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(Image Credit: Jett Schwaier/CHAT News)
SMILE SUNDAYS

Video: U11 Redcliff Grizzlies-Blue honoured with Key to the Town after historic provincial championship

Mar 22, 2026 | 7:01 AM

A victory on ice turned into a community-wide celebration as the U11 Redcliff Grizzlies-Blue received the Key to the Town after capturing the first provincial championship in Redcliff Minor Hockey history.

On Friday, March 20, 2026, the town of Redcliff celebrated the win with a parade and community gathering, bringing residents together to cheer on the young Grizzlies with a police and fire crew escort.


Players receiving awards and hoisting the key

Chris Czember, Mayor of Redcliff, who presented the players with the key, recognized the achievement and said the honour came together quickly after the championship win, but reflected a deep sense of pride across the community.

“They [the players] had a great season, and I’m super thankful to them and to our staff here at the town for pulling it off, I mentioned in my speech, it was certainly a last-minute thing that was sprung upon us,” Czember said.

The team earned praise for its sportsmanship and conduct, something Czember said speaks volumes about both the players and the community behind them.

“How well respected the kids were on the road, and how well behaved they were, and how well they represented our community, from the mayor’s standpoint, that’s the part that really gets to me, and I love hearing that,” Czember said.

Redcliff has long been known for its strong support of minor hockey, and Czember said the community rallies around its young athletes regardless of results

“I’m sure if they had a losing season and did this, they’d still get as much support as this,” Czember said.

“I think the support is not showing so much of their winning, just so much of the love for the kids and for the Redcliffe Grizzlies.”

Czember said making the championship was a bonus to an already strong foundation of support.

For many in town, the victory represents more than just a banner; it highlights the character, teamwork and pride of a group of young athletes who made history while representing Redcliff on and off the ice.

The championship win, paired with the symbolic key to the town, capped off what Czember described as a memorable and meaningful moment, marking a historic milestone for the small but passionate hockey community.