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News

Registration now open for 2018-19 First Shift programs

Do you have a child aged 6-10 that is ready to fall in love with hockey? Registration is now open for the 2018-19 Canadian Tire First Shift program.

The First Shift is a truly unique experience designed to help your child fall in love with hockey before you buy all the gear. The six-week learn to play program focuses on having fun while learning basic skills. Registration is just $199, which includes full head-to-toe equipment.

The First Shift will be offered in 12 locations throughout Alberta in the fall, and three in the winter:

Fall Programs:

  • Calgary
  • Edmonton
  • Grande Prairie
  • Lamont
  • Leduc
  • Lethbridge
  • Onoway
  • Peace River
  • Red Deer*
  • Rocky Mountain House
  • Strathcona
  • Westlock

Winter Programs:

  • Airdrie
  • Calgary
  • Edmonton

*The First Shift Program in Red Deer will be hosted by Hockey Alberta.

To register for a First Shift program near you, click here.

The First Shift’s mission is to change the way hockey is offered, to inspire new families to join our community and enroll their kids in our sport. Because we believe in all that hockey has to offer kids, their families and our communities, we designed The First Shift to break down barriers to entry by offering a program that is accessible, affordable, and most importantly, fun!

Home Ice Feature

Photo credit: Ty Smith (Twitter)

Seven Albertans selected in 2018 NHL Entry Draft

RED DEER - It was a dream weekend for a handful of Albertans at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft in Dallas.

Seven players from Alberta were taken over the weekend, including Lloydminster’s Ty Smith, who was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the first round, 17th overall.

Two more Albertan bluelines were off the board next in Jacob Bernard-Docker and Jonathan Tychonick, who were both selected by the Ottawa Senators with the 26th and 48th picks, respectively.

Riley Sutter was the first forward from Alberta off the board, as the Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals selected him with the 93rd pick in the third round, making him the 12th Sutter to be drafted into the NHL.

A full list of Albertans drafted can be found below:

Pick Player Team Position Hometown

FIRST ROUND
17th Ty Smith (Spokane Chiefs, WHL) New Jersey Devils Defence Lloydminster
26th Jacob Bernard-Docker (Okotoks Oilers, AJHL) Ottawa Senators Defence Canmore

SECOND ROUND
48th Jonathan Tychonick (Penticton Vees, BCHL) Ottawa Senators Defence Calgary

THIRD ROUND
93rd Riley Sutter (Everett Silvertips, WHL) Washington Capitals Forward Calgary

SEVENTH ROUND
204th Trey Fix-Wolansky (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL) Columbus Blue Jackets Forward Edmonton
215th Austin Wong (Okotoks Oilers, AJHL) Winnipeg Jets Forward Cochrane
217th Eric Florchuk (Saskatoon Blades, WHL) Washington Capitals Forward Fort Saskatchewan

News

George Hughes: 1924-2018

RED DEER - George Hughes, a Life Member of Hockey Alberta, died on Tuesday, June 5 at the age of 93.

George had a long history of involvement in and service to the sport hockey - as a player, coach, manager, referee, executive and builder starting in 1938. George’s playing career included being a member of the University of Alberta hockey team, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950.

Professionally, George’s involvement in hockey continued in the 1970s when, as a City of Edmonton Commissioner, he was instrumental in building eight new arenas in 1973 and in the development of Northlands Coliseum in 1974. He later joined Edmonton Northlands as general manager, overseeing the Coliseum, Agricom and Trade Centre.

In 1981, George arranged a $140,000 donation by Edmonton Northlands to Hockey Alberta as part of the Canada Cup Series, enabling Hockey Alberta to start a scholarship program and acquire a permanent office. The donation also served as core funding for a Hockey Foundation.

Amongst more than 40 recognition awards, George was inducted into the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame in 1978, awarded a Hockey Alberta Life Membership in 1983, and inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 1989. In 2002, he was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for Distinguished Contributions to Canada. In 2008 the City of Edmonton honoured George by naming the George S. Hughes South Side Arena after him.

A celebration of the life of George Hughes will be held on Friday, June 15, 1 p.m., at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home - Edmonton South, 4820 Meridian Street, Edmonton). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sport Central, of which George was a founding member.

Edmonton Journal Notice - George Hughes >