RED DEER – Eleven Alberta Female Hockey League players (AFHL) will suit up for Team Alberta. The team will head east to Charlottetown, P.E.I., for the Canada Winter Games, February 27 – March 5. Two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards will play in the U18 competition.
Four AFHL U18 AAA clubs will be represented:
- Albert Bauer Slash (Brokenshire, Devlin, Dorash, Holan, Smith and Trudeau)
- Calgary Fire (Fomradas and Lawrence)
- Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs (Holbein and McLeod)
- Edmonton Pandas (Goofers)
The selection process for the Canada Winter Games began in the 2021-22 season, where athletes were evaluated with their Hockey Canada sanctioned club team. In July, Hockey Alberta invited 72 female athletes born in 2005-07 to the U18 Summer Camp, in Red Deer. Twenty-eight players were shortlisted and invited back to Red Deer in September for the U18 Fall Selection Camp. Following the selection camp, athletes continued to be scouted with their club teams through the fall.
Round robin action begins on February 27 vs Nova Scotia. Other Team Alberta games include: February 28 vs Manitoba and March 1 vs Ontario. Playoffs start March 2 with medal games on March 5.
Team Alberta are the defending champions, after winning gold in 2019 in Red Deer. Historically, Team Alberta has three golds (2019, 2011, 1991) and two bronze medals (2015, 1999).
Female hockey was added to the Canada Winter Games in 1991. The Winter Games brings together thousands of athletes for the largest amateur multi-sport event in the country. They span over 25 different sports and is held every four years.
TEAM ALBERTA APPAREL
Hockey Alberta has set up an online store to purchase additional Team Alberta apparel. Please feel free to share the link with family and friends who wish to cheer on Team Alberta at the Canada Winter Games. There are a number of items to choose from, but jerseys are not available for purchase. The store is open until January 3. Orders will be shipped by February 1.
Any questions related to merchandise can be directed to Manager of Marketing and Communications, Danielle Kraichy. dkraichy@hockeyalberta.ca