Bonnyville Minor Hockey, Pontiacs Launch New Partnership to Strengthen Local Hockey Development

Bonnyville Minor Hockey and the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs are joining forces for the 2026-27 season in a new partnership aimed at improving player development, coaching and family support across the local hockey community.

The initiative brings together the community’s minor hockey program and Junior A club with a shared goal of creating a stronger development pathway while building a lifelong passion for the game.

 

Focus on players, coaches and families

The partnership will introduce several new initiatives throughout the season, including:

• Expanded on- and off-ice player development opportunities for all age groups
• Coaching mentorship through collaboration with Pontiacs staff and hockey development leaders
• Parent education and support to help families navigate their hockey journey

BMHA President Willy Cole said the organization believes investing in development at every level will benefit players for years to come.

“Ultimately, we hope to redefine the hockey experience for all players at every level, ensuring they develop a lifelong passion for the game,” said Cole. “Our greatest risk would be to remain stagnant. Ultimately, the players will benefit from these efforts.”

Pontiacs Vice-President Neil Langridge said the Junior A club sees the partnership as an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported the organization for decades.

“We are fortunate to be at the forefront of development and innovation in the game, and we are committed to finding creative ways to involve as many stakeholders as possible,” said Langridge. “Our community has made the Jr. A Pontiacs a sustainable organization for 35 years, so we want to ensure we give back to the community that we are engrained into.”

 

Experienced leadership

The initiative will be led by Mark Maloney, Senior Advisor for Hockey Operations with the Pontiacs.

Maloney brings more than 30 years of experience in the sports industry, including championship experience in the American Hockey League, Western Hockey League and collegiate hockey. He has also founded more than 20 sports academies across Western Canada.

Pontiacs Head Coach Chad Mercier said investing in grassroots hockey is essential to the long-term success of the sport.

“Grassroots initiatives are the foundation of all hockey communities,” said Mercier. “It is crucial that we invest in our youth hockey system, as this is essential for developing young leaders.”

 

More details coming

The organizations say the partnership will include multiple levels of development programming throughout the season.

Families, players and coaches are encouraged to watch Bonnyville Minor Hockey and the Bonnyville Pontiacs’ websites and social media channels for schedules, program details and upcoming events.