The 2024 Alberta Challenge officially began in Red Deer.
Six teams featuring the top 120 U16 female hockey players in Alberta will play for the tournament championship at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre from Thursday through Sunday.
Hockey Alberta describes the Alberta Challenge as a grassroots program that helps Team Alberta find and evaluate potential players for their program.
For some players, it's also their first taste at top-level competition and an opportunity to measure themselves against other players their age.
The journey to the Alberta Challenge began in March when the players tried out for their teams at regional camps. Three teams in each of the north and south regions are now going head to head at the Alberta Challenge.
The tournament also features multiple Central Alberta athletes including goaltender Heidi Moos (Eckville), forward Peyton Stephenson (Bentley), defenceman Kenzie Sharpe (Lacombe), forward Jensyn Stephenson (Bentley), forward Talia Switzer (Wetaskiwin), defenceman Addison Shaw (Lacombe), forward Mabel Weddell (Innisfail), defenceman Pacey Small (Sylvan Lake), forward Macy Morrison (Sylvan Lake), and defenceman Taylor Sorenson (Red Deer).
The Alberta Challenge is a part of Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase. It began with the Alberta Cup from April 24-28 followed by the Alberta Challenge, and will wrap up with the Prospects Cup from May 8-12.