U13 RAIDERS
ANNOUNCEMENT
The St. Albert Raiders U13 program aims to provide players with a competitive and structured development program in a fun and positive environment. Our program continues to evolve and adapt to our region's dynamic hockey landscape. The challenges and opportunities we face have highlighted ways to improve our members' elite hockey experience and sharpen our focus on advancing players to future opportunities in competitive hockey.
In 2024 - 2025 we will introduce changes to the U13 program. This new program structure has been in development for four years, and we are confident it will meet our long-term objectives.
COMPETITIVE STREAM HOCKEY
Over the next three years, St. Albert Minor Hockey expects to increase competitive stream hockey to 20% of registered U13 participants. In comparison, last season less than 10% of U13 players participated in competitive stream (AA) hockey. Expanding the range of competitive-level hockey programs will allow more players to progress through a well-defined development pathway and achieve their maximum potential.
What is competitive-stream hockey?
Competitive stream hockey in the Raiders program is characterized by its focus on skill development, competition, and opportunities for advancement to higher levels of play. It involves tryouts for team selection, higher levels of training and practice, and participation in competitive leagues or tournaments. Being a member of a Raiders team will place an increased demand on your family's time, and the financial obligations are greater than Community hockey.
Effective this season, the AA program will be reclassified into two teams, AAA and AA. These changes align with Hockey Alberta's objective to grow competitive stream hockey, and the program will undergo further changes in 2025-2026.
New in 2024!
U13 AAA
The St. Albert Raiders will host one U13 AAA team in the 2024 - 2025 season. This team will be part of a regional U13 AAA pilot with a provincial-wide U13 AAA league implemented in 2025-2026. The U13 AAA Raiders team will be one of ten teams participating in the regional pilot (Northern Alberta).
This change was formally proposed to Hockey Alberta in 2021, 2022, and again in 2024. Although we recognize that it is disruptive at this point in the season, we are confident the change does meet our program's long-term objectives.
U13 AA
There are no immediate changes to the U13 AA league structure at this time, and the St Albert Raiders will host one AA team.
2025 -2026
For the 2025 - 2026 season, we anticipate that the U13 Raiders program will host one AAA and two AA teams. To support the ongoing development of our players, the STA program will work closely with the Raiders to deliver a more structured player development model for Tier 1 players in the 2024-2025 season, preparing them to transition to competitive stream hockey. These initiatives include weekly development sessions, an increased volume of league games, and access to affiliation opportunities.
Questions
Many aspects of the pilot still need to be confirmed, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this program change. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available, and we are planning to host an online meeting this month to discuss the upcoming season and this recent change.
If you reside outside the program boundary and would like more information about the tryout process, please contact the program Registrar at registrar@samha.ca.
