Hockey Alberta announced this week the rosters ahead of the 2024 Alberta Cup later this month in Red Deer.
From April 24-28 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, approximately 120 athletes on six teams will represent their regions in a round-robin tournament.
The rosters were determined following three regional camps held over the weekend of March 29-31, one of which was in Red Deer.
“There were many talented kids from across the province who tried out for the Alberta Cup program,” said Blake Cosgrove, Hockey Alberta’s manager of elite hockey development in a media release.
“While this opportunity focuses on player development, it is also another opportunity to evaluate players as we progress towards the WHL Cup. We are very excited for this age group to showcase themselves at Alberta Cup as well as future Hockey Alberta events.”
Those from Central Alberta include forward Brock England (Red Deer), Tayte Hoiland (Rocky Mountain House), Crew Martinson (Olds), Grady Gardiner (Sylvan Lake), Drake Mooney (Blackfalds), Easton Nafziger (Red Deer), Lucas Graham (Red Deer), and Finn Kelly (Rimbey).
Athletes born in 2009 are eligible to play in the tournament which showcases Western Hockey League-eligible players ahead of the WHL Prospects Draft on May 9.
It gives players the experience of competing in a tournament full of elite talent in a short period of time. It also serves as part of the player evaluation process in selecting the Team Alberta roster for the upcoming WHL Cup in October.
The Alberta Cup is one of three Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase tournaments. After the Alberta Cup, the Alberta Challenge is set for May 8-12, followed by the Prospects Cup from May 8-12. Both are scheduled to also be played in Red Deer.
Last year Team Alberta Green, which featured prospects from southern Alberta, beat Alberta Red 1-0 in the championship final.