South Alberta Hockey Academy granted U15 Prep hockey team

“If kids are somewhere else, at another program, if they’re at EDGE or NAX or OHA Edmonton or Penticton as U15s, it’s hard to get players to recruit to come to our program at U17 and U18,” he added.

“This makes just a little more natural progression for kids through high school and through their hockey path.”

The CSSHL also announced the addition of teams for three other program located in Calgary, Washington state, and Ontario.

The sport school league’s COO Kevin Goodwin said in a statement that its goal has been to support Hockey Canada’s aim to facilitate the integration of Grade 8-12 education-based hockey within its programming model.

“The addition of these teams allows for that goal to continue with greater retention in our member programs,” Goodwin said.

An email sent to Medicine Hat Minor Hockey families by president Mark Parsons in early December acknowledge they knew about the program coming and raised concerns.

“This decision has the potential to have an impact on our association. We are disappointed by the lack of consultation and consideration for the potential effects on our players, teams, and ice availability,” Parsons said.

“Despite this development, Medicine Hat Minor Hockey remains steadfast in our commitment to providing high-quality and successful programs,” his statement added.

“We will continue to build upon and enhance our existing model to ensure the continued growth and success of our players.”

MacMillan in an earlier interview said he feels the South East Athletic Club through Medicine Hat Minor Hockey, and SAHA’s programs can co-exist.

“Last year our U17 prep team, I think had a pretty good year for their first year. And if you go back and look how SEAC U17 AAA did, they also had a good year,” MacMillan said.

“I don’t see any reason why you can’t have two programs being successful.”

The CSSHL has been a key league looked at for the Western Hockey League Prospect Draft, with the first four picks in the 2024 draft coming from it.

The Banff Hockey Academy was relocated to Dunmore for the 2020-21 season, and renamed the South Alberta Hockey Academy.

Relocation of the program included a pair of U18 Prep hockey teams, both male and female.

The program expanded in 2023-24 season with a male U17 Prep hockey team.

The U15 Prep team will be the fourth team in the SAHA program.

The teams play out of the Big Marble Go Centre in Medicine Hat.

by Jesse Gill

South Alberta Hockey Academy granted U15 Prep hockey team

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