The 2023-2024 season will be here before you know it! To assist you in planning for the upcoming season, check out our FAQs to ensure that you are prepared for a return to hockey:
What is the AFHL (Alberta Female Hockey League)?
The Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) is home to 48 teams at the U18 AAA, U18 AA, U15 AA and U13 AA levels, providing a competitive platform for young aspiring female athletes to enhance their skills. A collection of 13 host associations around the province are committed to the growth and development of AAA and AA female hockey. The member associations include: Airdrie, Bonnyville, Camrose, Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Leduc, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Okotoks, Red Deer, Sherwood Park, and St. Albert. Through dedicated staff and volunteers, the AFHL offers opportunities for female athletes to receive mentorship, off-ice education sessions, female specific coaching, post-secondary exposure opportunities, academic & billet programs, and a competitive skill development atmosphere.
If you have questions about Alberta Female Hockey League operations, please check out our resources page or contact your local minor hockey association.
| U18 AAA |
| St. Albert |
| Edmonton |
| Lloydminster |
| Red Deer |
| Calgary |
| Okotoks |
| U15 and U18 AA North | U15 and U18 AA South |
| Grande Prairie | Red Deer |
| St. Albert | Airdrie |
| Edmonton | Calgary Red |
| Sherwood Park | Calgary White |
| Leduc | Okotoks |
| Lloydminster | Lethbridge |
| U13 AA North | U13 AA South |
| Bonnyville | Red Deer |
| Camrose | Airdrie |
| Grande Prairie | Calgary Red |
| St. Albert | Calgary White |
| Edmonton | Okotoks |
| Sherwood Park | Lethbridge |
| Leduc | |
| Lloydminster |
What does the League Schedule look like?
The game count in the AFHL varies based on the number of the teams in within the Division and the Conference alignment. AFHL teams will play between 24-31 regular season games. All teams do make playoffs that lead to a provincial tournament.
Additionally, teams in the U18 and U15 AA division will participate in “Crossover Weekends” throughout the season to help ease travel for the out of conference games.
How do I know what Draw Zone/Recruitment Area I am in?
While U18 AAA operates without boundaries or draw zones, players interested in playing U18 AA, U15 AA or U13 AA are expected to access their first tryout with their Recruitment Area Team. The Recruitment Area team that a player is eligible for depends on your Resident Minor Hockey Association (not the one the player was last registered with). The breakdown of Recruitment Area Teams can be found below:
Can a player access a U18, U15 or U13 AA try out elsewhere?
U18 AA and U15 AA players are expected to access their first try out within the area that has been identified by the Female Elite Hockey Model for their Resident LMHA. However, if extenuating circumstances warrant a move, a player may use the Elite Player Movement Application process to move to access a program outside of their identified area. Elite Player Movement Forms must be completed and submitted by June 1st.
ELITE PLAYER MOVEMENT APPLICATION
Who can sign a Player Agreement Form?
A Player Agreement Form is for players selected to play for a U18 AAA, U18 AA, U15 AA or U13 AA team within the AFHL. All “AAA” and “AA” players must sign a Player Agreement Form prior to the start of the regular season. Underage players are not eligible to sign a Player Agreement Form without gaining approval through the Player Acceleration Process.
By signing this document, the player is agreeing to register and play for that specific Member Club for the upcoming season. This document is viewed as binding and it is the expectation of both parties, the player, and the Member Club, to uphold their portion of the agreement.
Can I sign a Player Agreement Form prior to the start of the season?
Each “AAA” Member Club can formally sign up to six players (five skaters and one goaltender) to early Player Agreements prior to August 15th. This is done through the completion of the Player Agreement Form, signed by both parties.
“Commitments” made without a written agreement are considered “verbal” and can be viewed as non-binding by either party. Players who have not signed a Player Agreement prior to the beginning of the season are encouraged to attend multiple tryout camps to keep all their options open.
If I played AAA last year but would like to play for a different AAA team this upcoming season, is there something I need to do before I change teams?
If a player signed a Player Agreement and was registered with a AAA team for the 2021/2022 season and would like to play for another AAA team for the 2022/2023 season, the family will need to request an Elite Waiver from the Previous Registered Team. The signed waiver, complete with rationale must be submitted to the Female Elite Hockey Committee prior to the start of tryouts.
What is an elite waiver?
An Elite Waiver is used for Players who played “AAA” last season and would like to tryout/sign with another AAA club are required to have a completed Elite Waiver prior to the start of Tryouts.
Do I have a choice of a second tryout?
At the “AAA” level, yes. The family and the player may choose a second team to try out for.
At the AA Level, no. The Female Elite Hockey Committee works with all the Member Teams during tryouts to understand if there is a need at a certain position (not enough defense at tryouts, no goaltender) amongst the teams. Second tryouts at the AA level will only be granted if it is determined that there is a Member Association that has a need for additional players.
When do tryouts begin?
The actual start date for tryouts may differ across associations, please ensure you are connecting with that association/team to find the proper dates.
Do I need any paperwork to attend a tryout?
No. All players trying out for a “AAA” or “AA” team may register with the Association they are seeking their first tryout with.
One week prior to an association’s tryouts beginning, a list of the names of players trying out and their resident MHA must be sent to all associations in the Host Team’s Elite Draw Zone for that specific age category, as well as all associations that have players participating at tryouts. An updated list must be sent for any players accepted on second tryouts.
Do I have to find a billet if I move away from home?
Each Female Elite Hockey Member Association has a billet program in place. They can assist you in finding a billet home while you play hockey. Fees may differ across associations and should be discussed with the Member MHA.
How much does this cost a year?
Each program is different (amount of ice, travel, team apparel, etc). The association you would be able to give your family a more accurate breakdown of the financial obligations.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
| Female Elite Hockey Committee |
|||
| Female Elite Hockey Chair Lise Cote |
|||
| Female Elite Hockey Vice Chair Randy Laumbach |
|||
| U18 AAA Director Jason Reynolds |
U18 AA Director Stacey Wilton |
U15 AA Director TBD |
U13 AA Director TBD |