Registration Information

Registration opens June 15th

Registration Steps

Players must hold a permanent residency with one or more parents or legal guardians in one of the following communities by September 1st of the start of the current season:

  • Rocky View County – Springbank
    • Including Elbow Valley and Harmony
  • Cougar Ridge
  • Parts of Coach Hill & Patterson
    • Please visit the Hockey Calgary Interactive boundary map below for the precise location
  • West Springs
    • Including Wentworth
  • Bragg Creek
  • Redwood Meadows
  • Tsuu T’ina Nation

Hockey Calgary Interactive Boundary Map

For West Calgary House League information and to register, please visit their website

Registration Information & Fees

Welcome to Another Season with Springbank Minor Hockey (SMHA)

Registration Overview

  • You are currently registering for our Community League (U7 to U21).
  • Platform: Registrations will be completed online through the TeamLinkt registration portal.
  • Payment Methods: Online registration will accept both VISA and MasterCard as the preferred method of payment.
  • Payment Terms: Full payment will be required at registration check-out.

NOTE: Looking for the West Calgary House League (WCHL)? Please visit the dedicated WCHL section on the SMHA website.


Before You Begin: The Registration Checklist

Please review and confirm the following requirements before proceeding to the registration portal:

Review Registration Information

  • I have reviewed all registration timelines, fees, and information on the SMHA website

Hockey Canada ID & Player Transfers

NOTE: Transferring from another association: If your player has previously played hockey in Canada for a different association, you must complete a player transfer first. Please follow the step-by-step instructions under New & Transferring players

New First-Time Players

  • If this is your player’s first time registering for hockey anywhere in Canada, please review the requirements and submit your documentation under New & Transferring players before proceeding.

Parent & Volunteer Commitments

  • Volunteer Requirement: I understand that SMHA is a volunteer-run association, and my family is required to participate in volunteer roles throughout the season.

Shift Forward OR Respect in Sport (RIS) – Parent Program Requirement (U7–U18)

This program is mandated by Hockey Alberta. All players must have an active Shift Forward – Parent Certificate before they can access the registration system. U21 (Junior C) is exempt from this program.

⚠️ Important Update: As of April 15th 2026, Hockey Canada has replaced the Respect in Sport – Parent program with their internal program, Shift Forward. In an effort to support a successful transition to The Shift Forward, Hockey Canada & Hockey Alberta continue to recognize existing Respect in Sport Certification for the duration of each individual’s expiry.

NOTE: The Shift Forward or Respect in Sport – Coach certificate is not equivalent and cannot be used to fulfill the Parent requirement.

  • Mandatory Completion: At least one parent or guardian must complete this one-hour online course.
  • Costs: There is a fee for this program. SMHA does not cover this cost, and users are required to pay at the time of registration.
  • Access: SMHA does not have administrative access to this program on your behalf.
  • More than one child: If you have more than one child, the badge/certificate is automatically loaded into your other players’ profiles. However, please ensure all your players are linked to your account before starting the program.
  • Acknowledgment: In split-family situations, any parent or legal guardian completing the Shift Forward waiver acknowledges that this requirement applies to the participant, regardless of who registers the child. Failure to have a valid certificate on file means the player cannot participate in any SMHA programs.
  • Link to Shift Forward – Parent

Residential Qualifications & Boundaries

  • I meet the residential qualifications for the Springbank Hockey Association boundaries as of September 1st, in strict accordance with Hockey Calgary’s rules and regulations.
  • I understand that I may be required to provide physical proof of residency upon request by SMHA or Hockey Calgary.
  • Note: Only if a player’s home association does not offer a Junior C program are players from anywhere within Hockey Calgary permitted to try out for the Springbank Junior C team.

Governing Body Regulations and Bylaws

  • I understand that Springbank Minor Hockey is an affiliate of Hockey Calgary, Hockey Alberta, and Hockey Canada
  • By registering with SMHA, all participants accept and agree to abide by the Springbank Minor Hockey bylaws. As an affiliate association, all rules, regulations, and discipline policies of our governing bodies apply to all members. (Ref: SMHA Bylaw page 2, section 5 Affiliation)

Questions?

If you have any questions or encounter issues prior to registering, please contact the SMHA Operations Administrator at: operations@springbankhockey.com

Registration Fees

** $250 late fee applies after August 15

Shift Forward - Parent program

Shift Forward Parent Program Requirement (U7–U18)

This program is mandated by Hockey Alberta. All players must have an active Shift Forward – Parent Certificate to access the registration system. U21 (Junior C) is exempt from this program.

⚠️ Important Update: As of April 15th 2026, Hockey Canada has replaced the Respect in Sport – Parent program with their internal program, Shift Forward. In an effort to support a successful transition to The Shift Forward, Hockey Canada & Hockey Alberta continue to recognize existing Respect in Sport Certification for the duration of each individual’s expiry.

NOTE: The Shift Forward or Respect in Sport – Coach certificate is not equivalent and cannot be used to fulfill the Parent requirement.

  • Mandatory Completion: At least one parent or guardian must complete this one-hour online course.
  • Costs: There is a fee for this program. SMHA does not cover this cost, and users are required to pay at the time of registration.
  • Access: SMHA does not have administrative access to this program on your behalf.
  • More than one child:  If you have more than one child, the badge/certificate is automatically loaded into your other players’ profiles. However, please ensure all your players are linked to your account before starting the program.
  • Acknowledgment: In split-family situations, any parent or legal guardian completing the Shift Forward waiver acknowledges that this requirement applies to the participant, regardless of who registers the child. Failure to have a valid certificate on file means the player cannot participate in any SMHA programs.
  • Confirm Completion: Once the course is finished, please email your confirmation to operations@springbankhockey.com.

Player Placement Program

The Player Placement Process ensures every athlete is evaluated fairly and placed with like-skilled players, creating a fun, competitive, and development-focused season for all. To learn more about how it works, click below:

  • Player Placement Process (2026 revision coming soon)
  • Evaluator Guidelines (2026 revision coming soon)

All team announcements will be shared exclusively through TeamLinkt.
Once the Player Placement Program is completed, Age Group Coordinators (AGCs) have 48–72 hours to submit final rosters to Operations for entry into TeamLinkt.
Parents will receive an email notification from Operations once their team becomes viewable in the TeamLinkt app.
If you’re interested in volunteering during evaluations, please fill out a coach application

Mandatory U15 Checking Clinic

Required for all first-year U15 players (regardless of BC/NBC designation or previous programs).

Details:

  • Held before U15 Player Placement (date provided mid-September by AGC)
  • Mandatory fee applies
  • No impact on player evaluations
  • Goalies and NWCAA tryouts are exempt
  • Professional instructors lead sessions in separate BC (body checking) and NBC (non-body checking) groups
  • Helps players safely understand and apply contact rules

Pathways Pre-Skate Program

As part of Hockey Canada’s Long-Term Player Development Model (Pathways), SMHA offers open pre-evaluation skates for all players.

This program ensures every athlete has equal access to ice time before evaluations and provides a positive, low-pressure environment to prepare for the Player Placement Program (PPP).

  • These pre-skates are optional — players may attend all, some, or none.
  • Sessions are not evaluations; no player assessments take place.
  • Players are sorted into groups the week prior to PPP to practice the same drills used during formal evaluations.
  • Pathways skates are included in your membership fees (similar to practices).
    • No refunds are available for missed sessions.
  • No ice times will be scheduled over the Labour Day long weekend (Saturday–Monday).
  • Because quadrant ice times often conflict with community sessions, SMHA players in Elite Stream tryouts are not eligible for Pathways pre-skates.

If you are registered and you wish to opt out of the Pathways program, please contact your Age Group Coordinator

Dedicated number of skates per age group:

  • U7 will be scheduled 2 pre-skates*
  • U9 will be scheduled 4 pre-skates*
  • U11 will be scheduled 4 pre-skates*
  • U13 will be scheduled 4 pre-skates*
  • U15 will be scheduled 3 pre-skates*
  • U18 will be scheduled 3 pre-skates*

*Please note these are the ideal number of skates and cannot always be reached due to ice limitations; the correct number of skates will be communicated via the “PathwaysPre-Skate Timelines” above

Junior C (U21)

The Legacy of the Jr. C "Pink Panties"

Within the Springbank Minor Hockey Association, our Junior C team is affectionately and colloquially known as the “Pink Panties.” This unique tradition dates back over two decades and stems from a deeply personal cause. When the mother of an SMHA player was diagnosed with breast cancer, the entire team rallied around her in solidarity. To raise awareness and show unwavering support, the team began wearing pink and adopted the moniker.

Today, that legacy of community support lives on. Every year, the team proudly hits the ice in their signature pink-and-white jerseys and hosts the annual Pink Panties Golf Tournament. Through these efforts, the players continue to raise vital funds for breast cancer research, turning a local nickname into a lasting force for good.

Junior C (U21) Tryouts

  • Your Player ID must be linked to SMHA. If you receive an error message, contact operations@springbankhockey.com.
  • All registrants are required to try out for a position on SMHA’s U21 (Junior C) Team and provide a non-refundable one-time tryout fee; this fee is not applicable to the registration fee if you are accepted.
  • After communication of successfully being offered a roster spot on the Junior C Team, the player will have three days to pay their registration fee.
  • Such registration fees will either be paid in full or via 3 equal installments. If the player fails to pay their registration fees when due, they will be removed from the team and replaced.
 

Junior C (U21) Program outline

  • Practices are on Thursdays at Joe Philips 
  • Home games are either Wednesdays or Saturdays
  • The schedule is set for the entire season
  • This is an adult league, and players will be treated as such. The coaching staff will communicate directly with the players.
  • The teams are provided with SMHA home and away jerseys.
  • The team is responsible for financing its signature third jersey
 

Annual Pink Panties Golf Tournament

In the spirit of keeping the Springbank Junior C hockey team alive and to give back to the community, we are hosting the 4th Annual Springbank Pink Panties Golf Tournament & Cancer Fundraiser. Sold out in a weekend, we have 128 golfers participating, ranging from long-time alumni, hopefuls, coaches, and other supporters. Through the silent auction, the tournament has raised 10’s of thousands to the Canadian Cancer Society over the past 4 years.

AA/AAA Elite Steam Tryouts (U13, U15, U18)


Players in the U13, U15, and U18 divisions who wish to try out for AA or AAA Elite Stream teams must follow the process outlined below. SMHA recognizes the upfront cost of Elite Stream tryouts; therefore, players can pre-register with SMHA to securely hold their community registration while trying out.

Please Note: U13 AAA is hosted at the Elite level, but U13 AA is provided at the community level. All players in the U13 age group will be evaluated as per the standard SMHA Player Placement guidelines.

SMHA Pre-Registration Process

  • Indicate Tryouts: During SMHA registration, select “Yes” to indicate Elite Stream tryouts. Your SMHA community fees will be placed on hold during your tryout period.
  • Deadline: Pre-register before August 15 to successfully avoid late-fee increases. Please note that late-fee increases are completely non-refundable.
  • Fees and Refunds: If you choose to pay in full and your player is successfully selected for an Elite team, all refunds will strictly follow the SMHA Refund Policy and standard administration fees will apply.
  • Elite Release Protocol: If your player is released from the Elite Stream, SMHA will formally notify you to complete your community payment. You will have exactly 72 hours to pay the remaining balance.
  • Activation: Once the balance is fully paid, your player’s registration will be officially activated for SMHA participation. Failure to pay on time may delay your player’s chance to participate in SMHA Player Placement Sessions (PPPs).
  • Registration Verification: SMHA will verify all elite tryout registrations directly with NWCAA or GHC Fire. If no official tryout record exists, held fees will be instantly reinstated and full payment will be required immediately before activation.

Step 2: Register with NWCAA or GHC Fire

After completing your pre-registration with SMHA, you must complete your formal Elite Stream tryout registration through the appropriate boundary association:

Profile Sharing Requirement: When registering with NWCAA or GHC, please explicitly request that they SHARE your player profile. If the profile is transferred instead of shared, you will not be able to successfully pre-register with SMHA.

Important Structural Rules

No Cross-Management: SMHA does not manage, schedule, or operate the Elite Stream. Registration must be completed entirely separately through NWCAA or GHC Fire.
Pathways Ineligibility: Because quadrant tryout ice times frequently conflict with local community ice sessions, SMHA players actively in Elite Stream tryouts are not eligible for community Pathways pre-skates.

Need Help Registering?

For direct assistance regarding Elite Stream registrations, please contact the respective registrar coordinates:

NWCAA Registrar: cissler@nwcaa.ca
GHC Registrar: admin@girlshockeycalgary.com

Good Luck to all players pursuing their AA/AAA hockey goals this season!

Financial Assistance

Below are the financial assistance programs offered in Calgary for those families in need.

For a more comprehensive list please visit Hockey Calgary’s website – look to the right toolbar

It is the responsibility of the families to apply and keep SMHA Operations up to date on the application process.

SMHA will work to support our families while they are in the process of applying to the below programs, if you require additional support or information please reach out to SMHA Operations (All inquiries/applications are confidential and private.)

Flames Even Strength Program (FESP)

  • Provides assistance to families with financial barriers up to a maximum dollar value per registered player in minor hockey.
  • SMHA will hold the maximum dollar value from your registration fee at the time of registration, you simply answer the questions about your intent to apply for FESP and the system will hold back the amount. Operations will then follow up with you to ensure you have applied and again when your application has been updated to approved or denied. If you are denied SMHA will work with you on a payment plan
  • The deadline to apply is October 15th

KidSport Calgary Grant

  • KidSport provides grants to kids from families facing financial barriers so they can participate in registered sports programs and experience the lifelong benefits of a season of sport. KidSport Calgary & Area provides grants to an eligible child, per year (January 1st – December 31st) towards sports registration fees.
  • This grant requires you to submit a receipt of all fees paid in full therefore SMHA can not hold back any registration fees, further, this grant can be split between other minor sports programs so an amount can not be predicted. Once your grant is successful SMHA will receive your grant directly and apply the amount to your current fees and refund your credit card the difference.

 Jumpstart Individual Child Grants

  • “Sometimes families need financial assistance to get their kids into a sport or physical activity. We’re committed to helping all families access a range of activities, from boxing to bowling and skating to skiing, and more.”

Equipment For Players: Calgary Flames Sports Bank