If you’re looking for a place to play hockey, you’ve come to the right place. From kids hockey leagues to adult leagues, here are the top options for anyone in or around Calgary.
The Western Canada Hockey League was the first major professional circuit to operate on the prairies. Founded in 1921, it folded in 1926 due to escalating costs.
What are the Different Types of Hockey Leagues in Calgary?
There are a number of different types of hockey leagues in Calgary, each with their own unique rules and regulations. The best way to find the right one for you is to visit the website of each organization and learn more about the programs they offer.
For example, Hockey Alberta has more than 180 minor hockey associations across the province, each organized into regional service areas based on geographic location. Once you determine which area you live in, you can contact the regional minor administration coordinator to register with your local MHA.
You’ll also want to know what kind of league your team is in, as this will help you decide which equipment and gear you need to purchase. You should also take note of how much money you will have to spend on ice time, travel expenses, and other costs.
Typically, the best junior hockey leagues are those that fall under USA Hockey or Hockey Canada. This is because USA Hockey and Hockey Canada have strict rules for the level of competition.
The USHL is the top junior hockey league in North America and has produced many NHL draft picks. It has 16 teams spread out throughout the Midwestern United States, and it’s also home to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP).
Another league that produces many high-quality hockey players is the WHL. This league is based in Western Canada and it has 22 teams.
A number of the WHL’s teams are located in Alberta, but there are also many teams from other parts of Canada. The WHL has become one of the most popular youth hockey leagues in the world, and it produces many NHL draft picks each year.
In addition to junior hockey, there are several professional ice hockey leagues in Calgary. The ECHL is a division below the NHL and has many great players who have gone on to play in the NHL. The Newfoundland Growlers are a team that has won the Kelly Cup, which is awarded to the best team in the ECHL.
In addition to the various professional ice hockey leagues in Calgary, there are also a number of amateur ice hockey leagues. These leagues are ideal for hockey players who want to practice and develop their skills before attempting to make the move up to the professional level.
Youth Hockey Leagues
There are many different hockey leagues available in Calgary, including those for boys and girls of all ages. Some of these include junior leagues, recreational leagues and adult hockey leagues.
Youth hockey leagues are an important part of the local community and provide a variety of benefits to young people, including teamwork, physical activity and discipline. They also help promote the social and emotional development of children and teens.
The Calgary junior programs are a great place to begin your child’s hockey journey, as they offer a range of activities and events for kids of all ages and abilities. They provide a fun and safe environment for youth to learn the basics of field hockey, with an emphasis on encouraging a positive culture on and off the ice.
These activities include youth hockey clinics, skill development classes and recreational leagues for children ranging in age from 4 to 18. They also offer a number of opportunities for players to earn a hockey card and gain entry into an official hockey tournament.
Another way to get your child involved in the hockey community is through volunteer activities. These can be anything from a one-time event to an ongoing commitment, such as a coaching or refereeing position.
For more information on volunteering, check out the Calgary Hockey Association’s website or call them at 403.228.9060.
Aside from hockey, the Calgary Hockey Association also hosts a number of other sports and tournaments for kids of all ages. These events feature a wide variety of activities and games, allowing families to enjoy their time together while learning something new and experiencing new things.
Some of these events, such as the Alberta Provincial and Western Canadian Championships, are highly regarded and draw a large number of fans from across the province. Those attending will be able to cheer on their favourite teams in a supportive atmosphere while taking in the excitement of the game.
Minor hockey is a great opportunity for young people to make friends and have a lot of fun. However, it is important to understand the risks involved. Injuries and rule infractions can happen at any point during a minor hockey game, and it’s important for parents and coaches to ensure that their children are safely off the ice.
Adult Hockey Leagues
There are several leagues to choose from in the city, many of which offer year-round programming and opportunities for players of all skill levels. One of the more popular options is the South Calgary Recreational Hockey League. This league offers weekly ice time schedules, qualified referees and a safe playing environment for adults 18+.
This league also happens to be the largest in Alberta, with over 55 teams in seven tiers, and over 1,000 players registered this season. Its state-of-the-art twin pad facility features two NHL-sized rinks, large dressing rooms and open concourses.
The SCRHL also boasts a hefty prize purse, along with a number of other benefits and features to help make your season as smooth as possible. Among the league’s most noteworthy offerings are weekly ice time schedules, qualified referees, a safe playing environment, and Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association (CARHA) liability coverage.
In addition, the league has a few other impressive accomplishments to be proud of. For example, the SCRHL has a unique and award-winning website that features a comprehensive list of events, schedules, and programs. The website is easily accessible to users on a variety of devices and offers a plethora of information to help new and veteran hockey players get the most out of their experience.
Lastly, the SCRHL’s most notable feat is its dedication to promoting the sport of hockey to as many people as possible. For this reason, the organization has a long list of community outreach initiatives and other activities designed to make the game fun for participants of all ages and ability levels. The SCRHL isn’t just about the game; it’s about the players, the fans and the people behind the puck.
Summer Hockey Leagues
There are several different summer hockey leagues in Calgary that offer players a chance to play hockey while enjoying the city’s beautiful landscape and other attractions. These organizations are all committed to ensuring that all interested individuals can participate in the game, regardless of their age and ability level.
The Alternative Youth Hockey League (AYHL) is a private in-house league that leverages the Calgary Hockey Development Centre’s facility to provide families with a better option for youth development. Using a “one fee, one location, one schedule” model, AYHL allows families to save money on hockey while having more time for other activities and events that may be important to them.
Currently, there are about 55 teams in seven tiers that play in 22 arenas across Calgary and eight other locations within 150 km of the city. They focus on a number of different areas including; skill development, competition, and teamwork.
Their goal is to ensure that all interested players have an equal opportunity to participate and wherever possible, play at their own skill level. They also strive to promote a positive atmosphere for youth and encourage good sportsmanship, fair play, and friendship.
They also have a strong commitment to community and support many charitable causes throughout the year including: Pink in the Rink in support of breast cancer awareness, Talk Today in support of mental health initiatives, and Teddy Bear Toss nights.
Additionally, they provide scholarships to students who participate in the League and are eligible for admission to a Canadian or American based post-secondary institution. In 2021-22, CHL scholarships accounted for $10 million in total tuition and book fees.
These leagues offer a variety of activities, events, and facilities that are sure to have something for everyone. They are also committed to ensuring that all players have an enjoyable experience, and that they enjoy the game of hockey.
The Canadian Hockey League is the largest development hockey league in the world and is a top supplier of talent to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS. In addition, the league supports a variety of minor hockey programs, sponsorship and engagement activities, officiating development camps, and community fundraising efforts, among other things.