The Alberta Amateur Hockey Association (Hockey Alberta) is seeking qualified candidates for three (3) Director at Large positions on its Board of Directors. Deadline to submit a nomination package is AUGUST 31, 2024.

Hockey Alberta is the governing body for organized amateur hockey in the Province of Alberta. The Board of Directors builds and monitors the strategy of the organization through its vision, mission, values and strategic direction. The Board operates under a Policy Governance Model and delegates operations to the Chief Executive Officer. The Board is elected by and accountable to the members of Hockey Alberta. The Board holds regular meetings, either in-person in Red Deer or via phone/ online platform.

The Board of Directors is focused on being a diverse group comprised of individuals with a variety of skill sets and experiences. For 2024, criteria to be considered by the Nominations Committee for each candidate include:

Diversity

The Board of Directors believes in the benefits diversity brings and recognizes that diversity of thought makes prudent business sense. Having a Board composed of individuals with diverse skills, experience, backgrounds and perspectives, as well as individuals of diverse gender identity, will provide:

• competitive advantage;
• robust understanding of opportunities, issues and risks;
• inclusion of different concepts, ideas, and relationships;
• enhanced decision-making and dialogue; and
• heightened capacity for oversight of the organization and its governance.

For purposes of Board composition, diversity includes business and industry skills and experience, gender, and ethnicity. The Board will make good use of these differences and distinctions among individuals in recruiting for the optimum composition of the Board.

Recruitment for Board members must collectively reflect the diverse nature of the business environment in which the organization operates and be made on merit, in the context of the skills, experience, independence and knowledge which the Board requires to be effective.

The Board is committed to ensuring gender diversity and to diligently act to effect change, it aspires to maintain a Board in which no gender represents more than 2/3 of the board.

• The current composition of the six directors not up for election in 2024 includes five males and one female.

Target Skills, Experience and Background

Industry Knowledge

• Experience with aspects of the game at various levels
• Knowledge/ experience with Membership Relations (in medium and small sized communities)

Technical Skills

• Legal expertise; or
• Fund Development and Revenue Generation for Non-Profit expertise; or
• Communications/ Marketing/ Social Media expertise.
• Human Resources Management

Governance

• Experience in Advocacy – Government Relations/ Lobbying; or
• Diversity / Inclusion Strategy and Education expertise; or
• Environmental and Social Responsibility expertise.

In addition:

• Previous experience on a not-for-profit board and knowledge of the workings of a board from a good governance perspective are preferred.
• Experience and understanding of the workings of a Provincial Sport Organization is an asset.
• Passion for the sport of hockey and previous experience within amateur hockey.
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check is required.

DIRECTOR AT LARGE JOB DESCRIPTION >

APPLICATION / NOMINATION FORM >

Process Overview

The Governance Committee of Hockey Alberta has created an external three-person Nominations Committee that includes a former Chair of the Board of Directors.

All submitted applications are reviewed by the Nominations Committee. Through the application and interview process, the Nominations Committee will prepare a list of qualified candidates to be presented to the membership for election.

Board of Director positions are elected by the Members of Hockey Alberta at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Elected individuals will serve a term of three years.

Article 5 of the Bylaws of the Alberta Amateur Hockey Association outlines the requirements that must be met for an individual to be considered eligible to be elected to the Board of Directors.

The links below to the Hockey Alberta website provide more information on Hockey Alberta Bylaws, and the Board’s Governance Model, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest policy. Candidates are required to complete a conflict of interest declaration with their application.

I. BYLAWS AND REGULATIONS >

II. BOARD GOVERNANCE, STRUCTURE AND POLICIES >

For more information, please contact:

Rob Virgil

Nominations Committee Chair, Hockey Alberta

[email protected]

780-915-2873

Rob Litwinski

President & CEO, Hockey Alberta

[email protected]

403-967-0048

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is now accepting applications for key volunteer positions on the Operational Committees for the 2024-25 hockey season.

Currently, applications are being sought from interested individuals to fill volunteer roles on committees including: Minor Discipline, Minor Administration, MHA Liaison, Officiating, Senior Hockey, Player Safety, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, U11 AA and Maltreatment Investigator.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM >

Volunteers are the faces of Hockey Alberta within their communities and are positively representing themselves and the organization while communicating with and assisting participants on a daily basis.

Each year, hundreds of volunteers play integral roles in ensuring that Hockey Alberta delivers high quality and efficient programming as well as services to the more than 100,000 participants across the province.

All Hockey Alberta volunteers must act in accordance with the Vision, Mission and Core Values of Hockey Alberta. Hockey Alberta’s Core Values are:

• Integrity – do the right thing for the right reasons.
• Community – make a difference for all Albertans.
• Collaboration – work together to win together.
• Innovation – be curious, courageous, and creative.
• Passion – fuels our why, drives our what.

RED DEER – Six individuals and a Memorial Cup championship team were inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame (AHHF) on Saturday evening.

The class of 2024 features four former National Hockey League players, a trailblazer for female hockey players, a world-renowned coach, and the 2001 Memorial Cup champions.

Billy Dea, Jarome Iginla, Dave King, Kelly Kisio, Craig MacTavish, Shannon Szabados and the 2000-01 Red Deer Rebels were inducted into the hall during the AHHF Gala at the Gary W. Harris Centre in Red Deer.

BILLY DEA

Billy Dea played 19 years of professional hockey, while also coaching several years in the NHL. He spent most of his playing career with the Buffalo Bisons of the American Hockey League, where he set a longevity record by playing in 596 consecutive games which includes both regular season and playoffs. He also spent time with the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins.

“I really didn’t think about it much,” Dea said of his ironman streak. “It was my job. You love the game, and you want to play, so you play.”

JAROME IGINLA

Most recognized for the 16 seasons he spent with the Calgary Flames, Jarome Iginla was one of the best NHL players of his generation. Iginla is the Flames all-time leader in games played (1,219), goals (525), and points (1,095). Iginla is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, has won multiple gold medals at various levels with Team Canada, and won two Memorial Cups with the Kamloops Blazers. He spent his remaining four seasons in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings.

“It’s a very nice honour,” Iginla said of being inducted. “It makes me think back of all the time I played hockey in Alberta from minor hockey to with the Flames in the NHL. It was a fun career; it went fast but it’s brought a lot of memories back. Times with my grandpa, my teammates and the games … I never thought I’d be in the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame.”

DAVE KING

Dave King has had a distinguished career as a coach and mentor for over 40 years, developing a reputation as one of hockey’s finest tacticians and teachers of the game. He’s coached at every level of hockey around the world including major junior, Canadian university, Canada’s National Team, the National Hockey League and European and Russian pro leagues. For nine years, he was the head coach and general manager of Canada’s full-time national team. He is a two-time medalist at the Winter Olympics, helping Canada win silver in 1991-92 and bronze in 2017-18.

“Hockey Alberta has always been a leader,” King said. “It’s always been progressive and that’s why hockey in this province is one of the top programs in the nation.”

KELLY KISIO

Kelly Kisio made his impact both on the ice as a player and off the ice in the front office. After spending over 700 games in the National Hockey League and three seasons as the captain of the New York Rangers where he tallied 229 goals and 658 points, Kisio turned his attention to turning the Calgary Hitmen into one of the most successful franchises in the Western Hockey League. Under his guidance as the team’s head coach and then general manager, the Hitmen won six Central Division titles, four Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy’s as the league’s best regular season team, three conference championships and two Ed Chynoweth Cup’s as league champions. He is currently a scout for the Vegas Golden Knights.

“Just to wear a ‘C’ on your sweater (in the National Hockey League) was something special,” Kisio said of his time as captain of the Rangers. “But to do it in New York, in front of those fans was pretty neat.”

CRAIG MACTAVISH

Craig MacTavish is a four-time Stanley Cup Champion during his 17-year playing career in the NHL, three of them coming with the Edmonton Oilers and another with the New York Rangers. He played in 1,093 games and registered 480 points, including 213 goals. He also served as an executive, coach and assistant coach in the NHL, where he helped the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2006-07, coached Team Canada internationally as well as coached in both Russia and Switzerland.

“My career with the Oilers was 25 plus years and you don’t have longevity in this game without the friendship and loyalty of your organization,” MacTavish said of his career. “I came into the organization in 1985 and I was very lucky to come in under the leadership of Glen Sather. I was very fortunate.”

SHANNON SZABADOS

Shannon Szabados is a trailblazer for female hockey players. She was the first female to play at the Calgary Macs AAA hockey tournament, first female to play in the Western Hockey League, playing in four exhibition games with the Tri-City Americans, first female recipient of the AJHL’s top goaltender award and first female to sign and play in the Southern Professional Hockey League. She is also the first female to win an SPHL game and first and only female to record a shutout in men’s professional hockey. She is the only goaltender in women’s hockey history to backstop her nation to two gold medals at the Winter Olympics, helping Canada win gold in both 2010 and 2014. Szabados also had a successful college and university career with the MacEwan University Griffins and NAIT Ooks men’s hockey teams, winning the ACAC silver medal in 2008 and setting a regular season record for shutouts (five) on route to an ACAC Championship.

“Incredible group of inductees,” Szabados said. “A little humbled myself to be included in this group, so a huge honour for me to be part of this.”

2000-01 RED DEER REBELS

The 2000-01 Red Deer Rebels went 54-12-3-3 over the course of the regular season, leading the Canadian Hockey League. They advanced through the Western Hockey League playoffs by dispatching the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Calgary Hitmen and Swift Current Broncos before defeating the Portland Winterhawks in the league final. Red Deer qualified for the 2001 Memorial Cup in Regina, Saskatchewan where they went 2-1 in the round robin after wins over Val d’Or and Ottawa and a loss to Regina. Their record was good enough to earn an automatic berth into the Memorial Cup final where they once again defeated Val d’Or in a come-from-behind 6-5 overtime victory.

“We could play any way you wanted,” said Colby Armstrong. “We had size and skill. We could win 1-0, we could win 6-5, we could go play in the back alley and get into the nitty gritty of the game too. It was a really special group.”

For more information on the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame and the Class of 2024, please visit www.ahhf.ca.

In addition to the Class of 2024, Robert ‘Bob’ Rawlusyk was honoured as the second recipient of the Robert Clark Legacy Award.

Rawlusyk spent over 40 years coaching multiple sports, both male and female athletes in Drumheller, Stettler, throughout Canada and in Japan. In 1991, he was tasked with organizing national games between Canada and Russia, advised the World Junior Hockey Committee in Red Deer and was the director of the World Under-17 Hockey Championship. For more than 20 years, he instructed coaching clinics and worked as an amateur hockey official.

Rawlusyk was a pillar in his community and in the game of hockey.

In 2022, the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee announced the Robert Clark Legacy Award for leadership in hockey. The award is presented to someone who has demonstrated similar passion, leadership, collaboration, and integrity in growing and improving the game.

The Robert Clark Legacy Award is named after Honoured Member of the AHHF and Hockey Alberta Life Member, Robert “Bob” Clark, who was a monumental figure in the hockey community. For over half a century, Clark was involved in hockey in Alberta, displaying a passion for growing and improving the game for athletes and administrators.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta recognized several groups and individuals on July 20 through the Hockey Alberta Membership Awards Program presented by ATB for the work they did during the 2023-24 season.

Awards handed out on Saturday included Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year, Minor Hockey Association of the Year, Official of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Provincial Championship Exceptional Host Site Award and Order of Merit.

All award winners made outstanding contributions to amateur hockey throughout the year and went over and above the minimum guidelines and standards set out by Hockey Alberta.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The inaugural recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award is Debbie Northcott (Caroline). Northcott exemplifies the core values of Hockey Alberta through her interactions with players, parents, teams, associations, volunteers and staff. She has contributed to growing and developing amateur hockey in the province through her various volunteer roles with Hockey Alberta, which dates back two decades. Her involvement in the sport came well before she formally joined Hockey Alberta as the Zone 4 Minor Council Representative in 2005, holding the position for eight years while playing a key role in changing the player movement regulations and enhancing the Provincial Championship structure. She shifted her focus to registration and served on Hockey Alberta’s Minor Administration Committee for five years, four of which were as the Chair of the committee. Northcutt lobbied for changes that would not only benefit the players, but also ensure hockey would continue to grow and thrive in rural communities. She is currently part of Hockey Alberta’s Appeals Committee.

Volunteer of the Year

Geoff Stewart (Okotoks) is this year’s recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award. Stewart has served on the board of directors in Okotoks for the past 10 years, most recently as the president, a role he’s held for the past seven and a half seasons. As the president of one of Hockey Alberta’s largest members, he has prioritized the player experience within Okotoks Minor Hockey and has led with integrity when faced with challenging situations. His passion to give back to hockey is evident in that he is not only the president of Okotoks Minor Hockey, but he also coaches the U16 AA team. Stewart is actively engaged with Hockey Alberta, ensuring Okotoks is not only aligned with provincial and national standards, but are often one of the MHA’s leading the way.

Coach of the Year

Darren Gnam (Fairview) of the Fairview U15 Falcons has been named Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Year. Gnam had a significant positive impact on his players, taking the time to teach them the skills necessary to become comfortable, capable and confident with their transition into body contact. Gnam structures practices to ensure everyone has fun while learning the skills of the game, which created an environment that kept athletes involved in the sport.

Minor Hockey Association of the Year

Canmore Minor Hockey Association is being recognized as the Minor Hockey Association of the Year. Canmore’s desire to provide a fun and positive environment for children is directly aligned with the vision and mission of Hockey Alberta. They have established strong policies, procedures and is known for providing clear direction, training and support to their volunteers, allowing a fun, safe and positive environment to evolve. Canmore has also been active in seeking out grants to support player and coach development and have been proactive in offering flexible program options for families and working with neighbouring communities to provide opportunities for players outside of Canmore’s boundaries to access minor hockey.

Official of the Year

Hayley Butz (Duffield) is Hockey Alberta’s Official of the Year. Overcoming a broken leg, an injury suffered while playing rugby, Butz had a banner season on both the provincial and national level. She attended Hockey Alberta’s officiating summer development camp as well as Hockey Canada’s officiating program of excellence camp. Butz was selected to officiate the 2023 Canada Winter Games and the 2023 Women’s U18 National Championships, where she was picked to officiate the gold medal game at both events. In February, Butz was selected by Hockey Canada to be certified as a National High Performance Official – the highest ranking possible for an official within Hockey Canada’s program. On top of her two national events earlier in the year, she also officiated the Women’s USports Nationals in Saskatoon. When available, she also spends time giving back to officiating through coaching and supervision of other officials.

Provincial Championship Exceptional Host Site Award

Stettler Minor Hockey Association and the U18 Tier 1 Provincial Championship are this year’s winners of the Provincial Championship Exceptional Host Site Award. Stettler’s minor hockey program, the Town of Stettler and the community all played key roles in the event, including pre-event promotion and the opening ceremonies. Each team had a designated dressing room and equipment storage for the tournament and there was a banquet for the players and families. To leave a legacy for minor hockey, the host committee distributed a portion of the profits from the tournament to support local coach and officiating development programs.

Order of Merit - Officiating (Ernie Boruk Award)

Dominic St. Amand (Vermilion) has won the Ernie Boruk Award for the 2023-24 season. St. Amand’s passion for Hockey Alberta officiating has laid a strong foundation that will benefit the program for many years to come. As the Chair of the Northeast Official’s Sub-Committee, he facilitated a thriving officiating program that includes a robust grassroots program, annual summer camps for elite officials, as well as a officiating coaching initiative. He has spent countless hours on the road, away from his family to showcase and learn about development standards being implemented in his region and ensure that officials have the support they need.

Order of Merit - Officiating (Dave Ganley Award)

Brad Campbell (Calgary) has won the Dave Ganley Award. He has been a member of the Central Region Official’s Sub-Committee for over 10 years, focusing his efforts on grassroots development. Still an active official himself, Campbell has a keen eye for development and has impacted countless officials while being instrumental in developing the next generation of officiating talent in the Calgary area.

Order of Merit - Administration

Connie Anderson (Sundre) has been volunteering with Hockey Alberta since 2011 as the Zone 6 Minor Discipline Coordinator, a role that Anderson held for seven years. Anderson transitioned to the role of Chair, Minor Discipline in 2018 where he helped align Hockey Alberta’s investigation and suspension process while also contributing to national and provincial regulation changes that establish more consistency in discipline procedures.

Order of Merit - Administration

Neil Robertson (Calgary) has volunteered for more than three decades in minor hockey, including 17 years with Hockey Alberta. Robertson was part of the U18 executive for more than 20 years where he played a key role in creating Hockey Alberta’s ‘Alberta Development Model’ (ADM) for AAA hockey. He represented AAA hockey by serving on the ADM committee for 13 years. While on the committee, he helped establish Hockey Alberta’s Elite Male Hockey Model. In 2020 he accepted the position of Chair for Elite Male Hockey and has continued to help enhance the model, including the creation of the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL).

Order of Merit - Development

Doug Crashley (Calgary) has been invested in the development of hockey players in the province for decades. He has owned and operated ‘Crash Conditioning’ since 2004, providing strength and conditioning, mindset, nutrition, recovery and injury rehabilitation services to athletes. His involvement with Hockey Alberta started more than 15 years ago through the Team Pacific U17 program. He has been active with the U16 Male Team Alberta program since the introduction of the WHL Cup in 2009 and still attends the U16 camp each summer. He also has presented to players and coaches at various Hockey Alberta events and seminars. To help keep players motivated and active during the pandemic, Crashley partnered with Hockey Alberta’s ‘Hockey at Home’ initiative, developing training videos to engage and inform athletes.

To view previous recipients of the Hockey Alberta Membership Awards presented by ATB, click here.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is one step closer to naming the roster for Team Alberta’s Under-16 Male team that is representing the province at the WHL Cup in October.

Thirty-five athletes are in contention to make the final roster, with four goaltenders, 12 defence, and 19 forwards included on the shortlist.

TEAM ALBERTA UNDER-16 MALE SHORTLIST >

Athletes were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta scouting process, past Team Alberta programs, and at the Under-16 Summer Camp in Red Deer, July 2-7. Eighty players were invited to Red Deer and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

“There are a lot of talented players in this age group. We saw it at Alberta Cup, and we saw it at summer camp,” said Derrick Martin, Head Coach of Team Alberta’s Under-16 Male team. “We’re constructing a team that can compete at an elite level in short-term competition. The decisions don’t get easier and now it’s up to these 35 players to show us why they belong on the roster.”

Team Alberta, fueled by Gatorade, is slated to compete at the WHL Cup in Red Deer against Team B.C., Team Saskatchewan and Team Manitoba.

RED DEER – Forty-six athletes are gathering in Red Deer for the 2024 Team Alberta Female Summer Camp, July 16-20.

Six goaltenders, 16 defence and 24 forwards are attending the Under-18 camp. Athletes are going to be evaluated and shortlisted for Fall Camp, with hopes of securing a position on Team Alberta to compete at the 2024 National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Quispamsis, New Brunswick Nov. 3-9.

TEAM ALBERTA FEMALE U18 SUMMER CAMP INVITES >

Camp features on and off-ice sessions, as well as games. The groups are evenly split into Team Blue and Team Yellow with the first of 10 skill sessions beginning with Team Blue on Tuesday, July 16 at 4 P.M. Team Yellow has its first skill session at 5:30 P.M. that same day. The two teams are then scheduled to play the first of three contests against one another on Thursday, July 18 at 7 P.M.

Team Alberta’s U18 Female team finished fourth at the 2023 National Women’s U18 Championship in Dawson Creek, B.C., losing a tight battle to Team B.C. in the bronze medal game.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that its board of directors has approved a Western Canadian Development Model (WCDM) pilot project for the 2024-25 season, following an extensive proposal submitted in collaboration from its four Western Members, their respective Junior A hockey leagues and the Western Hockey League (WHL).

The WCDM pilot project focuses on strengthening the delivery of sanctioned junior hockey to participants across Western Canada and will create unprecedented choice and flexibility for players and their families in a system that prioritizes their unique needs on and off the ice, while evolving the opportunities offered to athletes to develop at a level that is reflective of their ability.

“The unity between Hockey Canada and the 10 organizations that led the development of the pilot project has never been stronger, and we are grateful for the tremendous work by the Members and leagues that led to today’s announcement,” said Pat McLaughlin, chief operating officer and executive vice-president of strategy for Hockey Canada. “We all must continue to evolve to meet the needs of Canadians looking to participate in our National Winter Sport in a system that operates with an athlete-centred approach and ensures their development and safety on and off the ice is at the forefront of everything we do.

“By increasing flexibility for junior hockey players and families in Western Canada, we anticipate that we will see higher quality competition on the ice, all the way up to the National Team level when Canada is competing internationally in the years to come.”

The WCDM working group consists of representatives from BC Hockey, the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, the Pacific Junior Hockey League, Hockey Alberta, the Alberta Junior Hockey League, Hockey Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, Hockey Manitoba, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and the WHL.

1. Standard of play and rules

By streamlining the application of Playing Rules for the same age group, athletes, coaches and officials participating in sanctioned Western Junior A leagues will gain experience and develop in a similar environment to the WHL.

• All participating Western Junior A leagues will adopt the WHL Rule Book, except for Section 1 – Playing Area, Section 3 – Equipment, Rule 34.6 – Television, Rule 38 – Video Goal Judge and Rule 46.14 – Major Penalty.
• Fighting in the Western Junior A leagues will continue to follow the existing Hockey Canada Rule 7.10.
• As part of the pilot, players 18 years of age or older as of December 31 of the current season may choose to wear half-face protection, while those under the age of 18 must continue to wear full-face protection, in line with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Rule 202.

2. Roster composition

To increase flexibility in the development pathway for 15- and 16-year-old players in Western Canada, a number of changes will be implemented, including:

• All 15-year-old affiliate players will be eligible to play up to 10 games with their WHL Club, the same as 16-year-old affiliate players.
• Instead of rostering a maximum of five 15-year-old affiliate players in a season, WHL Clubs will be allowed to name up to nine by January 10.
• If a WHL Club cannot dress a full roster of 20 players for a game, the team will now be eligible to dress two 15-year-old affiliate players.
• WHL Clubs will be able to designate one 16-year-old player, who upon being returned to a Junior A, Canadian Sport School Hockey League or U18 team, will be allowed to play up to 15 games in the WHL.
• If one of the four Members participating in the pilot has granted a 12-, 13- or 14-year-old player special status to play in an advanced age category, any such player must be evaluated to ensure they currently meet and are deemed to continue with special player status in their 15-year-old year to qualify and continue to be eligible to play up to 34 games in the WHL.

“This unprecedented collaboration between the WHL, Junior A leagues and the Western Branches is an unmistakably player-first approach and is one that responds in a substantive way to the evolving demands of players and their families,” commented WHL commissioner Dan Near. “Each of these organizations share a common priority – developing players on and off the ice. The Western Hockey League sits atop the development pyramid for elite players in the West and we will always look for ways to enhance our delivery to players and their families.”

“Establishing this pilot project is a very important part of the exciting steps being taken to evolve our junior hockey pathways in Western Canada, and the initiative will provide our players with even more opportunity and flexibility in their development,” said Cameron Hope, chief executive officer of BC Hockey. “We look forward to the coming season and working together with our Junior A leagues, the WHL and Hockey Canada to ensure the sanctioned junior hockey system continues to strengthen and flourish in our Branch and beyond.”

“This collaboration resets the foundation for developmental opportunities for athletes across Western Canada,” stated AJHL commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk. “As a unified group, we can proactively approach the dynamic nature of our game while adapting and evolving over the duration of this initiative and beyond. We are appreciative of the trust placed in our collective hands and thank the Hockey Canada Board and staff for their support.”

The pilot project will be reviewed on an ongoing basis during the 2024-25 season, and it is anticipated that its scope will expand in future seasons.

Hockey Alberta is excited to announce several changes to Elite Hockey in Alberta, in an effort to align elite hockey across the province, starting in the 2024-25 season.

To unify the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL), Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) and AA Hockey, Hockey Alberta has formed an Elite Hockey Executive.

The Executive’s focus is to deliver a premier Elite Development pathway for families in Alberta, to continue to grow the profile of Elite Hockey in Alberta and ensure aligned operations between AA, AAA as well as both male and female hockey leagues.

The executive includes:

• Elite Commissioner, Aaron Rawlake
• AEHL Chair, Devin Selte
• AEHL Vice Chair, Lee Hellyer
• AFHL Chair, Jody Forbes
• AFHL Vice Chair, Lise Cote
• AA Hockey Chair, Trevor Hittel

In addition to the Elite Hockey Executive, Hockey Alberta has announced the following expansion plans for the 2024-25 season:

• U13, U15, U16 and U18 AA Hockey in Alberta operated by the AEHL, overseen by AA Hockey Chair, Trevor Hittel, and AEHL Commissioner, Aaron Rawlake.
• A U13 AAA Pilot in Northern Alberta, operated by the AEHL.
• The Alberta U11 AA Hockey League, operated by Hockey Alberta, culminating in awarding a Provincial Champion.

AEHL Expansion to AA Hockey

Hockey Alberta has been working alongside Minor Hockey Associations in the province, the Northern Alberta Hockey League, South Central Alberta Hockey League, Hockey Calgary AA League, and the AEHL over the last several months to unify the three pre-existing AA leagues under the AEHL.

“The expansion of the AEHL to include AA in the elite model is due to the collaboration and engagement of associations and members in the Hockey Alberta system,” Rawlake said. The AEHL is excited to welcome the AA stakeholders and players to the AEHL with a commitment to exceptional service. Hockey Alberta will continue to provide the premier destination for all levels of elite hockey in the province and we look forward to continuing work with our innovative partners to continue to grow our game.”

The AEHL is being led by Aaron Rawlake, Commissioner, Elite Hockey (AEHL and AFHL), with AA Division Operations being overseen by Trevor Hittel, Chair, AA hockey.

“Unifying AA hockey under the AEHL has been a priority of mine for years,” Hittel said. “We are thrilled to take these next steps to standardize AA league operations and work more closely with AAA divisions to continue to develop and promote AA players to AAA hockey.”

U13 AAA Pilot

The U13 AAA Pilot is being launched for the 2024-2025 season in Northern Alberta. This Pilot will provide valuable insight to Hockey Alberta in identifying the ideal structure required to provide this level of hockey to families across the entire province in the 2025-26 season. MHAs currently committed to participate in the Pilot are Hockey Edmonton (4 teams), Bonnyville, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Leduc, Lloydminster, Sherwood Park, and St. Albert.

Teams will compete within the structure of the AEHL, which includes access to livestreaming and video analytics to enhance the player development experience at this level of hockey.

Families registered with an MHA that is hosting a U13 AAA team are to access tryouts with that team. Athletes registered outside of an MHA hosting a U13 AAA team are permitted to pursue a U13 AAA tryout with an MHA that is accepting tryout players. Once families have found an Association that is accepting tryout players, athletes from outside the Host MHA will need a ‘Notification to Tryout’ form.

For more information on individual programs and tryouts, please contact the Host Associations for more details.

U11 AA

For the past two seasons, Hockey Alberta has worked with our Minor Hockey Leagues to operate the U11 HADP within Alberta. Hockey Alberta has decided to create the category of U11 AA, officially, for 2024-25 and beyond.

Teams within the U11 AA will play in the newly formed Alberta U11 AA Hockey League. The inaugural season of U11 AA will begin in October and the 48 participating teams will compete in regional play throughout the season with the season culminating in playoffs and a Provincial Tournament.

Please refer to Information Bulletin 23-11 for more information regarding the alignment and league operations.

Bulletin 23-11 >

RED DEER – Seven Albertans were selected in the 2024 National Hockey League Draft to six different teams during the two-day event in Las Vegas, June 28 and 29.

Calgary’s Carter Yakemchuk was the first Albertan off the board, going seventh overall to the Ottawa Senators while Lethbridge’s Terik Parascak also went in the first round to the Washington Capitals with pick 17.

Five more were drafted in rounds two through seven on Saturday.

In total, four are alumni of the Alberta Elite Hockey League and two, in Harrison Brunicke and Charlie Elick, are Team Alberta alumnus, although Elick was forced to miss the competition with an injury.

A full list of Albertans drafted can be found below.

RED DEER – Eighty athletes are in Red Deer for the 2024 Team Alberta Male Under-16 Summer Camp.

The camp takes place July 1-7 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

Eight goalies, 24 defence and 48 forwards born in 2009 were invited to attend the camp. Athletes invited are vying for a spot on the roster that will be competing in the 2024 WHL Cup.

TEAM ALBERTA MALE U16 SUMMER CAMP INVITES >

Selections were determined based on the Team Alberta scouting process throughout the 2023-24 season and the 2024 Alberta Cup. From summer camp, a short list will be set, and those players will be scouted with their club teams until the 20 player-roster is named.

2024 Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Gala & Hockey Celebration

The Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Awards Gala & Hockey Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer. Those interested in buying tickets or sponsoring the event can find those below.

TICKETS >

AHHF SPONSOR PACKAGE >

VIEW THE REST OF THE ICE TIMES NEWSLETTER >

In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Hockey Alberta is proud to share stories from across the province’s hockey community.

When Hockey Alberta partnered up with Indigenous Sport Council Alberta (ISCA) in 2019, the goal behind the partnership was to provide improved and enhanced opportunities for Indigenous hockey participants across the province.

ISCA is the provincial sports body for Indigenous youth in Alberta, who provides funding, opportunities and engagement with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across the province.

Nearly four and a half years later, the two sides have seen growth and development of the sport of hockey in Indigenous communities across Alberta which includes representing Team Alberta at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship (NAHC).

Al Blackwater, a board member for ISCA since 2018, says the partnership they’ve built with Hockey Alberta has been beneficial for both parties.

“I’m enjoying this relationship that we’ve built with Hockey Alberta, giving Indigenous youth the opportunity to further their skills and seeing how they can compete at elite level hockey,” Blackwater said. “All the minor hockey associations across Alberta, sort of flows through Hockey Alberta and they’re the main channel of the sport in this province. So, it was kind of a no brainer for us to get that assistance and guidance from Hockey Alberta.”

Blackwater added that the biggest area of growth that he’s noticed has been regarding the NAHC tournament. NAHC is an annual event that provides a forum for elite U18 Indigenous male and female youth and attracts participation from First Nation, Inuit, and Métis across the 13 provinces and territories.

Both Alberta’s male and female teams have seen consistent improvements with the female team winning two medals in the four-year span and the male team proving they can compete with any of the other provinces.

“The Indigenous Sport Council Alberta has always been the lead when it comes to the NAHC tournament, but over the years it’s really lacked,” Blackwater said. “I can honestly say there wasn’t really any dollars being put towards it and there wasn’t really any kind of proper structure. It was getting to the point where it was a question of ‘who wants to run Team Alberta?’ With Hockey Alberta and the relationship we’ve built now, it’s been fantastic. I find that one of the best things to come from it has been that Indigenous athletes are looking at Hockey Alberta. Looking at all the different programs Hockey Alberta has … it’s a lot of good opportunities for our athletes, fair opportunities and it’s made life at ISCA a lot easier.”

On top of there being more structure and funding pushed into the Team Alberta NAHC program, Blackwater said it’s also given athletes the opportunity to compete and showcase their skills.

“Kids from the South weren’t really getting looked at and now those doors have opened up for them as well as other kids who maybe weren’t getting their chance,” he said. “There are some elite athletes across Alberta that are now participating in these tryout camps and tournaments, so I think it’s great that we’re trying to make sure we don’t leave anybody out and the youth know they have that opportunity.”

While that area has improved since the partnership, Blackwater says that inclusion and outside financial factors are still things that Indigenous communities face in sports.

“I think when you play that elite sport, it comes down to that financial aspect. I grew up right from the reserve and I had parents that worked hard and allowed me to participate in sports and make it to a higher level. But sometimes there are kids that don’t get that opportunity because it comes down to the money,” Blackwater said. “Hockey is the biggest sport in Canada, but if you want to make it to the elite level, you’ve got to have money and I think that hurts some communities. We get a lot of donations through KidSport or through the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and if we can provide some funding for our athletes that can help assist them to that next level, then we will. But it’s certainly a challenge for some kids and hopefully we can get to a spot where if you’re good enough, you’ll have all the opportunity to make it.”

The ISCA provides grant opportunities for Indigenous athletes, including the ISCA Elite Athlete Grant Application.

ISCA ELITE ATHLETE GRANT APPLICATION >

Selection camps for the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships will take place August 8-11, in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. The championship tournament will be held May 5-10, 2025, in Kamloops, British Columbia.

2025 NAHC TRYOUT APPLICATION >

RED DEER – Forty-six athletes are gathering in Red Deer for the 2024 Team Alberta Female U18 Summer Camp, July 16-20.

The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre welcomes six goaltenders, 16 defence, and 24 forwards who were evaluated throughout the season. Athletes are being evaluated and shortlisted for Fall Camp, in hopes of securing a position on Team Alberta to compete at the national event.

TEAM ALBERTA FEMALE U18 SUMMER CAMP INVITES & SCHEDULE >

“We’ve had the opportunity to watch and evaluate these players at various events and have watched them develop over the years,” said Mike Kraichy, Hockey Alberta’s Manager, High Performance. “We are confident that the talent that is going to be showcased at camp represents a bright future for Team Alberta and the Female U18 program.”

Camp features on and off-ice sessions, as well as games. The groups are evenly split into Team Blue and Team Yellow with the first of 10 skill sessions begins with Team Blue on Tuesday, July 16 at 4 P.M. Team Yellow has its first skill session at 5:30 P.M. that same day. The two teams are then scheduled to play the first of three contests against one another on Thursday, July 18 at 7 P.M.

Team Alberta’s U18 Female team finished fourth at the 2023 National Women’s U18 Championship in Dawson Creek, B.C., losing a tight battle to Team B.C. in the bronze medal game.

The 2024 edition of the event is scheduled to take place November 3-9 in Quispamsis, New Brunswick.

RED DEER – Player registration is now open for the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) Selection Camp.

The camp is taking place August 8-11, in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Male and female athletes born in 2007 – 2010, who are of Indigenous heritage (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) and registered with a Hockey Alberta or a Hockey Canada sanctioned minor hockey association are eligible to try out.

The camp costs $259 plus GST and includes a jersey, warm-up shirt and shorts, on-ice practices and games for each participant.

In partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council – Alberta, Hockey Alberta sends a U18 Male Team and U18 Female Team to compete at the championship.

The Aboriginal Sport Circle established the NAHC in 2002 as the premiere competition for young Aboriginal hockey players in Canada. The 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships takes place May 4-11, 2025, in Kamloops, B.C.

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.

Deadline to register is Tuesday, July 16.

For any questions, please contact Mike Applegate, Manager, Development Programs and Team Alberta NAHC at [email protected].

NAHC SELECTION CAMP – MALE REGISTRATION >

NAHC SELECTION CAMP – FEMALE REGISTRATION >

The top under-18 hockey players in the world are coming to Edmonton this summer for the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and Hockey Canada wants you to be part of the action!

Join Hockey Canada for the annual invitation-only tournament Aug. 5-10 at Rogers Place and be there when future stars emerge. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is the premier, best-on-best competition where fans and scouts alike get a chance to see the top NHL Draft prospects showcase their elite skill on the international stage ahead of the 2024-25 season, and we need volunteers like you to make it all happen.

Hockey Canada is currently looking for volunteers for the following committees:

• Scout & Media Services
• Medical
• Off-Ice Officials
• Team Services
• Transportation
• Volunteer Operations

Selected volunteers will receive a uniform, meals, transit passes, and a chance to win great Hlinka Gretzky Cup prizes.

CLICK HERE AND SIGN UP BY JUNE 25 >

In celebration of Pride Month, Hockey Alberta is proud to share stories from across the province’s hockey community.

If you can play, you can play.

The Calgary Inclusive Hockey Association was formed to create a local hockey organization and social environment with a focus on LGBTQ equality in sport.

The Calgary Pioneers have been playing in the WinSport Hockey Canada League (WHCL) since 2015. They added a second team, the Villagers, in 2017 and are now CIHA’s beginners’ team.

“It’s a space primarily for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to be part of a hockey organization where they can be themselves and be celebrated for that and feel comfortable being who they are in the dressing room, on the ice and around the rink without that fear of discrimination,” said Jason Finnan, President of the Calgary Inclusive Hockey Association. “We create that safe space for them, where they can be exactly who they are, and we’ll support them and create a space for them to enjoy hockey because it’s our national sport and so many Canadians love it.”

Finnan said the association has seen a big uptick in new players over the last year and a half.

“We’ve seen more people join. Specifically trans players, that didn’t feel like they had a space to go and play hockey,” Finnan said. “They didn’t feel like a men’s league was right for them, didn’t feel like a women’s league was right for them either. So, we happily accepted them into our group and are making sure they feel welcome and safe.”

The growth over the past two years is a microcosm of what the association has seen in registration since it began nearly a decade ago. For the first time, CIHA was able to ice a third team last season.

“We’ve bumped up from 20 members to 40 and over the last couple years we’ve been right at the cut off to get a third team, which we were finally able to get last year and have our first season with three teams,” Finnan said. “We have two teams that are beginner and intermediate, and then we have the Pioneers which is our longest standing team and is a little more advanced. We’re currently sitting at 70 members, and we split them between the three teams. We’ve grown a lot in diversity, and I think we’re stronger because of that.”

The CIHA wants people to know that everyone is welcome to join their teams regardless of race or sexual orientation.

“That message of inclusivity goes beyond gender identity or sexual orientation because there are people of other races that may not feel comfortable in the sport, especially if they’re queer as well. It’s a whole other added layer for them” Finnan said. “So, we really try to spread that positive message that everyone is welcome and to feel the best they can in a hockey setting.”

New to the association this past year is the scholarship program. To try and help offset the costs that come with playing hockey, applicants are invited to apply for subsidy between 15 and 50 percent of their yearly hockey fees.

“We got a donation from the NHL when Luke Prokop came out a few years ago,” Finnan said. “So, we used that donation money for our scholarship program to break down that financial barrier for people to get in and play if money is a concern. It’s been a big initiative to take on, but if it gives more people the chance to play our great game, then it is more than worth it.

Prokop, who hails from Edmonton, was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Draft. He made pro sports history becoming the first openly gay player under NHL contract. Prokop has spent parts of the past two seasons in the Predators farm system but has yet to suit up in NHL regular season action. Finnan is hoping that there is soon going to be more representation at the professional level, specifically in the NHL.

“I think when we see professional players speak up about these issues or even come out to be their authentic self, I think that really inspires everyone else to feel more comfortable,” Finnan said. “We haven’t really seen any representation currently in the NHL of any openly gay players so I think that would be a massive change to help bridge that gap of homophobia. Even if they’re just allies, it would be helpful for our community and making people feel a little safer and a little less scared.”

In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, Hockey Alberta is proud to share stories from across the province’s hockey community.

Alberta has produced several great Asian-Canadian hockey players, a handful of whom have reached the pinnacle of the sport by getting to the professional ranks or playing at an international level.

Hockey Alberta is going to highlight these athletes by taking a deep dive into their careers.

LARRY KWONG

Trailblazer Larry Kwong was originally born in Vernon, B.C. in 1923, to a Chinese-Canadian mother and a Chinese immigrant father. At a young age he found his way to the ice playing with the Vernon Hydrophones and Trail Smoke Eaters. His connection to Alberta came when he was stationed in Red Deer due to his basic military training over the course of World War II, playing for the army’s Red Deer Wheelers.

In 1946 he was extended a try-out invitation by the New York Rangers, playing mostly with the New York Rovers, the Rangers farm team. On March 13, 1948, Kwong dressed in his first NHL game. Playing in only one shift he became the first player of Asian heritage and the first person of colour to play in the NHL. Due to his contributions to the sport in the province, Kwong was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016.

LARRY KWONG’S STORY >

STEVE TSUJIURA

After being drafted in the tenth round of the 1981 National Hockey League Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, Coaldale’s Steve Tsujiura never made the NHL … but that doesn’t mean his impact on the sport is lessened. Born to Japanese-Canadian parents, Tsujiura got his start in the sport by skating at the outdoor rink and through the streets of Coaldale. His journey took him through Lethbridge and Taber to the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers in 1978. For three consecutive seasons Tsujiura led the Tigers in points, capping his junior career with an impressive 389 points in 243 games. Along the way, he was named WHL Player of the Year (1981), Most Sportsmanlike Player (1980, 1981) and a WHL Second All-Star (1981).

He spent his professional career in the American Hockey League, mostly with the Maine Mariners. He then went overseas and played in Italy and Switzerland before eventually suiting up for Japan at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano against NHL competition.

STEVE TSUJIRA’S STORY >

KASSY BETINOL

Okotok’s Kassy Betinol was a fixture with Team Alberta, playing in the 2018 National Women’s U18 Championship as well as the 2019 Canada Winter Games. She went onto playing Division I hockey at the NCAA level with the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, where she played two seasons before moving to play with Colgate University. Betinol had the opportunity to suit up for China at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. She played in four games, scoring a goal. She has played for China at various other international events and is continuing her playing career at the University of British Columbia while continuing to inspire both female and Asian-Canadian athletes.

KASSY BETINOL’S STORY >

DEVIN SETOGUCHI

Devin Setoguchi was born in Taber, as a fourth generation Japanese-Canadian. He played one season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, before moving onto the WHL with the Saskatoon Blades and the Prince George Cougars. He played in 255 career games, registering 118 goals and 243 points with the Blades and Cougars, with his play allowing him to get selected in the first round, eighth overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2005 NHL Draft. Setoguchi played four seasons for the Sharks, as well as one season with their farm team in Worchester. He went on to play for the Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings. He also spent time in Switzerland and Germany, playing for HC Davos and Adler Mannheim.

Setoguchi played in 516 NHL games, scoring 131 goals, and adding 130 assists for 261 points. He also suited up in 53 playoff games, finishing with 25 points. The Taber native also represented Canada on the international stage, winning a silver medal with Canada Pacific at the World U17 Hockey Challenge, and a gold and silver medal at the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament and World U18 Hockey Championships.

MATT DUMBA

Former Team Alberta alumnus and current NHL defenceman Matt Dumba grew up in Regina but moved to Calgary at a young age. Dumba who comes from Filipino, Romanian, and German descent, played his minor hockey in Calgary with the Crowchild Minor Hockey Association, while also spending time with the Edge Mountaineers on their prep team.

Dumba was selected by the Red Deer Rebels in the 2009 WHL Draft and won the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s rookie of the year. He played 225 games with the Rebels and Portland Winterhawks and was drafted seventh overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2012 NHL Draft. With numerous accolades to his name including gold medals at the World Championships and Hlinka-Gretzky, bronze at the World U18 Championships and winner of the King Clancy Trophy as the NHL’s Humanitarian of the Year in the 2019-20 season, Dumba has played in nearly 700 games with the Wild, Arizona Coyotes and Tampa Bay Lightning, putting up 248 points.

CENTRE ICE EPISODE EIGHT FEATURING MATT AND CHARLE DUMBA >

SPENCER AND PARKER FOO

Brothers Spencer and Parker Foo mirror each other’s hockey careers. They both grew up in Edmonton, coming from Chinese-Canadian descent. Both went through the Canadian Athletic Club system in Edmonton, before moving onto the AJHL. Spencer, who is four years older than Parker, went to Union College in the NCAA playing three seasons there between 2014-2017 before signing with the Calgary Flames. He played in four games with the Flames, scoring two goals before spending another two seasons in Stockton with the Flames AHL affiliate team. He played 129 games with the club, grabbing 77 points. He also spent one season with the Henderson Silver Knights playing in 60 games. Parker played went to Union College beginning in the 2017-18 season and was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2017 in the fifth round. Both Foo brothers play for the Kunlun Red Star and have represented China at various international tournaments, including the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

TYLER WONG

Tyler Wong went through the Cochrane Minor Hockey Association’s program, eventually finding his way onto the U15 AAA Airdrie Xtreme, U16 AAA AC Avalanche and the formerly branded U18 UFA Bisons (now known as Airdrie CFR Bisons). Wong played at the Alberta Cup in 2010-11 and for Team Alberta in 2011-12 where he scored one goal and added four points. He went onto the Western Hockey League, spending his entire five-year career with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, including two seasons as the team captain where he scored 43 and 51 goals respectively, with his best offensive output coming in the 2016-17 season where he had 109 points in 69 games. He was also named the CHL’s Humanitarian of the Year.

His illustrious junior career landed him in the Vegas Golden Knights system, where Wong holds the distinction of scoring the first goal in Vegas team history in a preseason victory over the Vancouver Canucks. He spent the rest of his North American career in the AHL and ECHL with the Chicago Wolves and Quad City Mallards before making his way to the KHL with the Kunlun Red Star where he’s spent the past five seasons. Wong, who comes from a Chinese background, played for China at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, scoring a goal in four games. His brother, Austin, who was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the seventh round in 2018, has since joined him with the Red Star after playing in the AJHL and in the NCAA with Harvard.

TARO AND AKITO HIROSE

Growing up in Calgary, Taro and Akito Hirose fell in love with the game of hockey through the Calgary Flames. The two Japanese-Canadian brothers went through the Blackfoot Minor Hockey Association, while also playing for various Edge team’s. Both brothers played separately at the Alberta Cup with Team Calgary North.

The duo went on to play Junior A which landed them NCAA offers. Taro, who’s the older of the two brothers by two years, went to Michigan State, where he saw an increase in points every season climaxing in a 50-point output in 36 games his final season. He was signed by the Detroit Red Wings at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season and has spent time with both the big club and with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Akito landed at Minnesota State University, playing three before signing with the Vancouver Canucks last season. He’s gotten into 10 career NHL games and played in 33 AHL games with Abbotsford where he finished the season with two points.

MHA registration now open

Minor Hockey Associations across the province have various dates for opening their registration for the 2024-25 season. Find your home association to see when you can register for hockey this upcoming season.

REGISTER >

VIEW THE REST OF THE ICE TIMES NEWSLETTER >

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta and Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta are now taking coaching applications for the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC).

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be of First Nations, Métis or Inuit heritage and coaching Tier 1 or above during the 2024-2025 season.

Successful applicants must be available for the NAHC Summer Camp, August 8-11 in Red Deer and the NAHC scheduled for May 5-10, 2025 in Kamloops.

The Aboriginal Sport Circle established the NAHC in 2002 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.

NAHC TEAM ALBERTA MALE COACH APPLICATION >

NAHC TEAM ALBERTA FEMALE COACH APPLICATION >

Deadline to apply is June 17.

Inquiries on coaching with Team Alberta at the NAHC, can be directed to Mike Applegate, Manager, Development Programs at [email protected].

In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, Hockey Alberta is proud to share stories from across the province’s hockey community.

Owen and Avery Sam had the opportunity this season that not every set of siblings gets. Owen, who is a year older than his sister Avery, suited up for the U15 AA Calgary Royals this season.

With the duo being so close in age, it allowed them to grow up in the hockey world together.

“I started skating lessons when I was four years old,” Owen recalls. “I enjoyed the skating part so much that my skating instructor suggested I sign up for hockey the following year. I was able to make senior Timbits because of my skating.”

“When I saw my brother playing, I wanted to play too,” Avery said. "I really started to love it when we started playing full ice games … just with how much fun it is and the competition. Owen and I have gotten to play with each other every other year since we were five and six too so that makes it awesome as well.”

Competitive nature runs in the Sam family, with the kids pushing each other off the ice in other sporting activities and routine, run of the mill daily events. This translates onto the ice.

“People always assume we’re twins because we’re linemates and are often referred to as the Asian Sedin twins,” Owen said. “She plays center and I play on the wing. I dish her the puck and she usually finishes and puts the puck in the net. But we’re ultra-competitive with one another. She gets mad when I don’t backcheck and I get mad if she doesn’t pass to me. We can get into some heated arguments with each other because we’re competitive and want to win.”

Avery agrees. “It’s a very competitive setting. On the ice if one of doesn’t do our job, the other is very quick to point it out. (Our competitiveness) goes a long way. It makes you want to want it more or to strive to be better than one another. I think it helps make us both better.”

Avery got the opportunity to play in this year’s Alberta Challenge, that was held May 2-5 in Red Deer. Sam was the leading point getter in the tournament, registering eight points in five games while helping South Black to the tournament final.

“It was a great opportunity for me to play with other top female athletes from Alberta,” Sam said. “It helped me learn how to play with different players than I normally would. Our team worked well together and finishing the tournament as the leader in points only gives me more motivation to keep getting better.”

“I think it’s awesome how Avs is able to compete with other girls in the province,” Owen added, who was in Red Deer to support his sister throughout the tournament. “I haven’t really seen her compete against other female athletes until (Alberta) Challenge and she dominated, going up against competition that was a year older than her. Avery has more competitive spirit when she’s competing against players older than her.”

Avery and Owen, along with their younger siblings come from an interracial background. Their father is Chinese and their mom is Caucasian, consisting of German and Ukrainian roots.

“Both of my parents grew up in Winnipeg. They never played hockey themselves, but my dad watched the Jets growing up and my mom played college basketball,” Owen said. “I’m super proud of my heritage and it’s nice to see that hockey is growing in the Asian community. It’s a great reflection of what our society looks like.”

There are a number of former and current Asian hockey players that have reached the highest level including Vicki Sunohara, Julie Chu, Matthew Dumba, Paul Kariya, Nick and Ryan Suzuki, as well as Jason and Nicholas Robertson. These athletes inspired Owen and Avery, and they are looking to continue the trend and inspire the next generation of Asian hockey players.

“Anyone can play hockey or any other sport,” Avery said. “If you’re passionate about something then just go for it. You can’t let anyone, or anything stop you.”

“Try to have an open mind,” Owen added. “Just because your parents didn’t play or know how to skate, similar to our parents, don’t be afraid to try something new. You might really enjoy it.”