Border Lines and Blue Lines: Brunet Family Caught Between Two Provinces in Hockey Residency Dispute

For years, the Brunet family’s home ice, for their three daughters, has been the Lakeland. Living in Goodsoil, Saskatchewan — less than an hour’s drive to Cold Lake — the girls played for Alberta-based teams without issue. But this season, after moving their lives across the border to Cold Lake, their hockey dreams have been put on hold.

Allison Brunet’s four children — Brooklyn, Baylee, Brenna, and Ben — have grown up with skates laced and gear packed, the girls representing teams like the Lakeland Jaguars and the Lakeland Female Panthers. From house hockey to AA, their family rhythm has always revolved around the rink.

But this fall, the rhythm stopped.

A Move Meant to Make Life Work

With four kids in hockey and a husband working away on rotation, Allison says the decision to move wasn’t about chasing a roster spot — it was about keeping her family afloat.

“Between the driving, the childcare, and trying to make four schedules work, something had to give,” she said. “We moved to Alberta so everyone could actually be part of their own teams without me living on the highway.”

The Brunets found housing in Cold Lake and began transferring their hockey registration — a familiar process after years of releases from Saskatchewan. But this time, approval stalled.

Brooklyn, 13, moved up to U15 Jaguars. Baylee, 11, and Brenna, 10, earned places on the U13 AA Lakeland Female Panthers — a proud moment for any family. Yet Hockey Alberta hasn’t recognized the move, leaving their eligibility uncertain.

And then there’s Ben.

At nine, he’d already played two seasons underage in U9 and was eager for tiered hockey in Cold Lake. Now, he’s sidelined: Hockey Alberta won’t register him, saying the family’s move isn’t legitimate; Hockey Saskatchewan won’t, because the family no longer resides there.

“He’s heartbroken,” Allison said. “He’s worked so hard to be ready, and now he’s sitting out while his friends play.”

Hockey Alberta’s Position

Hockey Alberta’s Senior Manager of Marketing, Allison Chambers, said both provinces are working closely on the case and that confirming residency is essential.

“Both Hockey Alberta and Sask Hockey have been working closely together on this particular situation,” Chambers said. “We continue to work with the family for all family members to be able to play the great game of hockey.”

The issue, she explained, is proof of residency.

“We’ve received different addresses that don’t align with timelines, so we’re doing our due diligence to confirm proper proof — through a consistent rental agreement or other valid documentation.”

Chambers added that Hockey Alberta must protect Alberta-based roster spots, particularly limited AA female positions.

“We want everyone to play and have a positive experience, but we must ensure that out-of-province families aren’t securing temporary rental agreements strictly to play elsewhere.”

Families who feel their case was handled unfairly can appeal through Hockey Canada’s national process, she noted.

Hockey Saskatchewan’s Perspective

Hockey Saskatchewan confirmed that the Brunets were approved to play Female Hockey in Cold Lake — but not Elite Female Hockey, which includes AA-level programs.

“Their request was to play Female Hockey in Cold Lake — that was approved,” the organisation said. “There was never any request to play more ‘elite’ female hockey.”

Saskatchewan expects its residents to try out and play elite hockey within the province, and full release to Alberta requires clear proof of a permanent move.

“There are processes to follow within both provinces to prove that a move has actually taken place,” the statement read. “There were other factors we will not comment on regarding this family’s request to play in Cold Lake.”

When asked about border communities, Hockey Saskatchewan pointed to Lloydminster as a unique case requiring close cooperation with Hockey Alberta.

The Bigger Picture

For the Brunets, it’s not about chasing elite hockey — it’s about belonging where they now live, work and go to school. For the governing bodies, it’s about fairness and consistent application of the rules.

But for families who live near the provincial line, those lines can blur. Rinks, friendships and opportunities don’t stop at the border — only the paperwork does.

As both provinces continue to review the Brunets’ case, Brooklyn, Baylee, Brenna and Ben wait with their bags packed, skates sharpened and a season slipping away.

“We just want our kids to play,” Allison said. “That’s all we’ve ever wanted.”

 

---

Editor’s Note: Hockey Alberta and Hockey Saskatchewan have both stated they are continuing to work together on this case. The Brunet family’s situation remains under review at the time of publication.