Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce several updates to the Elite Hockey Model for 2026-27. While regulation changes and wording will not be final until April, the concepts that will be implemented are set and ready to be shared with participants.
DRAW ZONE UPDATES – AEHL EXPANSION
The Alberta Elite Hockey League is excited to welcome Cochrane to U15 AAA and U17 AAA, and Spruce Grove to U18 AAA next season. This expansion will cause changes to surrounding Elite Draw Zones as follows:
COCHRANE ELITE DRAW ZONE (U15 & U17 AAA)
- Cochrane (From Airdrie)
- Canmore (From Airdrie)
- Banff (From Airdrie)
- Cremona (From Airdrie)
- Sundre (From Red Deer)
OTHER DRAW ZONE CHANGES – SOUTHERN ALBERTA
- Olds (From Red Deer) to Airdrie Elite Draw Zone (U15, U17 & U18 AAA)
SPRUCE GROVE ELITE DRAW ZONE (U15, U17 & U18 AAA)
- Edson
- Fox Creek
- Hinton
- Jasper
- Mayerthorpe
- Pembina
- Spruce Grove
- Stony Plain
- Westlock (From Fort Sask)
- Whitecourt
DIRECTIONS FOR PLAYERS IMPACTED BY CHANGES
Any players whose Primary MHA falls into a new Elite Draw Zone due to the above changes, and who was rostered to a AAA team this season will be granted the choice on if they wish to stay with their current AAA Program or join their new Primary Elite Draw Zone. Players who elect to stay with their current AAA program must contact the MHA they wish to return to, who will complete the necessary paperwork. All other players whose Primary MHA falls into a new Elite Draw Zone must begin their Elite Tryout Process with their new Primary Elite Draw Zone or apply for Elite Player Movement.
ELITE TEAM FORMATION UPDATES
Following a thorough review of Elite Team Formation over the last six months, Hockey Alberta has prepared a Question-and-Answer document to help players navigate team formation. Please view the document and if you have any questions, reach out to your Primary Elite Draw Zone or AA Recruitment Area host.
