Although 2020 was a different and often difficult year, there was a lot to be celebrated. Hockey Alberta looks back on the year that was with some of our favourite moments from the past year (in no particular order).
ISCA, Hockey Alberta partnership benefits Indigenous players province-wide
A new partnership between Indigenous Sport Council Alberta (ISCA) and Hockey Alberta will provide improved and enhanced opportunities for Indigenous hockey participants across the province.
The partnership, which was formalized in November, has a two-pronged focus:
- Working together to facilitate the growth and development of Indigenous hockey across Alberta; and
- Operating the Team Alberta Female and Male squads attending and competing in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.
Hockey Alberta officials working to end racism and inequality in hockey
As officials from across Alberta prepare for the 2020-21 season, a special emphasis is being put on battling racism and inequality on the ice.
A number of topics were covered during the annual Officials Leadership Weekend (which was done virtually this year), with social injustice and inequality at the forefront.
Introducing the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020
Seven outstanding individuals, along with the 1975 Canada Winter Games and Alberta Provincial Junior B champions, comprise the 2020 Induction Class for the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame.
Female Hockey Day Weekend celebration events
Five Minor Hockey Associations have received a $1,000 Every Kid Every Community grant for their Female Hockey Day celebration events.
High Prairie, Irma, Nampa, Slave Lake, and Vermilion will all be hosting their own unique events to bring the Female Hockey Day buzz around the province. From jamborees to skills competitions, these events will work to grow the female game and show #WhyWePlay.
2020 Alberta Winter Games
The final major event to be held in Alberta prior to the onset of COVID-19 was the Alberta Winter Games in Airdrie in February. At the hockey competition, it was a thrilling finish with Zones 4 and 7 winning gold in Female and Male hockey, respectively. The female gold medal game between Zone 3 and Zone 4 required overtime to declare a winner. Zone 4 scored the gold medal clinching goal just 1:41 into the extra frame, for a 2-1 victory. Zone 7 claimed bronze with a 2-1 victory over Zone 5. On the Male side, Zone 7 edged Zone 3 in a 6-4 victory to earn gold. Meanwhile, Zone 2 completed a late comeback in the bronze medal game, defeating Zone 4 by a score of 7-5.
Male Program > | Female Program >
Hockey Gives Back
The hockey community always shines brightest during the holiday season, and, despite many obstacles and challenges 2020 was no different. Teams found a way to come together and support others while remaining physically apart.
Here are a few of the stories from the holiday season >
Hockey For Life - Alberta’s Stories From The Game
Alberta’s hockey community is filled with incredible people and incredible stories. From those who coached us, volunteered for us, kept our skates sharp and our ice fast, those who get up before the sun and make sure we’re up too. To the players who went to their first ever practice, scored the game winning goal or made it to the big leagues - we all have stories to tell about the game we love, and why we love it.
Hockey Canada, BFL Canada Announce Female Coach of the Year Winners
Hockey Canada, in partnership with BFL CANADA, announced the first winners of the BFL Female Coach of the Year awards. Samantha Holmes-Domagala of Calgary has been named as the National Community Winner, and Shanya Shwetz of Edmonton has been named a Regional High Performance winner.
Barry Medori Honored with Hockey Canada Award
On August 28, Hockey Canada announced Hockey Alberta Coach Mentor Barry Medori as the 2020 recipient of the Gordon Juckes Award.
