League Resources

 

The Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) is home to 30 teams at the U18 AAA, U18 AA, and U15 AA levels, providing a competitive platform for young aspiring female athletes to enhance their skills. A collection of 12 host associations around the province are committed to the growth and development of AAA and AA female hockey. The member associations include: Airdrie, Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Leduc, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Okotoks, Olds, and Red Deer. Through dedicated staff and volunteers, the AFHL offers opportunities for female athletes to receive mentorship, off-ice education sessions, female specific coaching, post-secondary exposure opportunities, academic & billet programs, and a competitive skill development atmosphere.

Since its inception in the 2016-17 season, the winner of the Esso Cup (Canada’s female U18 AAA national championship) has come out of the AFHL, as the St. Albert Slash have become champions over the past three seasons consecutively. 

If you have questions about Alberta Female Hockey League operations, please look through the links below to better familiarize yourself or contact your local minor hockey association.


Quick Links

League Structure

Important Dates

AFHL Recruitment Areas

AHFL Player Movement

Notification of Try Out Procedure

AFHL Player Acceleration

AFHL Player Agreements


League Structure

League-Structure_1


Important Dates

June 15                      Signing Period begins for U18 Female AAA

July 1                         Deadline for Elite Player Movement Applications | Deadline for Exceptional Player Status Applications

August 15                  “AAA” Try-Outs can begin

September 1              AA U18 and U15 Try-Outs can begin

October 1                   All Second Try-Outs for AAA must be completed | AAA Regular Season schedule can begin

October 15                 All Second Try-Outs for AA must be completed | AA Regular Season schedules can begin

December 15             Deadline for MHAs to file Affiliation

January 10                 Final date to Register a Player to or Release a Player from a Team

March                         Provincial Championships

April                            Pacific Regional Championship (U18 AAA) |  Esso Cup (U18 AAA)


AFHL Recruitment Areas

There are no established Draw Zones or Recruitment Areas for teams categorized as U18 AAA. All players are eligible to try out for any of the teams within this category.

In order to make it fair and equitable for all AA U18 and U15 Teams, Recruitment Areas have been established. These Recruitment Areas ensure there is an opportunity for all players that want to, and have the skill to, play within the AA category the ability to do so.  The Recruitment Areas establish a consistent development system for players of all levels throughout the Province.

  • Recruitment Areas for each team do not overlap;
  • Entire Minor Hockey Associations are within specific Recruitment Areas and not split;
  • Each Recruitment Area has had a Host Minor Hockey Association identified within it and this Host MHA is responsible for operating the AA Team(s) as identified for the area, in accordance with this Female Hockey ADM.
  • Recruitment Areas are based on registration numbers, geographic location and travel time to the Host Minor Hockey Association.

For information pertaining to which Recruitment Area you are a part of, please click here.


AFHL Player Movement

Elite Player Movement Application >

U18 AAA - As there are no defined boundaries for U18 AAA teams, players are eligible to move to access their first try out with any team that is defined and approved to operate within this Female Hockey ADM.

  • Players will obtain the necessary permission from their Resident LMHA (if required), in accordance with the Notification of Try Out Procedures.
  • Once a player has declared a U18 AAA team they wish to play for, upon being selected and registered to that team, the player is not permitted to move onto another U18 AAA team without first obtaining an Elite Waiver form and permission from their last registered team (this includes movement from one season to another).

U18 and U15 AA - Players are expected to try out for the Recruitment Area Team that draws from the Local Minor Hockey Association the player is resident in.

  • Players will obtain the necessary permission from their Resident LMHA (if required), in accordance with the Notification of Try Out Procedures.
  • Players will not be considered “Import” Players to the Recruitment Area Team in which their Resident Local Minor Hockey Association is located.
  • The Players’ Resident Minor Hockey Association may not refuse to give permission to a player that wishes to try out for his/her Resident Recruitment Area Team.

Players are only permitted to try out within a Recruitment Area that is not their Resident LMHA’s Recruitment Area with special permission from the Female Elite Hockey Committee.

  • Players should only request this movement for extenuating circumstances (i.e.  Considerably closer for travel, move without parent transfers).
  • Players file an application, using the AA Player Movement Form and supporting documentation, through the Hockey Alberta office prior to July 1 if they wish to request this “special permission” to move.
  • The Committee reviews the application and renders a decision on or prior to August 15.

NOTE: ALL PLAYERS WILL RETURN TO THEIR RESIDENT MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION AT THE END OF THE HOCKEY SEASON


Notification of Try Out Procedure

Elite Female Notification of Try Out Form >

Any Player may try out for the team(s) for which the Player is eligible, based on the Player Movement section outlined above, provided that:

  1. a)      the player has filed a completed Notification of Try Out (NTO) form with the host LMHA;
  2. b)      the team has been approved to participate, by Hockey Alberta, in the Female Hockey ADM.

AAA Teams must allow all Non-Resident Players the opportunity to try out and register with the team. AA Teams must allow all Non-Resident Player from outside the host LMHA’s boundaries, but within the teams Recruitment Area, to have the opportunity to try out and register with the team. The top, eligible, players should be selected for each team, regardless of where they reside. 

It is incumbent upon the Host LMHA to ensure they have a plan for accommodating non-resident players. This would include preparing information related to the following:

  • Living arrangements for players that need/want to be billeted if they make the team
  • Schooling so the player can maintain their academics
  • Tryouts scheduled appropriately to ensure out of town players can properly participate

Players wishing to try out with a U18 AAA or U18/U15 AA Team must first complete a Notification to Try Out Form and submit it to their Resident LMHA (the LMHA within whose boundaries the player resides), and the applicable host LMHA of the Team that the player wishes to try-out for. Note – If the team the player is wishing to try out for is hosted within the Player’s Resident LMHA they are not required to submit this form.

AAA – A player may choose a maximum of two (2) U18 AAA teams to try out for by naming both teams on their Notification to Try Out form. If the player does not make the first team they are trying out for, they have the following options:

  • move onto the second U18 AAA team they requested to try out for by obtaining a AA Waiver form;
  • return to their Resident LMHA in order to obtain permission to try out for a AA program;
  • return to their Resident LMHA to access other minor hockey programs.

AA - A player must try out for the team in the Recruitment Area where the player resides (unless previous approval has been obtained through the AA Player Movement process). If the player does not make their Resident Recruitment Area team they have the following options:

  • request that the Female Elite Hockey Committee direct them to move onto a second AA try out by attaching a AA Waiver form to their original NTO;
  • return to their Resident LMHA to access other minor hockey programs.

Players will not be afforded the opportunity to access more than two (2) try outs within a specific category of hockey. A player making any designated AAA or AA Team will receive permission to play for the season and will be returned to her Resident LMHA at the end of the season.


AFHL Player Acceleration

AFHL Player Acceleration Application >

One objective of the Female Hockey ADM is to develop players within their specific age group, and not to displace players from their age Division by facilitating the movement of underage players. Underage players will only be considered if they are deemed to be an “Exceptional Player”.

Only second year U15 players will be considered for acceleration to U18 AAA; there will be no acceleration permitted for U13 to U15, or U15 to U18 AA under the Female ADM.

Members hosting U18 "AAA" Teams can apply for an underage player to receive "Exceptional Player" status.  Applications must be submitted to the Female Elite Hockey Committee on or before July 1.

  1. Applicants must fill out, in its entirety, the Female Elite Hockey Player Acceleration Application Package and provide all the necessary documentation requested;
  2. Applications will be evaluated by the Elite Committee, in consultation with Team Alberta program staff;
  3. Underage players, should they be granted a tryout, must tryout with the association that is closest to their permanent residence. No underage players will be granted a second tryout at the accelerated division;
  4. Decisions will be communicated to the player and applicable Host MHA(s) in writing on or before August 1.

AFHL Player Agreements

In order to be eligible to play during the regular season and playoffs/provincials, all players must sign a “Player Agreement” form with the team that wishes to register them. Between June 15 and August 15, each U18 AAA team has the ability to formally commit to a maximum of five (5) skaters and one (1) goaltender. All commitments must be made formally by using the “Player Agreement” form.

Please note that underage players are not eligible to sign a “Player Agreement” prior to try outs as their participation must be approved in accordance with the Player Acceleration process. 

Female Elite Committee / AFHL Operations

Female ELITE Committee


Female ADM Chair
Lise Cote


Female ADM Vice Chair
Randy Laumbach

U18 AAA Director
Jason Reynolds

U18 AA Director
Stacey Wilton
U15 AA Director
Vacant

AFHL PLAYOFFS AND PROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT FORMATS

U15 and U18 AA

The dates for the 2020 Provincial Tournament are March 19-22 for U15 AA and March 26-29 for U18 AA.

All twelve teams in both AA divisions will make the playoffs. The first round will consist of two tournaments; one with the six northern teams and one with the six southern teams. Rankings will be determined by their standings at the conclusion of the regular season. The first round would consist of the 1st place team and 2nd placed team getting a bye round. 3rd place will play 6th and 4th will play 5th, in a best of three game series. Once a winner is determined from those rounds, the winner of the 4/5 series will play the 1st place seed. The winner of the 3/6 round will play the 2nd place seed, same format; best of three game series. The winner of the 1vs4/5 and the 2vs3/6 series will advance to the Final Provincial Weekend.

U15 AA Playoff Dates:

February 28 - March 1 – First round of playoffs (all games must be completed on this weekend)

March 6-8 – Second round of playoffs (all games must be completed on this weekend)

March 19-22 – Provincial Tournament

U18 AA Playoff Dates:

March 6-8 – First round of playoffs

March 13-15 – Second round of playoffs

March 26-29 – Provincial Tournament

Playoff series:

The Game Procedures and standards of play will remain the same for the Provincial Tournament with the following exceptions:

  • Preliminary Playoff Games to qualify for Provincials will be best of three game series. All games must result in a winner; normal AFHL overtime and shootout procedures will apply.
  • In instances where a playoff match up involves two Associations whose home arenas are 150 kilometers or less (by government road ways), teams will follow the following format; Game 1 - Highest Seed Hosts, Game 2 - Lowest Seed Hosts, Game 3 *if necessary* - Highest Seed Hosts.
  • In instances where a playoff match up involves two Associations whose home arenas are further than 150 kilometers, the Highest Seeded Team will host ALL GAMES; they will be considered "home" for the first game and "away" for the second game (for the purpose of jerseys and last change).

The Provincial Tournament will include the top four teams from the playoffs and the host association for a Final Five Showdown. In the case of the Host Association winning their respective way into the Provincial Tournament, a wildcard will be selected from the remaining teams within that Division. If a selection needs to be made, the highest ranked team (from the regular season) that advances to the second round of playoffs will be selected. The wildcard will come from the same Conference as the host team.

The Final Five Showdown will consist of a round robin format, with each team playing four round robin games, the highest seeded team from the regular season will be considered the “Home” team during the Round Robin. Following the completion of the Round Robin, the standings from the round robin play will determine their rankings for the finals. The 5th place team in the tournament will be eliminated after the round robin with the 1st place team playing the 2nd place team in the Gold Medal Game and the 3rd place team will play the 4th place team in the Bronze Medal Game.

The AFHL Final Five will utilize the same AFHL points systems for standings and tie breakers. In the case of a tied game at the end of regulation, the following overtime procedures will be used as all games must result in a winner.

Final Five Round Robin Overtime

1) Ten-minute sudden-death overtime, 4 versus 4 players, plus goalies. If still tied:
2) 3 players versus 3 players SHOOT OUT conducted in PENALTY SHOT FORMAT.  The first shooter will be determined by a coin toss called by the home team. The winner of the coin toss will select whether they shoot first or second. If still tied, the shoot out will continue until an advantage is determined. One opportunity per player, until all players have been used.

IF time does not permit a sudden death overtime period, teams may advance directly to the shoot out.

In the case of Semi-Final, Bronze, or Gold Medal games during the AFHL Final Four, the following Overtime format will be used:

1) Ice will be resurfaced prior to over time play

2) Twenty-minute sudden-death overtime, 4 versus 4 players, plus goalies. If still tied:
3) 3 players versus 3 players SHOOT OUT conducted in PENALTY SHOT FORMAT.  The first shooter will be determined by a coin toss called by the home team. The winner of the coin toss will select whether they shoot first or second. If still tied, the shoot out will continue until an advantage is determined. One opportunity per player, until all players have been used.


U18 AAA

Dates for the U18 AAA Tournament will be March 20-22 to allow for a week in between the tournament and the Pacific Regional. It is important to note that any Interbranch Transfer Players are not Eligible for Provincial or National Tournament competition. The winner of the Female U18 AAA Provincial Tournament will be the Alberta representative that competes in the Pacific Regional for the opportunity to compete in the Esso Cup National Championship. If the winner is unable to attend, the second place finisher in the Provincial Tournament will take their place.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the six Member Clubs will be ranked using their standings after all 30 games have been played. All six teams will move into the playoff round as follows: 1st place team will receive a bye into the Provincial Tournament as well as the Host Team. The remaining four teams will enter the playoff round to determine the final two teams through a playoff series format. Each game must result in a winner and in the case of a tie, the following overtime format will be played:

Overtime will be played in any regular season game as required. All league games must result in a winner. The following will be the format for PLAYOFF overtime:

1) Ten-minute sudden-death overtime, 4 versus 4 players, plus goalies. If still tied:
2) 3 players versus 3 players SHOOT OUT conducted in PENALTY SHOT FORMAT.  The first shooter will be determined by a coin toss called by the home team. The winner of the coin toss will select whether they shoot first or second. If still tied, the shoot out will continue until an advantage is determined. One opportunity per player, until all players have been used.

The highest remaining seed (among the four) will play the lowest remaining seed, leaving the two middle teams to play each other. These two series will be a three game series with the third game being played only if the series is tied after two games. The winners of each series will advance to the Final Four Provincial Tournament.

The Final Four Tournament will consist of a round robin format, with each team playing three round robin games. The highest seeded team from the regular season will be considered the “Home” team during the Round Robin. Following the completion of the Round Robin, the standings from the round robin play will determine their rankings for the finals. Their standings at the end of the round robin will determine their rankings for the finals. The 1st place team will play the 2nd place team in the Gold Medal Game and the 3rd place team will play the 4th place team in the Bronze Medal Game.

The AFHL Final Four will utilize the same AFHL points systems for standings and tie breakers. In the case of a tied game at the end of regulation, the following overtime procedures will be used as all games must result in a winner.

1) Ten-minute sudden-death overtime, 4 versus 4 players, plus goalies. If still tied:
2) 3 players versus 3 players SHOOT OUT conducted in PENALTY SHOT FORMAT.  The first shooter will be determined by a coin toss called by the home team. The winner of the coin toss will select whether they shoot first or second. If still tied, the shoot out will continue until an advantage is determined. One opportunity per player, until all players have been used.

In the case of Semi-Final, Bronze or Gold Medal games during the AFHL Final Four, the following Overtime format will be used:

1) Ice will be resurfaced prior to over time play

2) Twenty-minute sudden-death overtime, 4 versus 4 players, plus goalies. If still tied:
3) 3 players versus 3 players SHOOT OUT conducted in PENALTY SHOT FORMAT.  The first shooter will be determined by a coin toss called by the home team. The winner of the coin toss will select whether they shoot first or second. If still tied, the shoot out will continue until an advantage is determined. One opportunity per player, until all players have been used.

2019-20

Bantam Elite

Most Valuable Player: Chloe Goofers, North Central Impact
Top Goaltender: Jorja Fisher, Calgary Fire Red
Top Rookie: Chloe Goofers, North Central Impact 
Coach of the Year: Annette Jensen, Sherwood Park Royals


Midget Elite

Most Valuable Player: Kendal Pierson, Southern Express
Top Goaltender: Cienna Kinghorn, Calgary Fire White
Top Rookie: Kendal Pierson, Southern Express
Coach of the Year: James King, Southern Express


Midget AAA

Most Valuable Player: Kaia Borbandy, Rocky Mountain Raiders
Top Goaltender: Elise Hugens, Edmonton Pandas
Top Rookie: Cassidy Rhodes, St. Albert Slash
Coach of the Year: Dustin Borbandy, Rocky Mountain Raiders


AFHL Administrator of the Year: Dan Basterash, Edmonton Female Athletic Club


AFHL Scholarship Recipients

Midget Elite: Alex Walsh, Sherwood Park Fury (Red Deer College)

Midget AAA: Alesha Santos, Rocky Mountain Raiders (Red Deer College)


2018-19

Bantam Elite

Most Valuable Player - Jorja Nystrom, North Central Impact

Top Goaltender - Asia Kachuk, Sherwood Park Royals

Top Rookie - Lana Duriez, Lloydminster Jr. Steelers

Coach of the Year - David Fleming, North Central Impact


Midget Elite

Most Valuable Player - Madison Porter, Sherwood Park Fury

Top Goaltender - Cassidy Brown, Calgary Fire Red

Top Rookie - Arilyn Toews, Peace Country Storm

Coach of the Year - David Addison, Calgary Fire Red


Midget AAA

Most Valuable Player - Madison Willan, St. Albert Slash

Top Goaltender - Bella McKee, Lloydminster Steelers

Top Rookie - Jenna Goodwin, St. Albert Slash

Coach of the Year - Terry Johnson, Calgary Fire


AFHL Administrator of the Year - Denise Broadbent, North Central Impact


AFHL Scholarship Recipients

Official: Mikala Brown (Northern Lakes College, Paramedic)

Coach: Morgan Casson (Grant MacEwan University, Nursing)

Midget Elite: MaKenna Zanewich, Lethbridge Cyclones (University of Lethbridge, Nursing)

Midget AAA: Darcee Hall, Red Deer Chiefs (University of Windsor, General Studies)


2017-18

Bantam Elite

Most Valuable Player - Jenna Goodwin, Sherwood Park Royals
Top Goaltender - 
Ali Kieren, Calgary Fire White
Top Rookie - 
Jayde Cadieux, Lloydminster Jr. Steelers
Coach of the Year - 
Kath Surbey, Calgary Fire White


Midget Elite

Most Valuable Player - Sydney Benko, Calgary Fire Red
Top Goaltender - Holly Borrett, St. Albert Sharks
Top Rookie - Hayleigh Craig, Lethbridge Cyclones
Coach of the Year - Tom Molloy, Calgary Fire White


Midget AAA

Most Valuable Player - Bella McKee, Lloydminster PWM Steelers
Top Goaltender - Camryn Drever, St. Albert Slash
Top Rookie - Josie McLeod, Rocky Mountain Raiders
Coach of the Year - Paul Pozzi, Rocky Mountain Raiders


AFHL Administrator of the Year - Steve Hughes, Lloydminster Minor Hockey


AFHL Scholarship Recipients

Official: Emily Hill (Olds College)

Coach: Tricia Van Vaerenberg (University of Lethbridge)

Midget Elite: Alexis Pfeffer, North Central Impact

Midget AAA: Mackenzie Butz, St. Albert Slash


2016-17

Bantam Elite

Most Valuable Player - Allison Reich, Sherwood Park Royals

Top Goaltender - Jocelynn Pearce, Olds Grizzlys

Top Rookie Sarah Wozniewicz, Olds Grizzlys

Coach of the Year - Cassidy Delainey, Olds


Midget Elite

Most Valuable Player Danica Polson, Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs

Top Goaltender Paige Jassman, Grande Prairie Storm

Top Rookie Avery Lajeunesse, Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs

Coach of the Year - Brad Koopmans, Red Deer


Midget AAA

Most Valuable Player Tyra Meropoulis, St. Albert

Top Goaltender Bella McKee, Lloydminster

Top Rookie Madison Willan, St. Albert

Coach of the Year - Dan Auchenberg, St. Albert


AFHL Administrator of the Year - Dean Trotter, Okotoks Minor Hockey


AFHL Scholarship Recipients

Offical: Hayleigh Dansereau, North Central Impact Midget Elite
Coach:
Krista Wilson, Olds College/Olds Grizzlys Bantam Elite
Midget Elite:
Alyssa Wilkie, Airdrie Lightning
Midget AAA:
Carley Wlad, Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs