The Alberta Cup aids in the identification and selection of potential players for Hockey Alberta’s Team Alberta program, with hundreds of players annually trying out for 120 spots (20 positions on each of the six regional teams).
In addition to player development, the Alberta Cup also features opportunities for administrators, referees, coaches, therapists and equipment managers to be identified for potential positions at higher level events, such as the World U17 Hockey Challenge and Canada Winter Games.
The Alberta Cup began in 1986 as a program for U18 hockey players, running until 1988. It went on hiatus until 1993 when it re-emerged as a U15-level competition.
Through the Regional Camps, the hockey players are able to measure themselves against other players of the same age and receive instruction from some of the best coaches in the province. For those selected to the regional teams, the Alberta Cup is a taste of top level competition. The pressure felt in the Alberta Cup has been said to come close to that of the Western Hockey League. U15 players are getting a taste of the pressure of high performance hockey as well as the opportunity to excel under that pressure.
Over the years, the Alberta Cup has evolved into an event known for its professionalism. It is not only an athlete development program, but it also encompasses development opportunities for administrators, referees, coaches, therapists and equipment managers. The competition identifies top level ‘hockey people’ for potential positions at higher level events such as the World U17 Hockey Challenge and Canada Winter Games.