Bonnyville Minor Hockey to expand with a U13AAA team

As part of an ongoing review of hockey options available to players within the Hockey Alberta system, the following changes are being implemented at the U11 and U13 levels for the 2024-25 season. These changes are focused on establishing a clear developmental progression for players from grassroots hockey through to the elite system.

 

 

 

A U13 AAA Pilot is being launched with regional teams hosted by Minor Hockey Associations (currently targeted at northern Alberta, pilot could be expanded if deemed necessary).

 

The Pilot tag is being removed from the U11 Hockey Alberta Development Pilot (U11 HADP) with the category of play to be known as U11 AA. The Lakeland Panthers were one of the HADP U11 AA teams, ran by Bonnyville Minor Hockey Association.

U13 AAA Pilot

BMHA will now be adding a U13AAA team under it’s banner.

 

The U13 AAA Pilot will provide valuable insight to Hockey Alberta in identifying the ideal structure required to provide this level of hockey to families across the entire province in the 2025-26 season. MHAs currently committed to participate in the Pilot are Hockey Edmonton (4 teams), Bonnyville, Grande Prairie, Leduc, Lloydminster, Sherwood Park, Strathcona and St. Albert. The U13 AAA Pilot will operate within the structure of the Alberta Elite Hockey League.

 

 

 

Families registered with an MHA that is hosting a U13 AAA team can access tryouts with that team. Athletes registered outside of an MHA hosting a U13 AAA team are permitted to pursue a U13 AAA tryout with an MHA that is accepting tryout players.

 

 

 

Hockey Alberta is working with participating Member MHAs on the full details of the Pilot, which will be shared as they are confirmed.