Hockey CanadaBC HockeyHockey AlbertaHockey SaskHockey ManitobaHockey Northwestern OntarioOntario Hockey FederationHockey Easern OntarioQuebec Hockey NetworkHockey New BrunswickHockey PEIHockey Nova ScotiaHockey NLHockey North

Hockey Alberta Foundation

Image: Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic logo with $150,000 funds raised

Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic raises $150,000

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Golf Classic presented by ATB Wealth raised $150,000 for the Every Kid Every Community program.

Teams from across the province travelled to Canmore on July 17-18 to raise funds for the Hockey Alberta Foundation (HAF). Teams hit the links for two days of golf and gathered at the Cornerstone Theatre for the Every Kid Every Community Reception.

“2023 marks our best year to date and we can’t thank everyone enough for the continued support shown to the Hockey Alberta Foundation,” said Tim Leer, Executive Director of the HAF. “It is because of our sponsors, celebrity guests and the generous support we receive that the Foundation is able to give back to community initiatives and get kids on the ice across the province.”

Twenty-one teams teed off in Monday’s VIP Golf Event at Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club. ATB Financial’s John Tarnowski raised the championship belt with Mitch Bouchard, Rahul Kohli and celebrity guest, Colin Patterson.

On Tuesday, 38 teams stepped up to the tee box at Silvertip Resort. The team from McCaw’s Drilling & Blasting Ltd., Chad McCaw, Les Morrow, Dean Mcleod and celebrity guest, Chris Schlenker walked away the champs of the 2023 Golf Classic.

Dennis Zukiwsky and Graham MacLachlan, chair and director respectively on the HAF Board of Directors, greeted golfers on Hole 16, where golfers could participate in the Charity Challenge. Thank you to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and Flames Foundation for matching funds up to $8,700 on the Charity Challenge, for a total of $26,100 raised.

Thank you to the Golf Classic sponsors for the continued support:

In addition to the $150,000 raised through the Golf Classic, $6,395 was raised at the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Awards Gala, totaling $156,395. A portion of those dollars will be matched from the Shaw Charity Classic AltaLink Birdies for Kids program.

The 2024 Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic is scheduled for July 23-24, with the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Awards Gala slated for Sunday, July 22.

Hockey Alberta Foundation

Image: smiling children playing hockey

Applications Open for the Hockey Alberta Member Grant Supported by Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation

RED DEER – Grant applications for the 2023 Hockey Alberta Member Grant - supported by the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation - are now being accepted.

The grant provides for new and exciting youth hockey programming opportunities in northern Alberta.

Priority for funding will be given to those in need for leadership development; introduction to hockey, female, para and Indigenous hockey programming; and inclusion and diversity initiatives.

The Member Grant is available to Hockey Alberta member organziations that are non-profit organizations located in the Red Deer area and north. It is awarded to a maximum of $20,000 per member organization.

To apply for Member Grant funding, complete the fillable form available on hockeyalbertafoundation.ca. There will be one application intake this season, with the application deadline September 30.

Apply Here >

Every Kid Every Community grant applications are also available for Community Grants and Player Assistance.

The Community Grant funds new programs or supports existing programs focused on recruiting new players to the game regardless of age, skill or environmental factors. The Player Assistance Grant offers financial support to current or new players looking to play the game of hockey.

Funding through Every Kid Every Community is available to assist amateur sports organizations, minor hockey organizations, youth groups, recreation groups, or any community group with an idea, project or program that helps establish an event or program to get local children active in hockey.

The Community Grant is awarded to a maximum of $5,000, while the Player Assistance Grant is awarded to a maximum of $3,000 per association.

Apply Here >

For families looking for player assistance, there are several options available including:

  • Hockey Canada Assist Fund
  • KidSport
  • Canadian Tire Jumpstart

The Hockey Canada Assist Fund provides up to $500 per player in registration fee subsidies to approved applicants who are registered with a Hockey Canada sanctioned association.

Hockey Canada Assist Fund >

KidSport provides financial assistance for organized sports registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under. There are three programs available to hockey players in Alberta:

The ISCA Kidsport fund > | Flames EvenStrength Program > | Oil Country Hockey Assist Program >

Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart provides up to $300 per activity per child.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart >

News

Image: Lanny McDonald and Curtis Glencross hold up the Glencross Invitational trophy

Glencross Invitational Skating into Red Deer

RED DEER – The Glencross Invitational is celebrating its 10th anniversary of raising funds for charitable organizations in central Alberta with the second annual Charity Hockey Tournament and Celebrity Poker Event on October 19.

Over the past decade, the Glencross Invitational has raised $1.8 million for the Hockey Alberta Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta through the Glencross Roughstock event, and last year’s inaugural hockey tournament and poker event.

This year’s edition of the Glencross Invitational sees the Charity Hockey Tournament hosted at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre followed by the Celebrity Poker Event at the Harvest Centre in Red Deer.

Four teams compete on the ice in the morning. Each team of 15 skaters and a goaltender includes five celebrities and an appearance by a celebrity guest coach. A limited number of player spots are available for purchase, as well as tickets to watch the action unfold. Once the skates are hung up, cards are dealt for the Celebrity Poker Event.

“We’re excited to celebrate 10 years of the Glencross Invitational and are looking forward to getting back on the ice,” said Curtis Glencross. “When we started this, we didn’t have a goal dollar, but to be 10 years in and have raised nearly $2 million for children and families across Alberta is pretty incredible.”

More information on the partnership opportunities is available in the Sponsorship Package below. Tickets to watch the tournament are available online.

Sponsorship Package >

Hockey Tickets >

News

Image: kids with instructor learning para hockey

Para Hockey Player and Coach Development Opportunities

Hockey Alberta is set to host the fifth Para Hockey Season Kick-Off Event on September 9-10 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Game Centre in Red Deer.

The event consists of a Player Development Camp on the Saturday, and a Coach 2 – Coach Level certification course on Sunday.

The Player Development Camp is for new and returning players of all ages, abilities and skill levels. There will be two ice sessions on Saturday that will focus on skill development and game play. Equipment (sledges and sticks) are provided for new players to use at the camp. A bonus “drop-in” ice time also is available on Sunday from 9-10 am.

The Coach Clinic is Para Hockey-specific. Current Para Hockey coaches, or anyone who would like to coach Para Hockey, are eligible to register. The course includes an in-person classroom session (four hours) and an on-ice session (one hour). This is a great opportunity for para hockey players to develop leadership skills and learn the basics of coaching. To gain the full Coach 2 certification, coaches must also complete an online course.

REGISTER FOR THE PARA HOCKEY PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CAMP >

REGISTER FOR COACH 2 CLINIC >

REGISTER FOR COACH 2 – ON-LINE COURSE >

News

Image: Hockey Alberta Referee

Officials clinics now open for registration

RED DEER – Registration for Hockey Alberta Officials Clinics is now open. Beginning August 26, clinics are taking place across the province, continuing through to November.   

Officiating offers a network of people who love the game and are looking to give back. For every game worked, officials receive a game fee 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. Each season, officials must re-certify by taking a clinic.  Clinics include an online course, in-person portion and an on-ice session.

To become an official, create an HCR 3.0 account and register for the HU – Online Officiating ½ course that must be completed prior to the in-person portion. Skates, a helmet with a visor and a whistle are necessary for the on-ice sessions.  

Become an official > 
Find a clinic near you >  

Check back regularly to find a clinic near you and that fits your schedule as dates and locations are continuously added.  

Frequently asked questions > 

Team Alberta

Image: Tryouts taking place for National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

Team Alberta Male and Female National Aboriginal Hockey Championship Shortlists Posted

RED DEER – Team Alberta tryouts for the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship (NAHC) are taking place at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer, August 3-6.

Of the 187 athletes competing for a roster position, 132 are eyeing a spot on the male team and 55 are vying for a position on the female team. Both the Male and Female camp feature on-ice sessions including small area games, practices and games. On Saturday, shortlists will be posted with the Top 44 Males and Top 33 Females.

Camp Schedule >

Top 44 Males >

Top 33 Females >

Hockey Alberta, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council – Alberta, will send a U18 Male and U18 Female team to the 2024 tournament, scheduled for May 6-12 in Grande Prairie. It will mark the first time Alberta has ever hosted the event.

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 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 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

RED DEER – The coaching staff for Team Alberta Female and Male, competing at the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) have been named.

After a bronze medal finish in 2023, Jason Mercier (Edmonton) is making the step to head coach of Team Alberta Female. While Kendra Rosychuk (Calgary) is returning to the team as assistant coach. Joining them on the bench as assistant coach is Sage Sansregret (Red Deer). Trevor Lamabe (Edmonton) is back as Director of Operations and Alyssa Ross (Inuvik) joins the team as the athletic therapist.

Darren Reid (Caslan) is returning as the head coach of Team Alberta Male. He is joined by assistant coaches: Denesha Big Plume (Tsuut’ina Nation), Richard Demery (Edmonton) and Damien Kulynych (Calgary). Once again, Winston Delorme (Grande Cache) joins the team as the Director of Operations and Kevin McLarty.

Completing the Team Alberta’s staff for NAHC is General Manager, Mike Applegate (Mayerthorpe) and Lead Trainer/Equipment Manager, Kayla Cordingley (Calgary).

General Manager Mike Applegate Mayerthorpe

Lead Trainer/

Equipment Manager

 Kayla Cordingley Calgary
Team Alberta Female Staff
Director of Operations Trevor Lamabe Edmonton
Head Coach Jason Mercier Edmonton
Assistant Coach Kendra Rosychuk Calgary
Assistant Coach Sage Sansregret

Red Deer
Athletic Therapist Alyssa Ross

Inuvik
Team Alberta Male Staff
Director of Operations Winston Delorme Grande Cache
Head Coach Darren Reid Caslan
Assistant Coach Denesha Big Plume Tsuut’ina Nation
Assistant Coach Richard Demery Edmonton
Athletic Therapist Kevin McLarty Olds

News

KidSport’s Oil Country Hockey Assist Program launches for second season

EDMONTON – KidSport’s Oil Country Hockey Assist Program is back!

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and KidSport Alberta have teamed up once again to launch the second season of the KidSport Oil Country Hockey Assist Program.

Players registered in Red Deer area and north are eligible to apply for the program. Approved applicants will have their full registration fees (up to $3,000) covered and have access to no-cost equipment from Sport Central.

Hockey Alberta is proud to be partnering with the KidSport Oil Country Hockey Assist Program to help kids get on the ice this season.

How to Apply >

_____________________________________________________________________________________

About Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation
The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) is a proud supporter of Oil Country and has been contributing to our community’s success since 2001. With a focus on programs aimed at those most vulnerable in our community, especially in Edmonton’s downtown, and youth hockey programming with a goal to increase participation of under-represented groups in our community, the Oilers Foundation is dedicated to building strong, vibrant and safe communities by demonstrating philanthropic leadership and continues its deep legacy of giving back. Thanks to the generosity of our valued hockey fans, Oilers players and alumni, the EOCF Board of Directors, Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) employees and the Katz Family, the Foundation has contributed over $66 million to charitable organizations and minor hockey programs across Oil Country since 2001.

About KidSport

KidSport’s core business as a charity is subsidizing sport registration fees for kids from low-income families. We believe that playing hockey promotes the development of children’s social, mental, and physical well being. We fundamentally believe that all kids who want to play hockey should be able to regardless of their family’s socioeconomic status. We have 25 KidSport chapters throughout Oil Country that provide the infrastructure to get funds to those families who need it to get their kids playing hockey. In addition, the Provincial KidSport Fund covers those communities where we do not have a chapter and the Indigenous KidSport Fund supports kids in Indigenous communities. A simple one-page application process gets things started. Once approved KidSport sends a cheque to the minor hockey association on the child’s behalf for the registration fee. In our last normal year 2019 our 38 chapters across Alberta assisted 13,677 kids into 40 sport’s by paying $3.2 million in registration fees.