Volunteers are all ages and sizes.

Take, for example, Ben Woodlock.

Ben is a 14-year-old apprentice coach with the Alberta Elite Hockey League’s U15 AAA St. Albert Gregg Distributors Sabres.

“Ben kind of brought our whole family back into hockey,” said his father, Pat. “When we moved into our neighborhood, there was an ongoing street hockey game. He grew up looking at that and had a hockey stick in his hands in his early years.”

By the age of five, Ben was ready to hit the ice, but his parents were more uncertain.

“Given Ben’s medical history, we weren’t sure if he should or could play,” said Pat. “We talked to his team of medical specialists and they felt that the overall benefit (of playing hockey) outweighed the risk.”

At 14, Ben has already undergone two kidney transplants – first, when he was a year and a half and his second at age 11. For a large part of his life, he in the hospital three or four times a week receiving dialysis and treatments.

While going through treatment, Ben would pass the time on his iPad, watching NHL highlights, studying different plays, researching statistics and doing quizzes about hockey.

“I had watched all the shows so I decided to look up hockey stats and it went from there,” said Ben. “If I’m ever having a bad day, I can rely on hockey.”

The way Ben thinks and understands the game is beyond how most hockey fans see it. But standing at approximately 4’10”, a combination of his size and medical history left Ben uncertain about his playing future. After five years, he said he lost his love for playing the game.

His parents saw Ben still had passion for the game and recommended officiating. Knowing the game, this was an easy transition for Ben, but he still had more to give.

In August, the Sabres head coach, Geoff Giacobbo heard Ben’s story. He didn’t think twice about approaching Ben about whether he would be interested in an apprentice coaching role.

“As a coach, it’s a win-win,” said Giacobbo. “Our team gets a better understanding of how fortunate we are to do what we love every day. They get to see what a difference kindness can make for someone and for Ben, he gets to be a part of a team and the sport he loves.”

Ben’s role with the team looked like any other coach. He participated in team activities, helped at practice, recorded game videos, counted team and individual stats and sometimes he’d just watch to take it all in.

“Ben’s a lot happier overall and this (new role) has given him a lot of confidence,” said Pat. “The whole thing with hockey is that it teaches you life skills. As parents, it’s at the forefront for us that our kids are learning life lessons that go beyond whether you win or lose a particular game. I’ve found that experience has been front and centre with Ben in his new role.”

The ice has barely thawed for this season and Ben is already looking ahead to next year. With a goal of one day getting into scouting, or working as a player agent, he’s using his role to gain the experience to make his dreams come true.

“In May, we have a selection camp that I’ll be part of, it’s pretty exciting because it’s like scouting,” said Ben. “I’ll be more experienced and know the team so I’m already looking forward to what’s coming up.”

The Alberta Elite Hockey League’s (AEHL) U18 AAA Calgary (NW) Flames punched their ticket to the Hockey Canada Men’s U18 National Club Championships, while the Alberta Female Hockey League’s (AFHL) U18 AAA Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs hosted the Fraser Valley Rush in the Pacific Regional Championships April 7-8.

AEHL Pacific Regional Championships

The Flames swept the Okanagan Rockets in two games to claim the Pacific Regional Championship.

The series took place in Calgary at the Father David Bauer Arena, and offence was on display for both teams.

In game one, the Rockets scored twice in the third period to send the game to overtime. But it only 23 seconds in the extra frame for Wade Wallace to score the winning goal in the 5-4 victory. Calgary goals in regulation time were scored by Braden Ivey, Brett Wilson, Max Heise, and Aidan Larose.

In game two on Saturday, the Okanagan jumped out to a 4-2 lead after one. But the Flames scored five straight goals in a 15-minute span, and then held on for an 8-6 victory. Calgary was led by Joshua Wiebe with three goals and two assists, while Larose also added a hat-trick. Ivey and Russ Demo had the singles. Wilson had three assists, while Heise and Nolan Kelly had a pair of helpers each.

The Flames will now travel to the Men’s U18 National Club Championship to take on the top five U18 AAA teams from across the country. The tournament runs from April 24-20 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.

AFHL Pacific Regional Championships

Game one of the best-of-three series took place on Friday. In a back-and-forth game, Red Deer couldn’t find the back of the net as the Rush pulled away with a 3-0 win. Rebecca Noble earned the shutout for Fraser Valley.

Back at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on Saturday for game two, Red Deer got goals from Nadia Lavoie and Rylee McLeod, but it wasn’t enough as the Rush prevailed 5-2.

The Fraser Valley Rush will compete at the Esso Cup April 23-29 in Prince Albert, Sask.

The 2023 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships presented by ATB have come to an end.

Over three weeks, in 23 communities across the province, thirty-four teams were named provincial champions.

2023 Hockey Alberta Provincial Tournaments

The third weekend of provincial tournament action took place April 5-9.

Championship Games

Senior AA – Wainwright Rustlers 6, Siksika Buffaloes 1

Junior B – Wainwright Bisons 3, Carstar Okotoks Bisons 1

U18 Tier 1 (NBC) – Trails West White 2, NWZ 704 1

U17 AAA – Okotoks Oilers 1, Fort Saskatchewan South Fort Chev Rangers 0

2023 Hockey Alberta League Playoffs

The Alberta Junior Hockey League is the last league playing for a title. In the division finals, the Brooks Bandits lead the South in a two-game lead over the Blackfalds Bulldogs. While the Spruce Grove Saints have taken two games against the Bonnyville Pontiacs.

Week one results >

Week two results >

The Alberta Female Hockey League and Alberta Elite Hockey League U18 AAA division are set to host Pacific Regional Championships in Red Deer and Calgary April 7-9.

All games are available to stream live on Hockey TV.

Alberta Female Hockey League

The Alberta Female Hockey League’s U18 AAA Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs are hosting the Fraser Valley Rush in the Pacific Regional Championships.

In the best-of-three series, games begin at 6 P.M. on Friday.

Schedule >

The winner of the series will go on to represent the Pacific Region at the Esso Cup in Prince Albert, Sask., April 23-29.

Throughout the season, the Chiefs sat in the top three of the league standings. At provincials, they overcame the Calgary Fire in a shoot-out to claim the championship.

Alberta Elite Hockey League

The U18 AAA Calgary (NW) Flames of the Alberta Elite Hockey League are looking to extend their win streak versus Okanagan Rockets.

Games begin on Friday at 6 P.M. at the Father David Bauer Arena.

Schedule >

The winner of the best-of-three series, will represent the Pacific Region at the Men’s U18 National Club Championships April 24-30 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.

Calgary finished second in the South Division during regular season play. The team went on to sweep the St. Albert Nektar Raiders in a best-of-five series to win the provincial championship.

After three weeks, 23 communities, and 34 events, the final weekend is here for the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB.

Action begins today (April 5) with the Junior B provincials in Okotoks, and continues through to Sunday, April 9.

Other championship tournaments this weekend are:

• Senior AA – Wainwright
• U17 AAA – St. Albert
• U18 Tier 1 (NBC) – Calgary

The Alberta Junior Hockey League is down to four teams seeking the provincial championship. Playing in the South Division final are the Brooks Bandits and Blackfalds Bulldogs, while the Bonnyville Pontiacs and Spruce Grove Saints will go head-to-head in the North Division.

For more information on Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB, and to see the schedules of each division, visit haprovincials.ca.

Provincial Championship Merchandise

This year, Hockey Alberta is offering 2023 Provincial Championship merchandise. There are a number of items to choose from and “Champions 2023” can be added to any merchandise purchased after a provincials tournament. Any questions regarding merchandise can be directed to [email protected].

Shop Here >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has named the 120 athletes who will represent their regions at the 2023 Alberta Cup.

Two teams from each of the North, Central and South regions will face-off against each other in a modified round-robin tournament taking place in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, April 27-30. 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 of March 31-April 2 in Calgary, Red Deer and Spruce Grove. Male players born in 2008 who participated in a Hockey Canada sanctioned program this season were eligible to try out.

“Year after year we see talented kids from across the province try out, and this was no exception,” said Mike Kraichy, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Elite Male Hockey. “This is the next step in the Team Alberta program, but my focus is on player development and that they use this opportunity to reach their next level as hockey players and people.”

The Alberta Cup provides players and staff with an opportunity to experience elite level play in a short-term competition. Players participating in the tournament, will be evaluated to represent Team Alberta at the WHL Cup in October.

Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase fuelled by Gatorade will begin with the Alberta Cup. The Alberta Challenge (May 3-7) and the Prospects Cup (May 10-13) will also be played in Red Deer.

Partnership opportunities are available for the 2023 Spring Showcase and can be found in the document below:

2023 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.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is now accepting coach applications for the 2023 Team Alberta programs.

Team Alberta U18 Female is looking for one Head Coach, two Assistant Coaches, one Video Coach and on Goaltender Coach to guide the team at the 2023 National Women’s Under-18 Championship. The event will take place November 7-11.

U18 Female Coach Application >

Team Alberta U16 Male is seeking two Assistant Coaches and one Video Coach for the 2023 WHL Cup. The WHL Cup is slated for October 17-22, in Red Deer.

U16 Male Coach Application >

Applicants must:

- Be fully qualified at the NCCP High Performance 1;

- Be in good standing with Hockey Alberta and/or member Branch;

- Have a strong knowledge base and understanding of systems and strategies.

Team Alberta Female inquiries can be directed to Kendall Newell, Manager, Female Hockey at [email protected]. Team Alberta Male inquiries can be directed to Mike Kraichy, Manager, Elite Male Hockey at [email protected].

Team Alberta U16 Male to be lead by James Poole

James Poole will lead the 2023 Team Alberta U16 Male team as the head coach at the WHL Cup.

“I’m very excited and humbled at the the opportunity to lead Team Alberta at the 2023 WHL Cup,” said Poole. “It’s an honour to be a member of the Team Alberta program and I embrace the challenge ahead working towards October 2023 in Red Deer.”

Poole spent the 2022 cycle with Team Alberta as an Assistant Coach with the Canada Winter Games Team. In 2021, he served as a Video Coach at the WHL Cup.

Currently the head coach of the Edge School U18 Male Prep team, Poole capped off his 2023 season with a CSSHL Division Championship.

Poole’s experience includes a stint in the Alberta Junior Hockey League as the head coach and general manager of both the Okotoks Oilers and Calgary Canucks.

In 2008 and 2009, Poole coached the Calgary Buffaloes to back-to-back Alberta Midget Hockey League (now the Alberta Elite Hockey League U18 AAA division) championships.

Poole’s past Team Alberta program experience includes coaching in the Alberta Cup.