Hockey Alberta is excited to announce the continued growth of elite hockey in the province with the expansion of the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL). Beginning in the 2026-27 season, three new AAA teams will join the AEHL, enhancing high-performance opportunities for players and strengthening the development pathway for Alberta’s top athletes.
The AEHL will welcome:
- U15 AAA - New team in Cochrane
- U17 AAA - New team in Cochrane
- U18 AAA - New team in Spruce Grove
This expansion reflects the increasing demand for elite-level programming across Alberta and Hockey Alberta’s commitment to delivering a structured, competitive environment for athlete development. The additions were guided by the principles of the Elite Hockey Model, which evaluates association readiness, registration trends, and the broader development pathway across the province.
“We applaud the members in both Cochrane and Spruce Grove for their commitment to be host communities in their designated Draw Zones and their commitment to provide athletes with the opportunity to play at the highest level,” said Aaron Rawlake, Commissioner of the AEHL. Rawlake emphasized that these additions are both earned and well deserved: “The AEHL exists thanks to the efforts of membership and the continued desire to provide the highest level of competition and development for young Albertans. Both these communities have proven track records of success and will continue to be valued members of the Elite Hockey model in the province. Congratulations to Cochrane 15 AAA/17 AAA and Spruce Grove 18 AAA.”
In Cochrane, the news marks a transformational moment for the local hockey community. “We are incredibly proud that Cochrane and the Bow Valley draw zone have been approved to join the U15 AAA and U17 AAA divisions of the Alberta Elite Hockey League for the 2026-2027 season,” said Cory Oaten, President of Cochrane Minor Hockey Association. “This is a major milestone for our association and community, and it represents an exciting step forward for our players and families. It gives our athletes the opportunity to chase their hockey goals while staying closer to home, developing alongside their classmates, teammates, and peers. It creates more choice in their development path and keeps the fun and connection in the game.”
For Spruce Grove and the PAC Saints, the expansion is a celebration of years of grassroots effort. “The PAC Saints (Parkland Athletic Club of Spruce Grove Minor Hockey Association) are thrilled to announce our acceptance into the AEHL U18 AAA league for the 2026-2027 season — a milestone powered by the unwavering grassroots development of our very own Parkland players,” said Tom Tremain, Chair of PAC. “Our steadfast commitment to cultivating local talent has paved the way for this remarkable hockey achievement. Each drill, practice, and game has helped shape dedicated athletes who truly embody the heart and spirit of our community. This success is a testament to the passion and perseverance we see every day. We eagerly anticipate a future where our grassroots efforts continue to shine at the highest levels of U18 hockey in the province.”
Since its launch in 2020-21, the AEHL has unified Alberta’s top-tier hockey under one banner, aligning programs and ensuring consistency across the province. It has become the foundation for elite development in Alberta, setting a standard for competition and excellence.
The success of the AEHL led to the introduction of the AA model in 2024-25, a key layer in Alberta’s athlete development system that ensures players grow within a level of play suited to their age and skill. Together, these systems work in tandem to prepare athletes for the next step in their journey, whether it’s Junior A, Major Junior, post-secondary hockey, or Team Canada.
This expansion is more than just the addition of teams; it’s a testament to the strength of Alberta’s hockey communities and a bold step forward for the next generation of elite athletes.
