F.A.Q.
Registration & Evaluations is a ‘peak time period’ for Southwest Hockey, therefore response times will vary.
While waiting for a response, please also review the ABUNDANCE of information that is available on our website!
General
- Southwest Hockey ("SW", "SWH") is made up of a large group of dedicated volunteers who aim to provide a program for participants to; play at their skill level, build sportsmanship fundamentals, development skills, Fair Play all the while having FUN!
- Southwest Hockey operates under Hockey Calgary, who is governed by Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada.
- Further boundary details can be found at: http://www.hockeycalgary.ca/associationList.php
| Alpine Park | Bayview | Belmont | Braeside |
| Bridlewood | Canyon Meadows | Cedarbrae | Chinook Park |
| Eagle Ridge | Evergreen | Haysboro | Kelvin Grove |
| Kingsland | Millrise | Oakridge | Palliser |
| Pine Creek | Pump Hill | Shawnee Slopes | Shawnessy |
| Silverado | Somerset | Southwood | Tsuut'ina Nation |
| Woodbine | Woodlands | Yorkville | HCAL Approved Release |
- Website: southwesthockey.ca
- Email is the MAIN form of communication.
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- Members - MUST provide an email that they check on a regular basis. The Association 'strongly' suggests using a "PERSONAL" email, and not a work email.
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- Newsletters - called ‘The Southwest Slapshot’
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- Newsletters can be found on the website home page under "Quick Links"
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- Social Media:
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- Facebook - Southwest Hockey Association
- Instagram - southwesthockeyassociation
- Twitter - @SWHockeyassoc
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We encourage you to follow us on all social media platforms!
- Here is a brief overview of the hockey season, which usually runs from September to March.
| MONTH | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| JUN & JUL | Registration Opens. Different programs may have different opening dates so watch the website for updates in each program. |
| AUG | - Registration Late Fee is applicable. - Prep Camp typically occurs late August. |
| SEP | Participants take part in Pathway Skates and Evaluations/Team Placements: - U7 to U18 Community League - Team Placements / Tryouts. Some of the older divisions may finish early OCT. - House League Team Placements (see OCT). - CUBS Program does not require participants to be evaluated (See OCT). |
| OCT | - House League - Team Placements typically occur early OCT. Practice & Game Schedule start later in the month. - CUBS - Fall Program starts. - Teams Focus on Development. - Picture Day for the Association - Academy, Blueliner & Power Skating - Fall Programs start. - Seeding Round Games begin around the 3 weekend in OCT. |
| NOV | - U7 Senior teams may begin playing games mid-month. - U7 Junior teams may begin playing games end of month. - Seeding Round Games conclude. - Seasonal Break towards end of November till early December. This is an opportunity for a Tournament Window. - Registration opens for - CUBS - Winter Programs. - Registration opens for Academy, Blueliner, Power Skating - Winter Programs. |
| DEC | - U9-U18 - Regular Season Games start early DEC. - CUBS - Fall Program concludes. - Academy, Blueliner & Power Skating - Fall Programs conclude. - Seasonal Break towards end of December. This is an opportunity for a Tournament Window. |
| JAN | - Regular Season Games continue through the month of JAN. - CUBS - Winter Program starts. - Academy, Blueliner & Power Skating - Winter Programs start. - U9 to U18 Minor Hockey Week. |
| FEB | - Regular Season Games conclude in FEB for Community and House League - U11 to U18 Community teams participate in City Playoffs - begin end of FEB to mid-MAR. - House League - Jamboree. |
| MAR | - CUBS - Winter Program concludes. - Academy, Blueliner & Power Skating - Winter Programs conclude. - U7 Timbits - Jamboree occurs early MAR. - Practices for all teams conclude typically by mid-month. - City Championship Playoffs Conclude. - Provincials - will take place mid to end of MAR for teams that qualify |
- CUBS - 3 & 4-year-olds
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- This program is open to participants from ANY COMMUNITY
- Participant must be 3 years old at the start of the program.
- Two Sessions are offered;
- Fall Session (OCT-DEC)
- Winter Session (JAN-MAR)
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- Community League
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- U7, U9, U11, U13, U15 & U18.
- Season runs from SEP to MAR
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- House League
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- SW Hockey is part of the South Calgary Hockey House League (SCHHL) for U9 & U11.
- Season operates from SEP to MAR
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- Team Development
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- SW Hockey provides teams with up to four (4) on-ice team development sessions with professional coaches. This program is reviewed each season and is communicated to the Coaches/Managers at the start of the season."
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- Additional In-House Programs
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- In-house programs run during the season.
- Academy Program
- Two Sessions are offered; Fall Session (OCT-DEC) & Winter Session (JAN-MAR)
- Power Skating Program
- Two Sessions are offered; Fall Session (OCT-DEC) & Winter Session (JAN-MAR)
- Blueliner Academy
- Two Sessions are offered; Fall Session (OCT-DEC) & Winter Session (JAN-MAR)
- Prep Camps for Players & Goalies
- Occurs late August each year
- Goalie Night
- Monthly Camp that runs from Oct to Feb
- Academy Program
- In-house programs run during the season.
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Details can be found on the Parents>Registration tab.
- If events are confirmed, they will be posted to the website and/or communicated through the Association newsletter.
- Barring anything unforeseen, the following events typically occur:
- Welcome Back BBQ
- Family Santa Skate
- Coaches Cup
- Cougars Classic 3on3
- Orientation for U7 & U9 was held 2023 SEP 17
- This is targeted to new families in these divisions but returning families are also welcome.
- If you missed the orientation you are invited to view the Power Point Presentation
- The presentation is on the U7 page -- Click Here
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- To be SUPPORTIVE!
- Ensure your child is properly equipped.
- Cheer for the TEAM, not just certain participants. Be inclusive!
- HOCKEY IS A TEAM GAME! Ensure your child(ren) is(are) attending games AND practices; and adhere to the SW Hockey Attendance Policy.
- Step forward and VOLUNTEER! Our Association would not exist without the efforts of our Volunteers!!
- Show RESPECT for; Coaches, Participants, Officials, Parents/Guardians, Spectators, other volunteers, and our facilities.
- Adhere to the Respect in Sport Parent Program.
- Adhere to the Maltreatment Policy, and not discriminate based on race, ethnic origin, skin colour, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability.
- Abide by the Policies and Procedures of Southwest Hockey, as well as the Rules and Regulations of our governing bodies (Hockey Calgary, Hockey Alberta & Hockey Canada).
- Helmet (CSA approved), Face mask (CSA approved), Throat Protector, Mouth Guard (optional but recommended for U7 Timbits), Shoulder Pads, Elbow Pads, Hockey Gloves, Hockey Pants, Hockey Shin Pads, Skates, Jock Strap & Cup / Jill Strap, Sock Tape, Socks, Practice Jersey, Hockey Stick (cut to the correct length), Water Bottle (clearly marked and not to be shared), and of course a Hockey Bag.
- Southwest provides game jerseys and game socks which are ONLY to be worn during games.
For more details CLICK HERE
- Key providers are; Cardel Rec South (CRS), Oakridge Community (OAK) & Seven Chiefs Sportsplex
- Additional ice contracts may also be utilized at Ed Whalen, Ernie Starr and Frank McCool
- ‘Away’ games, exhibition games, tournaments and/or additional team practices can be scheduled at other various arenas. Exhibition and tournaments can be scheduled in other cities/rural arenas.
- The Association may also pick up additional ice at other arenas from what has been listed; as deemed necessary. Here is a link to other arena locations: https://www.hockeycalgary.ca/arena
- Community League
- The practice hockey schedule varies from week to week and month to month.
- There are no set days/times for Community teams with the exception of U9. Barring anything unforeseen; the aim will be to schedule U9 their weekday practice mainly on Tuesday's / Wednesday's, then another practice on the weekend. The practice on the weekend will depend on when your league game is scheduled.
- U7 Schedule details can be found on the “Parents>Registration>U7 Timbits” tab.
Further details can be found on the “TeamOps > Team Managers > Ice Scheduling” tab
- House League (SCHHL)
- Game schedules will be posted on the Hockey Calgary website in October for the entire season.
- Schedules will also be available for the entire season through the teams' TeamSnap account.
- Schedule parameters are listed in the SCHHL Registration Document. Details can be found on the “Parents>Registration>House League” tab.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE ---> "The goal is always to have minimal schedule adjustments; however, schedules are always subject to change."
- Details can be found on the “TeamOps > Team Managers > Ice Scheduling” tab.
- 2023-2024 Season - Sunday October 15, 2023.
- Details will be sent to the Team Managers & posted to the website; once information is available.
- Yes! Details can be found on the “Parents>Apparel” tab.
Registration
- A comparison chart is listed on the “Parents>Registration>House League” tab.
U15 & U18 are the only divisions that offer a choice of Body-Checking or NON Body Checking. Teams will compete against other community hockey teams from across the city in each specific division. You will indicate through registration which division the participant would like to evaluate in.
- The Body Checking division has 3 teams that are tiered. There are limited spots and typically we have more participants choose to evaluate in this division. In this case participants who don't successfully evaluate in Body-Checking will continue in evaluations but will be moved to the NON Body Checking division.
- The teams in NON Body Checking are also tiered.
- All Participants will be placed as per their evaluation tryout.
- Details can be found on the “Parents>Registration” tab.
- Anyone between the ages of 5-17 (based on their age by December 31st of the current playing season), would play in one of the groups below;
- CUBS is for participants who are 3 & 4. The participant must be 3 years old by the time the program starts.
- Participants in U9 & U11 can choose between Community or House League.
For the fee chart --- CLICK HERE
- Registration fees include such expenses as, but not limited to; ice rentals (games & practices), game length, officiating costs, Hockey Calgary, Hockey Alberta & Hockey Canada player fees, insurance, socks, team picture (SportsMate), coaching certifications, evaluations, and administrative costs.
- YES! Details can be found on the “Parents>Registration>Financial Assistance” tab. If you require assistance please contact registrar@southwesthockey.ca.
- Receipts can only be obtained by logging in to your TeamSnap Account on a web browser (not on the TS app).
- Instructions to print your receipt are located at “Parents>Registration>Receipts”
- IMPORTANT – Receipts are only available to download/print for the current season. Previous season receipts are not available.
- Besides the registration fees, families are also responsible for “team fees”.
- Each team will have a Parent Meeting to discuss and confirm a team budget. This budget will cover possible items such as; additional ice for exhibition games, # of tournaments, social activities, etc.
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- As an example, if the team budget is $2,600 & there are 15 players on the team, each family would be responsible for $173 (“Cash Call”), which would be payable to the team bank account.
- The deadline for the Cash Call to be paid to the team bank account is: OCT 31st
- Please let your Team Manager know if you require more time to pay the “Cash Call”.
- Teams must follow the Cash Call policy as per the Association
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- Fundraising is another option as a way to keep expenses lower. This will require TEAM efforts to be successful. There are also AGLC Rules/Regulations that must be followed.
- Exception: House League is not permitted to fund-raise or participate in tournaments or to purchase extra ice. For further conditions refer to the “Parents>Registration>House League”
- Details can be found on the “Parents>Registration>U7 Timbits” tab.
- YES!
- Refer to the SW Hockey Registration Information Package for further details.
Elite Hockey teams are “AA” / “AAA” teams, at the U13, U15 & U18 Age Divisions.
- Depending on the community that your player resides in, will determine the ‘Elite Association’ in which SW Hockey players would try-out for. The two (2) ‘Elite Associations’ for SW Hockey are: Calgary Buffaloes or the Calgary Royals.
Further details can be found on the “Parents>Registration>Elite Hockey” tab.
- You will be contacted by your Eval Age Division Coordinator with the Group # that your participant will start in, for the evaluation process.
- The evaluation schedule will be posted closer to mid-August; barring any unforeseen circumstances.
- You will be contacted by approx. August 21st with your Pathway groupings to start; followed by the Evaluations groupings.
- Details can be found on the “Parents>Evaluations” tab.
- SW has formalized a Refund Policy. Details are in the Registration Information Package under the “Parents>Registration”
- Parents wanting to withdraw also MUST complete the Withdrawal Form at “Parents>Registration>Withdraw Request”
- The time and date stamp on the Form will be used as per the process
Evaluations
‘Pathway Skates’ are scheduled prior to your ‘Evaluation/Team Placement Skates’. Pathway Skates allow players to get back onto the ice in a less formal setting before the Placement Skates occur.
- Pathway Skates are not mandatory; they are highly recommended.
- Some Pathway Skates will begin the week of August 28th for Community U9, U11 and U13, and will then continue after the Labour Day long weekend and will also include U7, U15 and U18
- No Pathway Skates will occur during the Labour Day long weekend.
- Pathway Skates for House League will likely happen mid-September.
- Schedules will be posted approximately mid-August and can be found at: Parents>Evaluations
- Evaluations will begin following the Pathway Skates.
- Community evaluations begin after the September long weekend.
- House League evaluation/team placement skates will be held early October
- No Evaluation Skates will occur during the Labour Day long weekend.
- Schedules will be posted approximately mid-August and can be found at: Parents>Evaluations
- There are many players who have not played before, and there is also lots of practice time over the season, for improvement.
- With any new sport, players must acquire new/different skills. The practices are designed to teach the necessary skills, which will vary by age groups and divisions.
- When players go through evaluations, they are placed on teams with players of similar skill set
- Yes, ‘Body Checking’ is permitted in U15 & U18 à Divisions 1 to 3 only.
NOTE: ‘Body Contact’ remains part of the game, & only ‘Body Checking’ is limited to certain Age Groups and Divisions.
The evaluation tab should answer any questions you have! You can find all the schedules, contact information, documents, procedures and guidelines!
- Details can be found on the “Parents>Evaluations tab.
Development
YES! Every August we run a Prep Camp for U7 to U18
- This pre-season Prep Camp typically runs late August each year
- There are sessions for players and goalies
Details can be found on the Parents>Registration>Prep Camp tab
YES!
SW Hockey provides teams with up to four (4) on-ice team development sessions with professional coaches. This program is reviewed each season and is communicated to the Coaches/Managers at the start of the season."
SW is proud to offer a variety of development programs for individual registration;
- CUBS - 3 & 4-year-olds
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- This program is open to participants from ANY COMMUNITY
- Participant must be 3 years old at the start of the program.
- Two Sessions are offered;
- Fall Session (OCT-DEC)
- Winter Session (JAN-MAR)
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- Additional In-House Programs
In-house programs run during the season.
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- Academy Program
- Two Sessions are offered; Fall Session (OCT-DEC) & Winter Session (JAN-MAR)
- Power Skating Program
- Two Sessions are offered; Fall Session (OCT-DEC) & Winter Session (JAN-MAR)
- Blueliner Camp – Program for Defenceman
- Two Sessions are offered; Fall Session (OCT-DEC) & Winter Session (JAN-MAR)
- Goalie Night
- Monthly Camp that runs from Oct to Feb
- Academy Program
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YES!
- The "Snipes & Dangle" camp runs between Christmas and New Years each year.
- This camp is for U7, U9 & U11
Details will be available on the Parents>Registration tab once the camp has been finalized for 2023
Volunteers
- SW Hockey is run almost exclusively by volunteers!!!
- A continued commitment from our families is needed in order for SW Hockey to operate effectively.
- The Volunteer Bond value is;
- Community League - $500
- House League - $350
- The purpose of the bond, is to encourage more families to become actively involved in making SW the best it can be.
- For further information regarding the Volunteer Bond, check out the “Parents>Volunteers” tab.
- If you have a child in both programs, families are ONLY REQUIRED to fulfill the expectations of the Community League.
- Volunteer Bond opportunities can be found on the Southwest Hockey website at: southwesthockey.ca under the “Parents>Volunteers” tab.
Coaches
- Details can be found on the “Coaches" tab.
NOTE: THERE ARE DEADLINES. Review the DEADLINE DATES to ensure you don't miss out.
- Every Coach must have, BEFORE being placed on the roster or being permitted on the ice;
- Police Information Check
- Safety
- Respect-in-Sport (Activity Leader)
- There are some additional Coaching Certifications that are required for some Coaches on the roster. They are:
- Coach Level 1 or 2 (this is a 2-part certification). This certification only needs to be completed once and does not expire.
- Checking Skills (this is a 2-part certification). This certification only needs to be completed once and does not expire.
- These additional certifications MUST be completed by November 15th each season
Details can be found on the “Coaches>Coach Certifications” tab.
- If you have concerns with how your child is being treated, or how the team is run. First step is to talk with the coach, in a CALM manner – ONLY AFTER the “24 Hour Cooling Off Period” has been followed: as per the SW Game & Conduct Procedures.
- If you feel you cannot speak to the Coach, then contact the Team Manager.
- Further information regarding the Dispute Resolution Process can be found on the "Parents>Game and Conduct" tab.
- SW Hockey has a ‘Return to Play Policy’. Within this policy, SW Hockey also supports the Hockey Canada Concussion Injury protocol.
- Details can be found on the “Coaches>Resources" tab.
Officials
- Details can be found on the “Officials” tab.
Still have questions?
If you have a question that has not been covered above, or on the website; please contact:
General Inquiry --- admin@southwesthockey.ca
Coaches --- coaches@southwesthockey.ca
Development --- development@southwesthockey.ca
Evaluations --- evaluations@southwesthockey.ca
Registration --- registrar@southwesthockey.ca
Volunteers --- volunteers@southwesthockey.ca
