairs, Red Deer, Rockyview County, Crossfield, Chestermere, Leduc, Bay Tree, Cochrane, Airdrie, Grande Prairie, and Gibbons.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S U18 ROSTER >

Team Alberta’s selection process included the U18 Summer Camp in July in Red Deer with 72 players involved in on and off-ice sessions and eight scrimmages. A shortlist of 28 took part in the Team Alberta Fall Camp, September 22-24, in Edmonton which included three games against USports women’s teams.

Team staff members are Chris Leeming (Edmonton) Head Coach; Ashley Shrode (Barrhead) and Jessie Olfert (Edmonton) assistant coaches; Erin O’Toole (Lethbridge) Video Coach; Jane Kish (Medicine Hat) Goalie Coach; Erin Gordon (Edmonton) Athletic Therapist; Dave Campbell (Grande Prairie) Equipment Manager; and Kendall Newell (Red Deer) Director of Operations.

“There are so many talented athletes in this province that it made for some extremely difficult decisions,” said Newell. “We are confident that this group has what it takes to compete with the best from the rest of the country.”

Team Alberta, who is powered by Gatorade, will begin its tournament on November 5 against Quebec. The team’s full schedule can be found below:

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has announced the roster for the Team Alberta U16 Male squad that is representing the province at the 2023 WHL Cup at the Peavey Mart Centrium in Red Deer.

Two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards comprise this year’s club - including eight players who were selected in the first round of the 2023 Western Hockey League Prospects Draft. In addition, six players were taken in the second round, three in the third round, two in the fouth round and one in the seventh. This list includes Daxon Rudolph (Lacombe) and Riley Boychuk (Cochrane) who went first and second overall to the Prince Albert Raiders and Keaton Verhoeff (Fort Saskatchewan) who was taken by the Victoria Royals with the fourth pick.

This year’s squad has players from 13 different communities across Alberta - Calgary, Edmonton, Okotoks, Olds, Didsbury, Lacombe, Fort Saskatchewan, Cochrane, Spruce Grove, Airdrie, Leduc, St. Albert and Brooks. Eight play in the Alberta Elite Hockey League, while the other 12 play in the CSSHL.

TEAM ALBERTA U16 WHL CUP ROSTER >

The selection process saw 80 players attend the Summer Selection Camp in Red Deer in July. A shortlist of 32 was selected from that camp before the roster of 20 players was finalized to represent the province at the tournament.

“We had a lot of tough decisions to make this year,” said Mike Kraichy, Manager, Elite Male Hockey for Hockey Alberta. “But we’re confident that this is a group that can compete with the best from Western Canada.”

The team’s staff includes James Poole (Calgary), Head Coach; Derrick Martin (Edmonton), Associate Coach; Brady Bakke (Red Deer), Video Coach; Derek Purfield (Calgary), Goalie Coach; Paige Shannon (Calgary), 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 2023 WHL Cup showcases the top-2008 born players from the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The four-team round robin tournament is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence.

Team Alberta, powered by Gatorade, will kick off their tournament against Manitoba on October 18. Full schedule can be found below:

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is excited to announce the dates for the 2024 Spring Showcase.

The three-week event features the Alberta Cup (April 24-28), Alberta Challenge (May 1-5), and Prospects Cup (May 8-12), 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 2024 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. Cost is $250 per participant. 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.

2024 Alberta Cup - April 24-28

• Male players born in 2009.
• Regional camp registration opens on January 8.
• Regional camps run March 29-31 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 >

2024 Alberta Challenge - May 1-5

• Female players born in 2009 and 2010.
• Regional camp registration opens on January 15.
• Regional camps run April 5-7, locations Cochrane and Beaumont.

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 >

2024 Prospects Cup - May 8-12

• Male players born in 2011.
• Regional camp registration opens on January 22.
• Regional camps run April 12-14 in Calgary, Edmonton, Olds, and Vegreville.

Team Staff Applications:

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

Prospects Cup Coach Application > | Prospects Cup Trainer Application > | Prospects Cup Director of Operations Application >

Go to Prospects Cup website >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, has selected 21 male athletes to Team Alberta competing at the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC).

2024 NAHC Team Alberta Male >

“We are very excited to be working with such a great group of athletes from across Alberta,” said Darren Reid, Head Coach of Team Alberta Male. “The team looks to have more offence and got bigger in size. The boys are stronger this year and we have a great core.”

Tryouts were held in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, Aug. 3-6. Males born in 2006-2009 of Indigenous heritage (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) were eligible to try out.

The 2024 championships are coming to Alberta for the first time ever. Grande Prairie is host to NAHC May 6-12, where Team Alberta Male looks to claim their first gold medal.

The Aboriginal Sport Circle established NAHC in 2002 to serve as the premiere competition for Under-18 aged Indigenous athletes. The annual event garners participation from First Nation, Métis and Inuit athletes across the 13 provinces and territories. The event helps foster cultural unity and pride to celebrate the athletic abilities of Indigenous players.

Since its inception, Alberta has medalled five times with three silvers (2015, 2013 and 2012) and two bronze (2014 and 2008).

RED DEER – Twenty-two female athletes are suiting up in the blue and white to represent Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, at the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC).

2024 NAHC Team Alberta Female >

“Our coaching staff and management group is very excited about the group of athletes that we have selected to represent Team Alberta at these championships,” said Jason Mercier, Head Coach of Team Alberta Female. “We have 11 returning players that were a huge part of our bronze medal team in Winnipeg, and we have an excellent group of new players that will play key roles in our success.”

Tryouts were held in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, Aug. 3-6. Females born in 2006-2009 of Indigenous heritage (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) were eligible to try out.

The 2024 edition of the NAHC is being hosted in Alberta for the first time ever - May 6-12 in Grande Prairie.

“Having the 2024 NAHC on home soil in Grande Prairie for the first time in its history is going to add to the story that these girls are going to write for themselves, the memories will last a lifetime,” said Mercier.

The Aboriginal Sport Circle established NAHC in 2002 to serve as the premiere competition for Under-18 aged Indigenous athletes. The annual event garners participation from First Nation, Métis and Inuit athletes across the 13 provinces and territories. The event helps foster cultural unity and pride to celebrate the athletic abilities of Indigenous players.