2023-24 Season Puck Drop

Hockey Alberta is always looking to improve the game. Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, there are specific changes being made to the game.

Minor Mainstream & Minor Female Hockey 

Tiered Minor Hockey 

Hockey Alberta and its sanctioned Minor Hockey Leagues have adopted the Alberta One Operating Directives, Regulations Policies and Procedures as the new operating standards for tiered leagues in Alberta.

Alberta One >

Alberta One Operating Directives >

Alberta One Regulations, Policies & Procedures >

U11 HADP

The U11 Hockey Alberta Development Pilot (U11 HADP) has been extended to operate for the 2023-2024 season. The U11 HADP focuses on implementing amended hosting structures, player movement rules, league scheduling and Coach and Player Development Standards for the top category of U11 hockey.

U11 HADP >

U11 HADP Extension >

U11 HADP Teams >

Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships 

• U18 Tier 4 changed to U18 Tier 1 NBC
• U15 Tier 4 changed to U15 Tier 1 NBC
• Any Minor Hockey Association whose team(s) fail to fulfill its’ commitment to participate shall be ineligible for Provincials in the subsequent season, unless a reinstatement fee of $1,000.00 is paid to Hockey Alberta on or before October 15 of that calendar year. All team officials of the team failing to fulfill its’ commitments to Provincials, shall be suspended, beginning May 1 of that calendar year, for a minimum of one (1) year. At the discretion of the Minor Leagues Committee Chair (where exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the team officials and/or the MHA precluded participation in the Provincials) the local Minor Hockey Association’s reinstatement fee and/or suspensions of team officials may be waived.

AA Hockey 

Addition of U16 AA recruitment areas.

Player Movement Applications

Deadline to file is July 1 with decisions made on or prior to August 15.

Elite Male Hockey

Player Movement Applications 

Deadline to file is June 1 with decisions made on or prior to July 15.

Elite Female Hockey 

Player Movement Application

Deadline to file is June 1 with decisions made on or prior to July 15.

Addition of U13 Female AA recruitment areas.

Regulations 

Player Registration 

The final date for player registration is February 10 of the current hockey season. The special exception after January 10 has been removed.

Affiliations 

Hockey Alberta is allowing a player the ability to be a part of more than one affiliated team in different categories (ex. U18 AA player can be affiliated to a U18 AAA team, Junior A team, and Junior B team).  

Cross Stream Affiliation 

Female players playing on minor female hockey teams may be permitted to affiliate to minor mainstream teams.  

Affiliation Information >

Discipline

Any team official register with more than one (1) Hockey Team who incurs a suspension is ineligible to participate in any sanctioned hockey game until the suspension has been served with the team with which the suspension was incurred. If that team is finished hockey for the season, this team official, up request to the Regional Minor Discipline Coordinator, may be allowed to serve such suspension with another team they are registered with as of the time of the infraction. If approved, the team official and the suspension must be listed on the game sheets.

Sanctioning

Hockey Alberta has eliminated the need for the visiting team to obtain a travel permit for any scheduled exhibition game taking place in the province. The host team will still be responsible to obtain the Exhibition Game Sanction. Travel Permits are still required for any Jamboree or Tournament a team attends.

Recreational Hockey Model 

1. There is a clearer breakdown and outline of the age groups, time commitment, structure and game play for the different streams (Learn to Play, Pond Hockey & Rec Hockey).
2. Added information and links on benefits of program sanctioning with Hockey Alberta including insurance, funding and fundraising support and discipline processes.
3. Coaching requirements and recommendations.

We are weeks away from dropping the puck on the 2023-24 season. If you haven’t already, reach out to your local Minor Hockey Association to register.

Hockey Alberta governs competition in amateur hockey in various divisions including:

• U18 Male/Female: For the 2023-24 season, open to Players born in 2006 and subsequent years.
• U15 Male/Female: For the 2023-24 season, open to Players born in 2009 and subsequent years
• U13 Male/Female: For the 2023-24 season, open to Players born in 2011 and subsequent years
• U11 Male/Female: For the 2023-24 season, open to Players born in 2013 and subsequent years
• U9 and U7 part of the Intro to Hockey Model.

If you’re unsure where to register, check out the Hockey Alberta Region Map.

Register for Minor Hockey >

Alberta One 

Alberta One is uniting Hockey Alberta and it’s sanctioned Minor Hockey Leagues to work together to standardize leagues with each other, to make for a better experience and more efficient administration.

Alberta One >

Hockey Alberta’s sanctioned Minor Hockey Leagues include:

• Central Alberta Hockey League
• Northeastern Alberta Hockey League
• All Peace Hockey League
• Hockey Edmonton
• Hockey Calgary
• Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League
• East Central Alberta Hockey League

Tournaments

Some of the best memories in minor hockey are made at tournaments. Find a tournament in your age group and tier to make your memories this season!

Tournaments >

To have your tournament posted to the Hockey Alberta website, please contact your Minor Hockey Association or registrar to submit it via the Centre Ice Portal.

Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships 

The 2023-24 season all comes down to this, the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships presented by ATB. Provincials are the most exciting time of year, where the top team in each league and division face off against each other. 

Dates have been announced for the 2024 Provincial tournaments and Hockey Alberta is now accepting applications to host a tournament in your community.

Provincial Championships Dates >

Host a Provincial Championship >

Minor Female Hockey

Female Hockey provides the opportunity for girls to engage in a healthy, active lifestyle while developing new friendships that will last long after the hockey season ends.

Each year, Hockey Alberta hosts Female Hockey Day. The event aims to bring female players, parents, coaches, and supporters together for the development, growth, and celebration of the game. Hosted in January, Female Hockey Day returns in the 2023-24 season.

Team Safety Person 

Keeping participants safe is one of the most important parts of our game. It is highly recommended each team designates a Team Safety Person to ensure the safety of all participants each season.

Team Safety Person >

Season Pathway 

As a member, coach or parent, there are a lot of important details that need to be remembered throughout the hockey season. Hockey Alberta has you covered with the MHA/Minor Leagues Season Pathway!

MHA/Minor Leagues Season Pathway >

Hockey Alberta’s top levels of male and female hockey include the AA and AAA divisions. To help understand the Elite Male and Elite Female Pathways, Hockey Alberta Moving into the 2023-24 hockey season is bringing growth for Alberta’s top levels of female hockey, while the male divisions are sure to bring the same  male and female hockey are   include the AA and AAA divisions.

Elite Male Pathway > | Elite Female Pathway >

Alberta Female Hockey League 

The 2023-24 season is an exciting one for the Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL). As the governing body for U15 AA, U18 AA and U18 AAA female hockey, the league is expanding to add a U13 AA division and adding two teams to the U15 AA division.

The expansion of the league showcases the growth and development of female hockey in Alberta and Hockey Alberta is looking forward to the season!

All AFHL games are broadcasted on FloHockey.

AFHL >

Watch >

The AFHL provides a competitive platform for players to enhance their skills and opportunities to be scouted for post secondary hockey. Learn more about the post secondary opportunities with the AFHL’s Post Secondary Guide.

Post Secondary Guide >

Alberta Elite Hockey League 

The Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL) is the governing body for U15 AAA, U17 AAA and U18 AAA male hockey. This season kicks off September 29 as teams from the U15 AAA and U18 AAA divisions hit the ice, followed by the U17 AAA division on Oct. 6.

All AEHL games are broadcasted on FloHockey.

AEHL >

Tryout Process >

Watch >

If you’re interested in giving back to the game this season, get involved with your local Minor Hockey Association as a coach!

This season, Coach 1 is being offered in-person at a reduced fee for $22 plus GST, thanks to our partnership with the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation. Coach clinics are now open with new dates and locations added regularly. The deadline to meet all coach requirements is Nov. 15.

For those who have coached prior to the 2023-24 season, please update your email address on the Hockey Canada Registry account to your most current email.

Coach Clinics >

Coach Requirements >

The best coaches never stop learning. There are various coach education opportunities available through the National Coaching Certification Program and Hockey Alberta.

Contact Stephen Pattison ([email protected]), Manager of Hockey Development, for more information on coach education opportunities.

Once again, Hockey Alberta has partnered with The Coaches Site to connect members with an abundance of coach resources.

The Coaches Site >

Female Coaches 

Hockey Alberta is excited to be hosting female-only coach clinics throughout the province. A female-only coach clinic offers a safe space for females to learn and develop behind the bench.

Brand new this season is the Female Coach Network – a pilot program for female coaches across the province to connect and learn from each other. More information is coming this fall!

For more information on female-only coach clinics and the Female Coach Network, contact Danielle Wheeler ([email protected]), Female Hockey Mentor.

Goaltending Coaches 

Instructional Stream 1 and 2 Clinics are now available and take advantage of the Goalie Mentorship Program.

Learn the foundation of technical skills including skating, stance, moving, positioning, save selection and puck control. Along with the technical aspect of goaltending, coaches will be introduced to practice utilization, communication and specific drills related to goaltending.

Contact Matt Weninger ([email protected]), Regional Manager South of Elite Hockey Development, for dates.

To help with your evaluations this fall, use the Goalie Evaluation Package. Hockey Alberta also offers the Hockey Alberta Goaltender Guide to teach the fundamentals of goaltending.

Official clinics are now being offered across the province through to November. Officiating offers a network of people who love the game and are looking to give back. For every game worked, officials are compensated for their time and there is an opportunity to work through the ranks from minor to elite hockey.

Anyone 12 years old (13 years old in the Calgary and Edmonton areas) as of December 31 is eligible to become an official. Find a clinic near you to become a registered official this season!

Officials Website >

Clinics Dates & Locations >

Often referred to as the third team on the ice, officials are a vital part of the game. As a player, coach, parent or fan please use respect towards them this season.

Hockey is a game for everyone. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the game outside of the traditional formats, the recreational hockey model may be for you.

Learn more >

Rec Hockey 

Rec Hockey is a structured alternative to mainstream hockey. It is competitive and requires some travel.

Find a Rec Hockey program near you >

Pond Hockey 

Pond Hockey is an unstructured alternative to mainstream hockey. Played locally, participants take part in scrimmage games without officials and is non-competitive.

Find a Pond Hockey program near you >

First Shift 

First Shift is an affordable option for your 6-10 years-old to try hockey. Programs are offered from Nov. 4 – April 5 this season, throughout the province and for $299, it includes head-to-toe BAUER Equipment and six on-ice sessions.

Register for First Shift >

Para Hockey 

Para Hockey is open to both male and female able-bodied and disabled players of all ages. Played in a sled, it is a sport that everyone can play.

Learn more about Para Hockey >

This season Hockey Alberta is hosting a Para Hockey Player Development Camp Sept. 9-10, at the Gary W.  Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer for $25. It is designed to accommodate players of all ages and skill levels, featuring on-ice skill development and game play. Equipment (sled and sticks) will be provided for new players to use at camp.

A Para Hockey specific coach clinic will be in conjunction with the camp on Sept. 10.

Register for the Para Hockey Development Camp >

Register for the Coaching Clinic >

Team Alberta’s 2023-24 schedule is jam packed with best-on-best tournaments all season long.

WHL Cup 

Team Alberta U16 Male is playing at home this fall as they get ready for the WHL Cup, October 18-22 in Red Deer at the Peavy Mart Centrium. Team Alberta U16 Male will be selected this fall.

WHL Cup >

National Women’s Under-18 Championship

Team Alberta U18 Female is taking on the nation in Dawson Creek, Nov. 5-11 at the National Women’s Under-18 Championship. The athletes that have been shortlisted will gather in Edmonton for Fall Camp Sept. 22-24 before the team is named this fall.

National Women’s U18 Hockey Championship >

Alberta Winter Games 

The Alberta Winter Games are back! After four years, the 2024 Alberta Winter Games are scheduled for Feb. 16-19 in Grande Prairie. More information is coming soon!

Alberta Winter Games >

Arctic Winter Games

Team Alberta North competing at the Arctic Winter Games are headed north to Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska, March 9-16. The Junior Female Team and U15 Male Team will compete at the world’s largest northern multi-sport and cultural event against provinces, territories and countries located north of the 55^th parallel.

Arctic Winter Games >

Spring Showcase 

The Spring Showcase provides opportunities for players, coaches, therapists, equipment managers, administrators and officials an equal opportunity to discover the great qualities of competitive hockey. Three competitions comprise the Spring Showcase: the Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge and Prospects Cup. Players who compete at the Spring Showcase are selected from Regional Tryout Camps.

Staff applications will open this fall, while Regional Camp registration will open in January.

Alberta Cup 

For male athletes born in 2009, the competition will take place in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, April 24-28. Regional camp is scheduled for March 29-31.

Alberta Cup >

Alberta Challenge

Female athletes born in 2009 and 2010 are eligible to participate in the Alberta Challenge. The Challenge is scheduled for May 2-5, with regional camps taking place throughout the province, April 5-7.

Alberta Challenge >

Prospects Cup 

The Prospects Cup is the youngest elite competition Hockey Alberta hosts with players born in 2011 eligible to tryout. The tournament is slated for May 8-12, while the Regional Camp is scheduled for April 12-14.

Prospects Cup >

National Aboriginal Hockey Championships 

For the first time ever the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) will be played on Alberta soil in 2024, as the puck drops May 6-12 in Grande Prairie. Team Alberta U18 Female and U18 Male, competing at the event will play teams from across the 13 provinces and territories. To be eligible to play, players must be of Indigenous heritage (First Nations, Métis or Inuit). 

NAHC >

Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation want to ensure every kid has the opportunity to play hockey. Grants and funding is available to help limit the barriers of getting on the ice this season!

Grants for Associations/Organizations 

Hockey Alberta Member Grant 

Availability: Up to $20,000 for priority areas such as leadership development, introduction to hockey, female, para, and Indigenous hockey programming, and inclusion and diversity initiatives.

Criteria: Member associations/organizations of Hockey Alberta located in Red Deer area and north.

Deadline: Sept. 30, 2023

Apply >

Every Kid Every Community 

Availability: Up to $5,000 for programs for organizations and up to $3,000 for player assistance and community grants.

Criteria: Youth sports groups and organizations throughout Alberta looking to help Alberta youth experience hockey.

Deadline: Quarterly on Oct. 31, Jan. 31, April 30, and July 31

Apply >

Jumpstart Community Development Grants 

Availability: Up to $15,000 to organizations for operational or programming support.

Criteria: For organizations with participants up to 18 years of age or youth disabilities.

Deadline: 3 intakes per year

Apply >

Parks FDN Calgary Amateur Sports Grant 

Availability: Funding up to $50,000 or 50 per cent of budget for sports initiatives – new/existing facilities or equipment. 

Criteria: Eligible organizations based in Calgary.

Deadline: Oct. 2, Feb. 1, and May 1

Apply >

Individual Grants 

KidSport Hockey Assist Program 

Availability: Up to $3,000 for registration fees.

Criteria: Individuals under-18 who meet criteria for financial assistance (LICO) that is registered in hockey from Red Deer area and north.

Deadline: Year-round application.

Apply >

KidSport Flames Even Strength Program 

Availability: Up to $500.

Criteria: Individuals under-18 who meet criteria for financial assistance (LICO) that is registered in hockey in Calgary and area.

Deadline: Oct. 15

Apply >

Hockey Canada Assist Fund

Availability: Up to $500.

Criteria: Individuals under-18 who meet criteria for financial assistance (LICO) that is registered in a Hockey Canada sanctioned association.

Deadline: Nov. 15

Apply >

ISCA KidSport Fund

Availability: Funding for sport registration fees.

Criteria: Indigenous youth/families across Alberta.

Deadline: Open year-round.

Apply >

Jumpstart Individual Child Grants

Availability:  Up to $300 per activity/$600 per year for individuals, funds will be granted to the organization.

Criteria: Individuals under-18 involved in sport programs that run for five or more weeks, and meet criteria for financial aid (LICO).

Deadline: Year-round applications.

Apply >

Sports Equipment Banks

Sports Central Equipment Bank 

Availability: Equipment and resources available to kids in need in Edmonton, central and northern Alberta.

Criteria: Open to families in need, as well as programs.

Deadline: Open year-round.

Apply >

Calgary Flames Sports Equipment Bank

Availability: Equipment and resources available to kids in need in Calgary and southern Alberta.

Criteria: Individuals that have already qualified for assistance through different programs or organizations.

Deadline: Open year-round.

Apply >

The 2023-24 season is packed with action, take a look at the season-at-a-glance and keep in mind some important dates below.  

Members looking for more information on the season, please visit the MHA/ Minor Leagues Season Pathway.  

Date	Event	Location
August – November	Officials Clinics	Across Alberta
August – November	Coach Clinics	Across Alberta
September	AEHL/AFHL Pre-Season
September 9	World Girls Ice Hockey Host Application Deadline	N/A
September 9-10	Para Hockey Player Development Camp	Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre – Red Deer
September 10	Regional League Approximate Team Declaration Deadline	N/A
September 22-24	Team Alberta Female Fall Camp	Edmonton
September 29	AEHL U15 AAA Regular Season Begins
September 29	AEHL U18 AAA Regular Season Begins
September 30	AFHL U18 AAA Regular Season Begins
October 6	AEHL U17 AAA Regular Season Begins	Across Alberta
October 6-8	World Girls Ice Hockey Weekend	TBA
October 14	AFHL U18 AA Regular Season Begins
October 14	AFHL U15 AA Regular Season Begins
October 14	AFHL U13 AA Regular Season Begins
October 15	Minor Hockey Association Team Orders Deadline	N/A
October 15	Suspension Deferrals	N/A
October 15	Member Grant Deadline	N/A
October 18-22	WHL Cup	Peavy Mart Centrium – Red Deer
Mid-October	Tiering begins for Tiered Minor Hockey Leagues	Across Alberta
October 19	Glencross Invitational	Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre – Red Deer
October 31	Overage Player Application Deadline	N/A
October 31	Every Kid Every Community Grant Deadline	N/A
November	Regular season starts for Tiered Minor Hockey	Across Alberta
November 5-11	National Women’s Under-18 Championships	Dawson Creek, B.C.
November 11	Maltreatment Awareness Day	Across Alberta
November 15	Coach Certification Deadline	N/A
November 15	Deadline to submit Hockey Alberta Provincial Championship Bid Application	N/A
November 24-26	Arctic Winter Games U15 Male Tryouts Camp	Peace River
December 1	Minor Hockey Affiliation Deadline	N/A
December 1-3	Arctic Winter Games Junior Female Tryouts Camp	Manning
January TBA	Female Hockey Day	TBA
January TBA	Alberta Cup; Alberta Challenge; Prospects Cup Registration	N/A
January 15	Affiliation Deadline	N/A
January 31	Every Kid Every Community Grant Deadline	N/A
February 10	Final Date for Player Registration	N/A
February 16-19	Alberta Winter Games	Grande Prairie
March 9-16	Arctic Winter Games	Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su), Alaska
March 21-24	Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships	TBA
March 28-31	Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships	TBA
March 29-31	Alberta Cup Regional Camp	TBA
April 1	Alberta One Regional League Membership Review Process	N/A
April 1	Alberta One New Minor League Application Process	N/A
April 1	Alberta One Regulation Amendment Review Process	N/A
April 3-7	Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships	TBA
April 5-7	Alberta Challenge Regional Camp	TBA
April 12-14	Prospects Cup Regional Camp	TBA
April 24-28	Alberta Cup	Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre – Red Deer
April 30	Every Kid Every Community Grant Deadline	N/A
May 2-5	Alberta Challenge	Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre – Red Deer
May 6-12	National Aboriginal Hockey Championships	Grande Prairie
May 8-12	Prospects Cup	Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre – Red Deer
Spring 2024	U11 Introduction to Goaltending	TBA
Spring 2024	U13 AA Elite Camp	TBA
Spring 2024	U15 AA Elite Camp	TBA
Spring 2024	U15 AAA Elite Camp	TBA
Spring 2024	U17 AAA Elite Camp	TBA
Spring 2024	Female Elite Camp	TBA
June 1	Elite Male and Elite Female Player Movement Application Deadline	N/A
Summer 2024	Alberta Built Skills Camps	TBA
July 31	Every Kid Every Community Grant Deadline	N/A