By Brandie Majeau
Smoky Lake is gearing up for an exciting community event as the Smoky Lake
Agricultural Society welcomes the 840 CFCW Critters for a thrilling hockey game on
January 22, 2026. Hosted at the Nutrien Ag Center, this matchup pits the beloved
Critters against local players, promising an evening packed with entertainment,
community spirit, and a great cause.
The evening begins with a dinner at 5:30 pm, followed by an energetic pregame
show at 6:30 pm, and the much-anticipated puck drop at 7 pm. Beyond the on-ice
action, attendees can look forward to a variety of engaging activities, including raffles, a
50/50 draw, and an exciting zamboni ride auction. These elements not only add to the
fun but also help raise essential funds for the Smoky Lake Minor Hockey Association
(SLMHA), ensuring that local youth continue to enjoy and participate in the sport.
And of course, the highlight of the night is the appearance of the 840 CFCW
Critters. For decades, the Critters have been more than just a team, they are a symbol
of community engagement and charitable giving across Alberta. Formed by staff and
personalities from the CFCW radio station, the Critters travel throughout the province,
playing exhibition games to raise money for local charities and minor sports programs.
Their games are known for their blend of competitive spirit, comedic antics, and a
genuine commitment to giving back. The Critters’ presence draws in the crowds and
shines a spotlight on the importance of supporting grassroots sports and encouraging a
sense of togetherness in small towns.
Supporting minor hockey is vital for communities like Smoky Lake. Minor hockey
programs instill values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in young
athletes, providing them with opportunities for personal growth and lifelong friendships.
Events like this hockey night ensure that local youth have access to proper equipment,
coaching, and facilities, keeping the sport accessible for future generations.
Proceeds from the evening will directly benefit the SLMHA, helping to cover costs
and enhance the hockey experience for young players. Tickets are available at several
community locations, including The Old Fashioned Bread Bakery, Smoky Lake Collision
& Restoration, and from SLMHA parents. Attending the Critters game represents more
than a night of entertainment, it is an opportunity to invest in the future of Smoky Lake’s
youth, promote community pride, and experience the distinctive combination of sport
and entertainment that the Critters are renowned for.

By Shelley Winger
Redwater Minor Hockey is reaching out to the community for support as it seeks to be
nominated for the Kruger Big Assist Grant, a program designed to make hockey more
accessible and affordable for children across Canada. The grant provides crucial funding to
help keep registration fees lower, support families who may face financial challenges, and
offer additional development opportunities for players without added costs.
Since 2021, the Kruger Big Assist program has awarded more than $1 million to over 55
hockey communities across the country. This year, the program is committing $200,000 in
funding, with five hockey associations receiving $25,000 each and one grand prize winner
receiving an additional $75,000. These funds are intended to offset the cost of enrollment
fees and to remove other barriers that may prevent children from participating in hockey,
ensuring that every child who wants to play has the opportunity to do so.
Nominations can be submitted by anyone in the community, including players, parents,
coaches, volunteers, or other supporters who recognize the value of youth sports.
Nominations are evaluated based on how well the association reaches families in need,
inspires young players, supports the development of life skills, and promotes diversity and
inclusion within the community.
Redwater Minor Hockey hopes that community members will take a few moments to
submit a nomination, helping the association continue its efforts to make hockey accessible
to all children. The funding could provide financial assistance to families, allow the
association to offer more development programs, and support initiatives that encourage
participation from a wider range of children.
Beyond financial support, the grant can help strengthen the community by ensuring that
more children have the chance to experience hockey’s physical, social, and personal
benefits. Participation in sports helps youth develop teamwork, leadership, and resilience,
and creates opportunities for children to connect with their peers in a positive
environment.
By nominating Redwater Minor Hockey for the Kruger Big Assist Grant, community
members can play a direct role in supporting local families and ensuring that children in

Redwater can continue to enjoy Canada’s game. Nominations are accepted online through
the Kruger Big Assist website, and each submission brings the association one step closer to
receiving funding that could make a significant difference for young players and their
families.

Supporting Redwater Minor Hockey through this nomination is more than a chance to win a
grant—it is a way to invest in the next generation of players and in the future of the
community’s youth sports programs.

By Brandie Majeau
The ice rink at Thorhild Arena is once again prepared for the upcoming season,
and is now ushering in a new chapter in women’s hockey (at a local level). The
introduction of weekly Ladies' Drop-In Hockey sessions has rekindled enthusiasm for
the sport among female players, while simultaneously cultivating a sense of sisterhood
that may have been missing.
Shelby Kwasny, a Thorhild native, has spearheaded this initiative after seeing a
gap in the participation of girls in hockey. Having played minor hockey in the area until
2007, Shelby experienced firsthand the decline of local girls’ teams. With both the
Panteras and Angels teams folded, she had to leave her community to pursue her love
for hockey and began playing in Redwater and Fort Saskatchewan. She has returned to
the Thorhild area, now as a mother.
“This year, my son joined minor hockey, and I signed up to coach. Being at the
rink again made me realize how few girls were currently involved in hockey here,”
Shelby shared. “I had always hoped to start a women’s group again, but that really
pushed me to get it going. I want girls in our community to see women playing, to know
it’s for them, and to have role models right in front of them.”
The journey began with Shelby reaching out to about 20 women to gauge
interest. The enthusiasm was palpable, and from there, a group chat was established,
allowing women to invite others. For their first ice time, 13 players showed up, a mix of
experienced skaters and beginners. The focus of the gathering is clear: fun, community,
and the joy of being back on the ice. Today, the group has grown significantly, now
boasting 37 women who come out whenever they can. They skate every second
Sunday at 8:00 PM, a schedule tailored to accommodate the lives of busy moms and
shift workers.
Women’s hockey in Canada has a rich history, gaining recognition in the early
20th century. The establishment of organized leagues, including the Women’s National
Hockey League (WNH) and the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), played a

crucial role in elevating the sport. Although the CWHL ceased operations in 2019, its
impact continues to resonate, paving the way for future generations of female athletes.
Icons like Hayley Wickenheiser and Marie-Philip Poulin have not only showcased
extraordinary talent on the ice but have also become invaluable role models for young
girls. Their contributions have elevated the profile of women’s hockey in Canada,
boosting empowerment and inspiring countless female players.

As this new initiative gains momentum in Thorhild, it exemplifies how local
communities can drive positive change and promote gender equality in sports. With
each skate, with each game, these women are not only playing hockey; they’re building
a support system where future generations of female athletes can thrive.
For those interested, upcoming ice times are scheduled for November 9,
November 23, and December 7, all from 8:00–9:00 PM. The sessions are open to
women aged 18 and over, with a drop-in format and a nominal fee of $15 per skate. All
skill levels are welcome, from first-time players to seasoned veterans.

By Brandie Majeau

Thorhild Minor Ball, a local youth baseball and softball league, is all set to kick off

their second year and an exhilarating new season. The league, which is back in action

after a hiatus of over two decades, is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. To mark

this momentous occasion, Kerrie Stanko, President of Thorhild Minor Ball, made a

thrilling announcement: they will be retiring their old, historic jerseys and unveiling a

brand-new look. While the old jerseys hold a special place in the heart of Thorhild Minor

Ball, the prospect of a fresh start and a new beginning is simply irresistible. The

excitement is palpable, and everyone is eagerly looking forward to the new season.

Thorhild Minor Ball deeply appreciates the invaluable support from their

sponsors DDC Sand & Gravel, Richardson Pioneer of Waskatenau, and Lube City from

Morinville. Their generous contributions have not only made the league’s operations

possible but have also created a safe and enjoyable environment for our young athletes

to hone their skills and forge lifelong friendships.

Thorhild Minor Ball is expected to have high numbers this year and will offer

various programs, including t-ball, 7U mixed, 9U mixed, and U11 & U15 softball for the

season. Fans are welcome to come and cheer on the players, who give their all on the

field, and join in the excitement and energy as games unfold and the season

progresses. 

Anyone wishing to support Thorhild Minor Ball further can head to Thorhild Co-op

on May 17th for their fundraiser BBQ. The proceeds will go towards supporting the

league and providing the young athletes with the equipment and resources they need to

succeed. The burgers and hotdogs will be delicious, and it is an excellent opportunity to

show your support for a great cause.

The players could not be more excited that they are a new generation and a new beginning for Thorhild Minor Ball.

By Brandie Majeau
Thorhild Fun Hockey is pleased to offer a lower commitment, lower cost
alternative to participate in Canada’s national sport. With practices being held once a
week and generally games occurring once a month, the Fun Hockey teams allow
families time to breathe and enjoy the sport of hockey, with an emphasis on fun. The
purpose of Fun Hockey is to practice skills and the art of scrimmage at a more relaxed
pace.
This design encourages a strengthening of family bonds by emphasizing parent
interaction and help. Parents may help on and off the ice with no experience required.
Even refereeing is a parent option with training available (when the score is actually
kept). “We are not just hillbilly.” Joked one of the parents. There is always at least one
coach with their coaching level 1 and the game is not just shinny. Thorhild Fun Hockey
is a structured sport offering a set schedule and games.
The idea is to create a life including hockey that supports a healthy life and sport
balance. Parents will not be pulled in opposite directions with siblings tagging along as
games consume entire weekends. For team members of Fun Hockey, games are
generally staged close to home, attempting to limit travel to within 1.5 hours of Thorhild.
Games are also generally scheduled on Saturday mornings, leaving the rest of the
weekend to be free for family. And games are never scheduled on back-to-back
weekends.
Thorhild Fun Hockey must be addressing a need in the community, as
approximately forty players between the ages of 4 – 17 take to the ice each week. The
parents are happy and enjoy the leisurely pace that fun hockey focuses on. Teams are
split by age and skill and are not required to have a set level of players per team,
creating three levels of Fun Hockey teams for the 2023/2024 year. Thorhild Fun Hockey
is always looking for fresh players to join their hockey family. The last game of the
season will be held on March 16 th , but Thorhild Fun Hockey looks forward to welcoming
any new faces when registration opens again in the fall, mid-October.
To understand more about the vision and mission of FunTeam sports, visit
www.funteamalberta.com.

By Brandie Majeau
The Redwater Curling Club boasts approximately forty members this year and is
enthusiastic about welcoming fresh players of any skill level. Having been an association since
1955, the original Pembina building housing six sheets of ice that were full every year, the club
maintains its efforts to remain an outstanding organization within the community. The
excitement for the sport previously boasted an upstairs bar and viewing area to cheer on the
teams and players.
The Redwater Curling Club is currently invested in getting more adults and youth
interested in the sport, not only hosting an adult’s club but also a Junior Curling Cub (ages 9-18)
on Monday evenings. The beauty of curling is its timelessness. The sport may be enjoyed by
men, women, and children of a variety of ages, encouraging participation to members early on
and well into their 80s and 90s. Curling conveys a team effort and an ideal social impact,
drawing in players from all levels of society and backgrounds.
Curling is also a fantastic sport due to its straightforwardness, ease of understanding,
low cost of equipment and fees, and many health benefits. The sport allows for a multitude of
ranges of motions and skill levels, building stamina, core strength, and muscularity with gentle
movements, and is also a way to maintain movement as the game progresses back and forth
along the ice. Ask any curler and they will expand on the many reasons why they were drawn to
curling and why they continue to come back year after year.
Redwater Curling Club, including its junior members, is no different. There is always an
air of excitement at each session. The welcomes are heartfelt, and smiles are genuine as
brooms are cradled in arm bends and sliders are fitted over shoes. The Redwater Curling Club is
only a sliver of the Canada-wide sport that encourages fitness and entertainment for any age
and ability. Their annual Bonspiel will be held April 5-7, 2024. This is an Open Bonspiel with a
cost of $165/team and is welcome to all. All interested teams or anyone looking to become an
adult or junior club member can inquire at redwatercurlingclub@gmail.com.

By Brandie Majeau
Hockey Alberta has created an initiative of an annual Female Hockey Day, established in
2018, it encourages the celebration of female hockey players and aims to further support their
growth and development. This is a province wide program with up to ten community
associations receiving grants from Hockey Alberta to host their own Female Hockey Day
celebrations. Thorhild and Redwater Minor Hockey joined forces, received one of these grants
and invited girls aged 5-18 to register to attend an afternoon of girl power and hockey.
Thirty young women registered for the experience. Most registrants have been playing
hockey between 2-5 years, however four of the participants had never played before. Many
parents and volunteers of the Female Hockey Day expressed surprise at the overwhelming
response, pleased with the great turnout. The event kicked off with free pizza and popcorn as
the Professional Women’s Hockey League game was broadcast onto a giant screen for the
youth to enjoy, cheering on their favorite teams and players. Each girl was also gifted swag bags
full of treats and goodies (including team head scarves) handed out to commemorate the
occasion.
The afternoon progressed as each player donned their skates, helmets, and gear and
headed to the ice for half an hour of skills & drills followed by a half hour friendly game. The
freshly groomed rink became a flurry of scraping skates and gliding pucks, the smack of sticks
against ice and rubber connecting with boards. Experienced players took their warmups
gracefully, pausing occasionally to encourage younger players in puck passing and stick
handling. Coaches called out orders, some players exuding confidence while an occasional
wobble of uncertain ankles showed trepidation. As commented by a viewing parent of a new
player, the process is so exciting, but intimidating.
Redwater and Thorhild Minor Hockey worked together to put on an amazing event,
highlighting what Female Hockey Day is all about. The young ladies coming together on January
28, epitomized encouragement and support, and the empowerment that comes with it. These
are the youth of a next generation of future women athletes. They are setting the foundation
for their future and defining themselves with strength, endurance, team commitments and
leaderships skills. These are a group of young ladies that will stand tall and proud as they learn
from their challenges and look back upon the memories of their growth and a shared love of
the game.

For the second consecutive year, Thorhild Minor Hockey collaborated with Redwater Minor Hockey to enlist goalie coaches from Gold in the Net to train their goalies. Gratitude is extended to both the Hockey Alberta Foundation and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation for the grants that supported local minor hockey organizations, enabling the provision of this valuable opportunity. Additionally, appreciation goes to the Gold in the Net coaches for delivering an exceptional experience to the goalies, enhancing their confidence and skills in the net.

The Alberta Floor Curling Association tournament takes place twice a year at the Redwater Pioneer Club. The November 17 event featured 20 teams, each consisting of seniors from various locations in northeast Alberta. During the tournament, every team engaged in three games. The prizes awarded were $100 for the first-place team, $80 for the second-place team, $60 for the third-place team, and $40 for the fourth-place team.

Redwater Pioneer Club expresses thanks to Ideal Signs for the new score boards

The Grade three class at Thorhild Central School had an enjoyable time as they embarked on an exploration of different liquids, including vinegar and baking soda.