RED DEER - The Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) has unveiled a new logo that will be used for the 2020-21 season and beyond.

"We are incredibly proud of the direction  that the AFHL has taken elite female hockey in Alberta over the last four seasons," said Kendall Newell, Manager of Female Hockey. "Our new logo represents the bright future that we envision for our league and players."

RED DEER - While there is some uncertainty regarding the 2020-21 season, the AFHL is remaining optimistic that the hockey season will begin as scheduled, and is working to stay as prepared as possible for when a decision is made by Hockey Canada’s Board of Directors, in conjunction with public health officials. Check out our FAQs to ensure that you are prepared for a return to hockey:

What is the AFHL/Alberta Female Hockey League?

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 check out our resources page or contact your local minor hockey association.

U18 AAA

St. Albert

Edmonton

Lloydminster

Red Deer

Calgary

Okotoks

 

U15 & U18 AA North	U15 & U18 AA South
Grande Prairie	Red Deer
St. Albert	Olds/Airdrie
Edmonton	Calgary Red
Sherwood Park	Calgary White
Leduc	Okotoks
Lloydminster	Lethbridge

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What does the League Schedule look like?

The U18 AAA Division teams play a 30-game regular season schedule that consists of playing each opponent six times throughout the season; three home and three away.

The U18 and U15 AA Division teams play a 26-game regular season schedule. Each AA Division has been separated into two conferences based on geographical location: North and South. Each team will play their Conference opponents four times, two home and two away, resulting in 20 conference games. Additionally, the remaining six games will be out of conference play with each team playing each other once. Teams in the “AA” Division will participate in “Crossover Weekends” throughout the season to help ease travel for the out of conference games.

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How do I know what Draw Zone/Recruitment Area I am in?

While U18 AAA operates without boundaries or draw zones, players interested in playing U18 AA or U15 AA are expected to access their first tryout with their Recruitment Area Team. The Recruitment Area team that a player is eligible for depends on your Resident Minor Hockey Association (not the one the player was last registered with). The breakdown of Recruitment Area Teams can be found below:

Recruitment Areas >

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Can a player access a U18 or U15 AA try out elsewhere?

U18 AA and U15 AA players are expected to access their first try out within the area that has been identified by the Female Elite Hockey Model for their Resident LMHA. However, if extenuating circumstances warrant a move, a player may use the Elite Player Movement Application process to move to access a program outside of their identified area. Elite Player Movement Forms must be completed and submitted by July 1^st.                      

Elite Player Movement Application >

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Who can sign a Player Agreement Form?

A Player Agreement Form is for players selected to play for a U18 AAA, U18 AA, or U15 AA Team within the AFHL. All “AAA” and “AA” players must sign a Player Agreement Form prior to the start of the regular season. Underage players are not eligible to sign a Player Agreement Form without gaining approval through the Player Acceleration Process.

By signing this document, the player is agreeing to register and play for that specific Member Club for the upcoming season. This document is viewed as binding and it is the expectation of both parties, the player, and the Member Club, to uphold their portion of the agreement.

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Can I sign a Player Agreement Form prior to the start of the season? 

Each “AAA” Member Club can formally sign up to six players (five skaters and one goaltender) to early Player Agreements between June 15 to August 15^th. This is done through the completion of the Player Agreement Form, signed by both parties. “Commitments” made without a written agreement are considered “verbal” and can be viewed as non-binding by either party. Players who have not signed a Player Agreement prior to the beginning of the season are encouraged to attend multiple tryout camps to keep all their options open.

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If I played AAA last year but would like to play for a different AAA team this upcoming season, is there something I need to do before I change teams?

If a player signed a Player Agreement and was registered with a AAA team for the 2019/2020 season and would like to play for another AAA team for the 2020/2021 season, the family will need to request an Elite Waiver from the Previous Registered Team. The signed waiver, complete with rationale must be submitted to the Female Elite Hockey Committee prior to the start of tryouts.

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What is an elite waiver?

An Elite Waiver is used for two different purposes in the Female Elite Hockey Model;

• Players who played “AAA” last season and would like to tryout/sign with another AAA club are required to have a completed Elite Wavier prior to the start of Tryouts.
• A player who is cut from a U18 AAA, U18 AA or U15 AA team and wishes to pursue the opportunity to try out with a second team. The player would need a completed Elite Waiver from the association that released them from the tryout process. A family would appeal to the Female Elite Hockey Committee by providing the Committee with a competed “Notification of Tryout Form” and Elite Waiver Form. The Female Elite Hockey Committee will review the application and provide the family with their second tryout option.

Elite Waiver Form >

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Do I have a choice of a second tryout?

At the “AAA” level, yes. The family and the player may choose a second team to try out for. This information needs to be submitted, alongside the Elite Waiver to the Female Elite Hockey Committee prior to moving onto your second tryout.

At the AA Level, no. The Female Elite Hockey Committee works with all the Member Teams during tryouts to understand if there is a need at a certain position (not enough defense at tryouts, no goaltender) amongst the teams. While travel is a consideration in the decision, the Female Elite Hockey Committee will offer a second tryout option that would give the player the best opportunity to make a team. To be placed for your second tryout, please contact the appropriate Division Director with a completed Notification of Tryout and Elite Waiver from your first tryout.

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When do tryouts begin?

The actual start date for tryouts may differ across associations, please ensure you are connecting with that association/team to find the proper dates.

Due to COVID-19, tryout dates will be posted when the Hockey Canada Board of Directors, in conjunction with public health officials, deems it safe to resume sanctioned activities.

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Do I need any paperwork to attend a tryout?

All players trying out for a “AAA” or “AA” team that is outside their Resident Minor Hockey Association needs to have a completed Notification of Tryout Form signed by their Resident MHA.

NOTIFICATION OF TRYOUT FORM >

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Is there a deadline to hand in my Notification of Tryout Form?

Notification of Tryout Forms need to be handed into the association players are accessing their first tryout with prior to the start of tryouts. “AAA” Players who prefer their second tryout can state their second tryout directly onto the NTO form.

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Do I have to find a billet if I move away from home?

Each Female Elite Hockey Member Association has a billet program in place. They can assist you in finding a billet home while you play hockey. Fees may differ across associations and should be discussed with the Member MHA.

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How much does this cost a year?

Each program is different (amount of ice, travel, team apparel etc). The association you would be able to give your family a more accurate breakdown of the financial obligations.

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Who do I contact if I have questions?

Female Elite Hockey Committee
Female Elite Hockey Chair Graham Lewis
Female Elite Hockey Vice Chair Randy Laumbach
U18 AAA Director Jason Reynolds	U18 AA Director Stacey Wilton	U15 AA Director Lise Cote

CALGARY - Three current AFHL athletes, along with three alumna are among the 109 female athletes invited to the BFL Canada National Women’s Development Team and National Women’s Under-18 team summer camps.

Hockey Canada has announced a pool of 109 of the country’s top young players invited to participate in a pair of virtual camps with Canada’s National Women’s Program.

Goaltender Sophie Lajeunesse (Calgary Fire Midget AAA), blueliner Dayle Ross (St. Albert Slash Midget AAA), and forward Kyle Perry (Red Deer Midget AAA Sutter Fund Chiefs) will attend the BFL National Women’s Under-18 Team Summer Camp. Ross was part of St. Albert’s Esso Cup-winning team in 2019.

Sarah Wozniewicz, who played for the Olds U15 AA Grizzlys in 2016-17 will also take part in the U18 Summer Camp. Wozniewicz is one of three players who won a silver medal with Team Canada at the 2020 IIHF U18 Women’s Championship.

As the virtual meetings progress through the summer, the athletes will cover topics that include at-home strength and conditioning plans, mental performance plans and check-ins, nutrition, dry-land skills, skating simulations, team-building activities, short-term international competition preparation and meetings with coaches.

The online sessions will take place up to twice weekly, with critical information being communicated to athletes to allow them to continue to evolve as high-performance athletes in this new environment, and will utilize the strengths and experience of Canada’s National Women’s Program leadership to help connect one-on-one, athlete-to-athlete.

RED DEER - The Alberta Female Hockey League is proud to present the expanding list of over 40 athletes who will be suiting up for post-secondary teams next season.

The list includes:

• 8 players from the Midget Elite Division
• 23 players heading to U Sports
• 16 players heading to ACAC

AFHL players have committed to the following post-secondary institutions for the 2020-21 season:

AFHL PROGRAM	PLAYER	POSITION	POST-SECONDARY COMMITMENT
Calgary Fire AAA	Emma Neff	Defence	University of Lethbridge
Calgary Fire AAA	Sierra LaPlante	Defence	University of British Columbia
Calgary Fire AAA	McKenna Bolger	Defence	University of Saskatchewan
Calgary Fire AAA	Grace Crooks	Forward	Grant MacEwan
Calgary Fire AAA	Madeleine Noonan	Forward	Red Deer College
Calgary Fire AAA	Dylan Norrie	Forward	Red Deer College
Calgary Fire AAA	Rebecca Boswell	Goalie	SAIT
Calgary Fire Red Elite	Katie Maloney	Defence	Plymouth State University
Edmonton Pandas AAA	Megan Long	Defence	University of Regina
Edmonton Pandas AAA	Alex Black	Defence	Red Deer College
Edmonton Pandas AAA	Natalie Buttle	Forward	Red Deer College
Edmonton Pandas AAA	Chloe Reid	Forward	Trinity Western University
Edmonton Pandas AAA	Payton Basterash	Forward	NAIT
Edmonton Pandas AAA	Elise Hugens	Goalie	University of British Columbia
Lloydminster Steelers AAA	Jadynn Morden	Defence	University of Alberta
Lloydminster Steelers AAA	Alexandria Spence	Defence	Mount Royal University
Lloydminster Steelers AAA	Jacelyn Scott	Defence	Trinity Western University
Lloydminster Steelers AAA	Hayleigh Craig	Forward	University of Alberta
Lloydminster Steelers AAA	Bryn Pollard	Forward	Red Deer College
Lloydminster Elite Steelers	Ali Macaulay	Defence	Olds College
North Central Impact Elite	Hailey Cruickshank	Defence	NAIT
North Central Impact Elite	Tessa Knisely	Forward	Olds College
North Central Impact Elite	Reegan Broadbent	Forward	Olds College
Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs AAA	Aryn Chambers	Defence	Grant MacEwan
Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs AAA	Julie Wagner	Defence	Red Deer College
Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs AAA	Kyla Hansel	Defence	Red Deer College
Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs AAA	Monica Bowtell	Forward	Red Deer College
Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs AAA	Robyn Grant	Forward	Plymouth State University
Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs AAA	Stephanie Keeper	Forward	McGill University
Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs AAA	Elizabeth Campbell	Goalie	Olds College
Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs Elite	Sydney Jack	Forward	Olds College
Rocky Mountain Raiders AAA	Alesha Santos	Defence	Red Deer College
Rocky Mountain Raiders AAA	Sydney Trotter	Defence	Mount Royal University
Rocky Mountain Raiders AAA	Sydney Benko	Forward	Mount Royal University
Rocky Mountain Raiders AAA	Kaia Borbandy	Forward	Mount Royal University
Sherwood Park Fury Elite	Tayler Premak	Forward	NAIT
Sherwood Park Fury Elite	Alex Walsh	Forward	Red Deer College
St. Albert Slash AAA	Kelsey Hall	Forward	University of Saskatchewan
St. Albert Slash AAA	Allison Reich	Forward	University of Alberta
St. Albert Slash AAA	Jaden Bogden	Forward	Clarkson University
St. Albert Slash AAA	Brooklyn Schroeder	Forward	Grant MacEwan
St. Albert Slash AAA	Holly Borrett	Goalie	University of Windsor
St. Albert Sharks Elite	Jorja Werenka	Defence	Olds College

RED DEER - As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the Alberta Female Hockey League is taking additional measures to protect our staff and the hockey community. Moving forward through this together, there are a couple of key items important to note for those athletes looking to play for U18 AAA AFHL Programs:

Spring Camps: Spring Camps for ALL (U15 AA, U18 AA, and U18 AAA) AFHL levels and divisions will be effectively cancelled for 2020. Athletes will have the opportunity to gather information about programs during this time, however no formal evaluations will occur until tryouts for the 2020-2021 season can begin.

Recruitment Period: 

• Coaches of U18 AAA Programs may begin conversations with prospective players about the 2020-2021 season on/after April 1.
• Prospective players include any female Alberta resident whose birth years are 2003, 2004 or 2005.
• Any 2006 born athlete is required to complete the “Player Acceleration Process” prior to July 1.
• Any 2003 or 2004 born athlete who competed at the U18 (Midget) AAA level during the 2019-2020 must have completed the Elite Waiver Form from their last registered AAA team prior to engaging in conversations with other AAA programs.
• U15 AA and U18 AA programs are still bound by recruitment areas that dictate an athlete’s first tryout. If there are extenuating circumstances that require families to request a change to their first tryout, they must complete the Elite Player Movement Application by July 1. For more information on “extenuating circumstances” and the process, please visit the Application Page.
• In-person contact is not advised at this time and social distancing is highly encouraged. All individuals (coaches, players and parents) should follow government and federal instructions around COVID-19 pandemic protocols.
• AFHL Programs are encouraged to use brochures, websites, and even teleconferencing to showcase and promote their programs. 

 Signing Period: 

• The Early Signing Period for U18 AAA programs begins on June 15 and is open until August 15.
• In order for a Player Agreement to be considered valid, all signatures must be present on the document and it must be submitted by the Association to Hockey Alberta directly.
• Players eligible to sign player agreements are 2003, 2004 and 2005 born athletes.
• Players 2003 and 2004 born players who competed at the U18 AAA level during the 2019-2020 season remain with that U18 AAA Club for the 2020-2021 season unless they have a completed Elite Waiver from their last registered team.
• Should a 2003 or 2004 born player who competed at the U18 AAA level during the 2019-2020 wish to play for an opposing club for the 2020-2021 season, they need to have completed an Elite Waiver Form prior to having conversations with other coaches.

Please take all precautions to stay safe. Follow the directions of local, provincial and federal health and government authorities, as we work together with fellow Albertans, and citizens across the country, to help resolve this situation. More information about Government of Alberta protocols and recommendations can be found here.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to work through these uncharted waters.

RED DEER – The Alberta Female Hockey League is pleased to announce the 2019-20 league award and scholarship winners.

Four awards are handed out in each league: Most Valuable Player, Top Goaltender, Top Rookie, and Coach of the Year. One award is also given for the AFHL Administrator of the Year.

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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

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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

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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

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Administrator of the Year

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

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AFHL Scholarship Winners

Midget Elite: Alex Walsh, Sherwood Park Fury

Alex was born in Fort Saskatchewan, and has grown into a graduating player from the SPKAC Midget Elite Fury. After playing with the Fury for the past three seasons, her plan is to play hockey at the post secondary level. Alex has been offered two scholarships but is still yet to commit. She credits her coaches, among others, who have supported her throughout her hockey journey.

 

Midget AAA: Alesha Santos, Rocky Mountain Raiders 

Alesha Santos is a graduating defenseman from the Midget AAA Rocky Mountain Raiders, and currently lives in Calgary. Other than playing Ice Hockey, Alesha also plays Field Hockey for her High School team. Some of her most notable achievements include being a two time Ice Hockey Provincial Champion (2016-2017 Bantam Elite Fire White, 2017-2018 Midget Elite Fire White), receiving two MVP Awards for Field Hockey (2018 season, 2019 season), and being a consistent Honour Roll student. Playing hockey has also given her many volunteer opportunities which included volunteering at Tudor Manor Seniors Home, and mentoring young female hockey players. When she’s not playing sports, Alesha enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In the Fall, Alesha will be playing for the Red Deer College Queens Hockey team while pursuing a Nursing Degree.

PAST AWARD WINNERS >

RED DEER - The AFHL would like to recognize and congratulate the graduating Midget players from the 2019-20 season.

Airdrie Lightning Midget Elite

Name	Position
Kayla Bell	Defence
Jolin Bischke	Defence
Jennifer Johnson	Defence
Rachel Selent	Forward

Calgary Fire Midget AAA

Name	Position
McKenna Bolger	Defence
Rebecca Boswell	Goalie
Grace Crooks	Forward
Sierra LaPlante	Defence
Emma Neff	Defence
Madeleine Noonan	Forward
Dylan Noorie	Forward
Emily Straw	Forward

Calgary Fire Red Midget Elite

Name	Position
Katie Maloney	Defence
Skye Mathew	Forward
Caitlin Watson	Forward
Teah Workman	Defence

Calgary Fire White Midget Elite

Name	Position
Meghan Dean	Forward
Alessandra Imperato	Defence
Cameron Krupa	Forward
Marlee Oczkowski	Forward
Rachelle Plum	Forward
Mila Preville	Forward
Madison Shenfield	Goalie

Edmonton Pandas Midget AAA

Name	Position
Payton Basterash	Forward
Alexandra Black	Defence
Natalie Buttle	Forward
Elise Hugens	Goalie
Megan Long	Defence
Chloe Reid	Forward

Edmonton Pandas Midget Elite

Name	Position
Jordanna Hayne	Defence
Victoria Lindsay	Defence
Alexandra Wilson	Forward

Lloydminster Steelers Midget AAA

Name	Position
Hayleigh Craig	Forward
Molly Mitchell	Goalie
Jadynn Morden	Defence
Bryn Pollard	Forward
Jade Sandberg	Forward
Jacelyn Scott	Defence
Alexandria Spence	Defence
Ryann Welch	Forward

Lloydminster Midget Elite Steelers

Name	Position
Shelby Lane	Forward
Ali Macaulay	Defence
Jerika Pashniak	Forward
Elyssa Selte	Defence

North Central Impact Midget Elite

Name	Position
Havana Batke	Goalie
Reegan Broadbent	Forward
Hailey Cruickshank	Defence
Tessa Knisely	Forward
Brooke Warner	Defence

Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs Midget AAA

Name	Position
Monica Bowtell	Forward
Elizabeth Campbell	Goalie
Aryn Chambers	Defence
Robyn Grant	Forward
Kyla Hansel	Defence
Stephanie Keeper	Forward
Julie Wagner	Defence
Taylor Wilkinson	Forward

Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs Midget Elite

Name	Position
Haylee Coutts	Forward
Paige Dodd	Forward
Elizabeth Fonda	Forward
Sarah Gette	Defence
Sydney Jack	Forward
Elizabeth Thomas	Forward
Robyn Wlad	Forward

Rocky Mountain Raiders Midget AAA

Name	Position
Sydney Benko	Forward
Kaia Borbandy	Forward
Alesha Santos	Defence
Sydney Trotter	Defence

Rocky Mountain Raiders Midget Elite

Name	Position
Taryn Borbely	Defence
Kaia Gron	Defence
Shaye Parkinson	Forward

Sherwood Park Fury

Name	Position
Julie Jeske	Forward
Tayler Premak	Forward
Alex Walsh	Forward

Southern Express Midget Elite

Name	Position
Brookelyn King	Defence
Kennedy King	Forward
Madison King	Forward

St. Albert Slash Midget AAA

Name	Position
Jaden Bogden	Forward
Holly Borrett	Goalie
Kelsey Hall	Forward
Allison Reich	Forward
Brooklyn Schroeder	Forward

St. Albert Sharks Midget Elite

Name	Position
Elle Harapchuk	Forward
Jorja Werenka	Defence

The following is a statement on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, on the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Without question, this an unprecedented period of difficulty for the sports world. The health and safety of all participants in sport, including players, coaches, staff, officials, fans, family, volunteers and the general public, is of the utmost importance to Hockey Canada.

After much consultation with the Hockey Canada membership, our chief medical officer and public health officials, the Hockey Canada Board of Directors has made the decision to cancel all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities*, including our national championships, until further notice, effective Friday, March 13, 2020.

We recognize the tremendous effort that has been put forth all year by individuals across the country as they participate in Canada’s game. Although it is difficult to process the hockey season ending abruptly, we feel this is the best course of action in order to do our part in keeping our country safe.”

*Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities include all Hockey Alberta-sanctioned activities. This means that all Hockey Alberta league games, playoffs, practices, camps and Provincial, Regional and National Championships are cancelled at the Minor, Female, Junior, Senior and Sledge levels.

The Midget Elite regular season has concluded and the road to the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships is set to begin this weekend. Here is a look at the playoff matchups:

SCHEDULE >