WINTER 2026
YOUR GUIDE FOR
QUIKCARD EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY WEEK
2026
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THIS ISSUE HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
QEMHW 2026
5
MESSAGE FROM THE HOCKEY EDMONTON COMMITTEE
7
MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER
9
PROCLAMATIONS FROM THE MAYOR AND PREMIER OF ALBERTA
11
QEMHW 2026 FINALS SCHEDULE
22
MEMORIES FROM QEMHW 2025
12
QEMHW 2026 RULES & REGULATIONS
25
WHL PLAYER JOSH BANINI REMINISCES ABOUT QEMHW
15
FUN FACTS ABOUT QUIKCARD EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY WEEK 2025
28
ALS BUCK A PUCK INITIATIVE
18
THANK YOU TO OUR QEMHW SPONSORS
30
CALLING ALL GOLD MEDAL WINNERS: FEATURE ON 2 PLAYERS WHO WON GOLD AT QEMHW 2025
19
HISTORY OF EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY WEEK BOOK: CALL FOR STORIES
20
A TRIBUTE TO “MR CENTRAL” BILL ROSS
32
SPOTLIGHT ON A MINOR HOCKEY REFEREE: ELLIOT SPRATLIN
Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 3
Message From
Hockey Edmonton To our incredible hockey community,
Welcome to the 62nd annual Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week.
10618 124 Street Edmonton, AB T5N 1S3 Ph: (780) 413-3498 • Fax: (780) 440-6475 www.hockeyedmonton.ca Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week is played on traditional land in Treaty Six Territory. We would like to thank the diverse Indigenous Peoples whose ancestors’ footsteps have marked this territory for centuries.
Each January, our community comes together to celebrate everything that makes minor hockey special: teamwork, sportsmanship, friendships, and the unforgettable memories created at rinks across our city. This event brings together players, families, coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters from every corner of Edmonton. It stands as a true reflection of the passion and commitment that fuel our hockey community. On behalf of the Hockey Edmonton Board of Directors, thank you for your continued dedication to the game and to our young athletes. We wish every team a safe, fun, and memorable tournament.
Enjoy the week, and good luck to all!
HOCKEY EDMONTON BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Will Jang Director of Finance: Dave Onyschuk Directors at Large: Ian Herbers Karen Hiscock Pauline Hughes John Putters
DIRECTORY General Manager: Ray Vigneau
Will Jang
Chair, Board of Directors
Message From
the QEMHW committee On behalf of the Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week Committee, thank you to the players, families, coaches, volunteers, officials, and sponsors who make this event possible year after year. Your time, energy, and passion are what have turned Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week into such a special celebration of our game and our community for more than six decades. We’re proud to welcome teams from across Edmonton and surrounding areas as we come together to celebrate hockey at every level. Best of luck to all teams throughout the week. Enjoy every moment, support one another, and have fun on the ice.
Here’s to a great 10 days of hockey!
Yours in Hockey,
Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week Committee
Director of Hockey Administration & Registration: Glenn Sommerville Technical Director: Joel Lenius Marketing & Communications Director: Kylee Quinn
Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 5
OFFICIAL COFFEE OF QUIKCARD EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY WEEK.
© 2026 McDonald’s
Message From The Publisher This year marks the 62nd anniversary of Edmonton Minor Hockey Week, for which Quikcard has been the title sponsor for the past 26 years! This tournament has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest minor hockey tournament in the world. An event this large could not happen without the tireless work of volunteers, which is true of its very beginning, and just as true today. This includes the organizers, schedule-makers, scorekeepers, coaches, team managers, etc. who donate their time and effort for the benefit of the kids who participate in this tournament. In this edition of the magazine, we have included some great photos taken at previous years’ events. You can see how proud and excited the players are, especially when they win a gold medal at this event. Win or lose, the common theme is to make this tournament special for the players, one they will remember for years to come. To the players, we extend our best wishes! Memories of a lifetime will come to many who play hockey during Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week. As parents, family members and friends cheer you on, give it your best, and above all, have fun!
President and Publisher I Rob Suggitt Graphic Designer I Kate Suggitt Copy Editing I Michele Suggitt Accounting Manager I Amber-Lea Grmek Contributing Writers Jeremy Freeborn I Rob Suggitt I Shari Narine Cover Photo Provided by: MVP Photography Photography Credits MVP Photography SC Parker Photography Steve Dunsmoor - Kelowna Rockets The Hockey Edmonton Magazine is a product of Suggitt Publishers Ltd.
President & CEO I Rob Suggitt @HockeyEdmMag
Sincerely,
Rob Suggitt
Publisher of the
Hockey Edmonton Magazine
10177 - 105 Street, Edmonton AB T5J 1E2 Ph: 780.423.5834 Email: publisher@hockeymagazine.net All Rights Reserved. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expresses within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or Hockey Edmonton. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, ie. electronic, mechanical, photocopied or otherwise recorded without the prior written permission of the publisher - www.suggitt.com Proudly printed in Canada By DCM
Remembering John Sexsmith
Edmonton lost a sports legend this past fall, John Sexmith, who passed away on October 17th, after bravely battling cancer for over 13 years. John was 63 years old. John worked for 26 years as an award-winning sports anchor and producer at ITV/Global and, prior to that, with the K-97 morning show. In more recent years, John worked with the Alberta Cancer Foundation as a legacy gift officer. I was a long-time admirer of John’s work, going back over 30 years, when he was on the morning show at K-97, and thereafter, his longstanding stint with Global TV. I finally had the opportunity to meet John in the spring of 2015. I had just returned from doing my 30-games in 30-nights trip, where I saw all 30 NHL teams in 30 days, a different city 30 days in a row. John was working for Global TV at the time, and he ended up interviewing me at the end of my hockey dream trip. I was probably interviewed 30-40 times on the road (and in various NHL cities), but John’s interview was my favourite. His genuine interest and passion for his subject was uplifting and energizing. His passion for sports, in particular hockey, was inspiring, and he was a gentleman of a guy. We decided to keep in touch, and I got to know John a bit better, and became more impressed with his professionalism, but more than anything else, John the person. He was battling cancer, and he never complained, just shooing it off like it was a minor nuisance.
John ended up writing for our Hockey Edmonton Magazine, and in 2024, he put together a terrific article on two local women’s players, Danielle Serdachny and Stephanie Markowski., who he happened to have coached when they were minor hockey players. John humbly bypassed his noteworthy influence on their hockey careers, focusing on other contributing factors which led to their Women’s Olympic Hockey team selections and their professional hockey careers with the PWHL. I remember when John submitted the article, how professional and polished his submission was, and how he even went out of his way to find photos to adorn his piece. I was looking forward to John’s future contributions, and a long overdue lunch, when I heard the news of his passing. I was saddened and shocked to hear the news – I thought he had more time. He will be sorely missed, but his impact and positive influence will remain uplifting, ongoing and inspirational. Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 7
Building Healthier Families, Stronger Teams, and Better Communities. A Proud Title Sponsor of Edmonton Minor Hockey Week for Over 25 Years. We’re a benefits provider dedicated to supporting better health and wellness—on the ice, at home, and at work. Our 25+ year partnership with Edmonton Minor Hockey Week reflects our commitment to building brighter futures and stronger communities.
Message from His Worship Mayor Andrew Knack
Message from The Premier of Alberta
On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, welcome to the 62nd Annual Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week!
On behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the 62nd anniversary celebration of Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week (QEMHW).
Since 1964, the tournament has been a pinnacle week in the season for minor hockey in the city, as Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week determines the top teams in every division. This season, Hockey Edmonton anticipates about 10,000 players from more than 600 teams ranging from U9 to U18, and representation from all corners of the capital region, to participate at the 2026 edition of the event. Over the past 60+ years, Hockey Edmonton has gathered hundreds of thousands of people, including players, families, coaches, referees and volunteers. With its rich history, this tradition of celebrating minor hockey and making memories in the capital city region is a legacy that is set to last for generations to come. I’d like to thank Hockey Edmonton, as well as the thousands of volunteers, sponsors, players, coaches, referees and families for making this important event possible. Best of luck to all the athletes!
Andrew Knack MAYOR OF THE CITY OF EDMONTON
For 10 days each January, Edmonton’s hockey passion is focused on one of the biggest and longest-running minor hockey tournaments in the world. The more than 600 teams and 10,000 U9 to U18 players expected to participate this year are carrying on an incredible legacy of sport and community that continues to inspire everyone involved. QEMHW is about celebrating young athletes as they experience the thrill of competition, learn and make memories together, and build on skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. It is also about honouring the dedication of everyone at Hockey Edmonton and the coaches, families, officials and volunteers who help make it all possible. Thank you for your contributions to this event, which is a tradition and a highlight in our capital region. Good luck to all the teams competing for top spot in each division. Have a wonderful time!
TIME
TERWILLEGAR A
8:00 am 9:30 am 11:00 am 12:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:30 pm 5:00 pm 6:30 pm 8:00 pm
U11 - FEMALE TIER 2 U11 - FEMALE TIER 3 U11 - TIER 1 BLUE U11 - TIER 2 RED U13 - TIER 3 BLUE U13 - TIER 5 SOUTH RED U15 - BODY CHECKING 2 BLUE U18 - FEMALE TIER 2 U18 - NON-BODY CHECKING 1
TIME
TERWILLEGAR B
8:15 am 9:45 am 11:15 am 12:45 pm 2:15 pm 3:45 pm 5:15 pm 6:45 pm 8:15 pm
U11 - TIER 5 NORTH BLUE U11 - TIER 5 NORTH RED U11 - TIER 5 SOUTH BLUE U11 - TIER 5 SOUTH RED U13 - FEMALE TIER 3 U13 - FEMALE TIER 2 U15 - FEMALE TIER 2 U15 - FEMALE TIER 3 U18 - BODY CHECKING 2 BLUE
S A T U R D A Y JANUARY
TIME
TERWILLEGAR C
8:15 am 9:45 am 11:15 am 12:45 pm 2:15 pm 3:45 pm 5:15 pm 6:45 pm 8:15 pm
U11 - TIER 6 SOUTH BLUE U11 - TIER 6 SOUTH RED U11 - TIER 4 SOUTH RED U13 - TIER 5 NORTH BLUE U13 - TIER 5 NORTH RED U13 - TIER 5 SOUTH BLUE U15 - NON-BODY CHECKING 3 BLUE U15 - NON-BODY CHECKING 3 RED U18 - NON-BODY CHECKING 2 BLUE
TIME
TERWILLEGAR D
8:00 am 9:30 am 11:00 am
U11 - TIER 3 NORTH BLUE U11 - TIER 3 NORTH RED U11 - TIER 3 SOUTH RED
17
QEMHW
FINALS
TIME
TERWILLEGAR A
TIME
TERWILLEGAR C
8:15 am 9:45 am 11:15 am 12:45 pm 2:15 pm 3:45 pm 5:15 pm 6:45 pm 8:15 pm
U11 - TIER 2 BLUE U11 - TIER 1 RED U13 - TIER 2 BLUE U13 - TIER 2 RED U13 - TIER 1 U15 - BODY CHECKING 2 RED U15 - BODY CHECKING 1 U18 - BODY CHECKING 2 RED U18 - BODY CHECKING 1
8:15 am 9:45 am 11:15 am 12:45 pm 2:15 pm 3:45 pm 5:15 pm 6:45 pm 8:15 pm
U11 - TIER 4 NORTH BLUE U11 - TIER 4 NORTH RED U13 - TIER4 BLUE U13 - TIER 4 RED U15 - BODY CHECKING 3 BLUE U15 - BODY CHECKING 3 RED U15 - NON-BODY CHECKING 2 BLUE U15 - NON-BODY CHECKING 2 RED U18 - NON-BODY CHECKING 2 GREEN
TIME
TERWILLEGAR B
TIME
TERWILLEGAR D
8:00 am 9:30 am 11:00 am 12:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:30 pm 6:15 pm 8:45 pm
U11 - TIER 3 SOUTH BLUE U11 - TIER 2 GREEN U11 - FEMALE TIER 1 U13 - FEMALE TIER 1 U15 - FEMALE TIER 1 U18 - FEMALE TIER 1 U15 - NON-BODY CHECKING 1 U18 - NON-BODY CHECKING 2 BLUE
8:00 am 9:30 am 11:00 am 12:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:30 pm 5:00 pm 6:30 pm 8:00 pm
U11 - TIER 6 NORTH U11 - TIER 4 SOUTH BLUE U13 - TIER 6 BLUE U13 - TIER 6 RED U13 - TIER 3 RED U18 - NON-BODY CHECKING 3 BLUE U18 - NON-BODY CHECKING 3 RED U18 - BODY CHECKING 3 BLUE U18 - BODY CHECKING 3 RED
10 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
S U N D A Y JANUARY
18
2026 RULES REGULATIONS
& 1
GENERAL RULES
1.1
The Tournament Arena Manager is in charge of the arena and his or her decision is final.
1.2
Time clocks shall start at the listed game time. Any team not on the ice and ready to play within five (5) minutes of the listed time may be disqualified. The Arena Manager shall be the judge of this action.
1.3
If, in the Arena Manager’s opinion, a uniform change is required, the home team shall make the change. Note: It would be advisable that the Team Managers confer before the game to ensure that no game time will be lost during the necessary sweater change.
1.4
All Hockey Edmonton and EFHL Rules and Regulations are in effect during QEMHW. They count as regular league games for the purpose of determining the number of games a player/ coach/manager or trainer will sit out. Suspensions incurred in Minor Hockey Week will carry over into league play if not fully served in QEMHW.
RULE # 2.3 INFRACTION: Ineligible Players / Team Officials: Team official who is party to or had knowledge of playing a player not properly registered with that team or properly affiliated to that team and/or allowing a team official who is not properly registered to that team to participate on the bench. Team official who is party to or had knowledge of playing a player or allows a team official to participate on the bench who is under suspension.
2.4
AFFILIATE PLAYERS ARE ALLOWED, in the case of a player that is sick, injured or otherwise unable to participate. Affiliates are NOT allowed for suspended players. Affiliates may only be used to replace missing players; not to increase the size of a team’s roster. If an affiliated goaltender is not available, the Hockey Alberta Substitute Goaltender process is to be used (just as in league play).
2.5
Approved players and bench staff must be entered in the Electronic Game Sheet app.
2.6
In the event a team does not show for their game, the coach will be subject to disciplinary action. The offending team will forfeit the game.
In the event referees do not arrive, the below rule will apply:
1.5
1.6
Rule 41-K, Page 74, Canadian Hockey Association Official Rule Book: If for whatever reason, the ref or linesman appointed is prevented from appearing, the managers or coaches of the two (2) competing clubs shall agree on a referee and one (1) or two (2) linesmen. If they are unable to agree, they shall appoint a player from each team who shall act as officials. In case of dispute, the decision of the QEMHW Chairperson or their designate is final. There are no appeals during QEMHW.
3 3.1 3.2
2 TEAM REGISTRATION 2.1
Coaches must be in possession of their approved HCR team roster and able to present to the arena manager at their request (it’s recommended that associations issue updated HCR team rosters - paper/electronic - to all teams no later than the week prior to the start of QEMHW play).
players registered on the team must be named on the game 2.2 All sheet and those not dressed shall be noted appropriately with an explanation of why they are not dressed.
12 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
Duration of games for each division will be posted at each arena and on the QEMHW website. The arena manager is responsible for advising game officials of the games duration. Games will be straight time. The last two (2) minutes shall be stop time unless there is a goal spread of five (5) goals or more then it will be straight time. Game time will run the duration, no matter what. FINALS – last five (5) minutes will be stop time unless there is a five (5) goal spread or more, then it will be straight time.
3.3
The referees may assess a two (2) minute bench minor penalty for delay of game if they feel the coaching staff is using up time by deliberately slowing down the line changes. This rule applies to both straight and stop time. The clock will not stop for any reason (injury or otherwise) once the opening face-off has taken place (exception being rules 3.1 & 3.2).
3.4
All minor penalties are two (2) minutes of straight time and the penalty will begin at the drop of the puck. All major penalties are 5 minutes straight time and the penalty will begin at the drop of the puck. All misconducts will be 10 minutes straight time and the penalty will begin at the drop of the puck. Any portion of a penalty not served during straight time will be completed as a stop time penalty.
3.5
In case of a tie at the end of regulation play, overtime will be played. Play will continue until the first goal is scored, which will terminate the game, and the team scoring the goal will be the winner.
3.6
No timeouts may be called by a coach or player during regulation time.
arrives at the arena without their HCR team roster or 2.3 Ifwitha team a roster that does not have all participants duly noted, an
official HCR team roster must be produced by the team or an association executive prior to the end of regulation time of said game or the issue will be passed on to discipline and dealt with according to the below regulation.
REGULATION TIME
4 4.1
5.3 Penalties incurred during overtime should be handled as stated below:
OVERTIME
• At no time will a team be required to have less than two (2) players (including the goaltender) on the ice.
Overtime is played to sudden victory. Teams may remove goalkeepers at any time. Teams may change “on the fly” at any time. To commence overtime, each team will place six (6) players (one may be a goaltender) on the ice for the face-off at centre ice. The teams will not change ends for the overtime period and the time clock will be set for one (1) minute.
• If due to penalties, a team is reduced to two (2) players (including the goaltender) and another time penalty is incurred, the offending team will serve the most recent penalty and a penalty shot(s) will be awarded to the non- offending team for each unexpired penalty.
4.2 OVERTIME SHALL BE STOP TIME. 4.3 Overtime will be played in one (1) minute increments. At the end
4.4
4.5
• Should each team have an unexpired time penalty when teams are reduced to two (2) players (including the goaltender), a penalty shot(s) will be awarded to each team. The team with the least time to serve will shoot first. Each team must be provided their shot. If the teams are still tied, overtime will continue.
of one (1) minute, the horn will sound and each team will remove one (1) player from the ice. Play will resume immediately at the closest face-off spot. The timekeeper will stop the clock and sound the horn after each minute until the teams are reduced to two (2) players (one may be a goaltender) on the ice. Game time will run the duration, no matter what.
• All time penalties incurred with two (2) players (including goaltenders) on the ice shall result in the awarding of penalty shot(s) in lieu of penalty times.
Once each team has been reduced to two (2) players, the clock will be set to six (6) minutes. To commence play, the face-off will be held at the closest face-off spot. There will be no further reductions to the number of players and the one minute periods will end. Time will continue until the six (6) minute period has expired. If still tied at the end of the six (6) minute period, ten (10) minute periods will be played with two (2) players (one may be a goaltender) until a winner is determined. To commence play in the ten (10) minute period, the face-off will be held at the centre face-off spot.
6 U9 HOCKEY Game formats and protocols align with Hockey Canada’s new program. • Rink dividers: Half-ice divider systems setup across centre-ice line;
• Game format: 4 vs. 4 plus goalie, 3-minute warm-up, TWO 24-minute game halves;
No timeouts may be called by a coach or player in overtime.
• Puck: Blue Pucks only (4 oz.);
• Scorekeeping: No scorekeeping, no standings, no statistics;
5 PENALTIES 5.1 5.2
• Face-offs: Start of game and second half; • Off-side & icing: None;
• Goaltender freezes puck: offending team backs off and goalie gives puck to a teammate to resume play;
All minor penalties are two (2) minutes of straight time and the penalty will begin at the drop of the puck. All major penalties are five minutes straight time and the penalty will begin at the drop of the puck. All misconducts will be ten minutes straight time and the penalty will begin at the drop of the puck.
• Goal is scored: scoring team backs off, goalie pulls puck out of net, resume play; • U9 shift length: 1.5 minutes; buzzer is set to 1.5 min intervals, on buzzer players leave puck, go to bench and new players enter the ice and continue to play;
Penalties incurred in regulation time and not completely served in regulation time shall carry over into the overtime period (as a stop time penalty) and will be completed in overtime unless the game is ended.
• Penalties: Offending player misses next shift, team still plays full strength. Major, match and misconduct infractions must be recorded on the game report.
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14 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
GEAR
e
10,000+ PLAYERS
688
TEAMS participate
FACTS & FIGURES from
The number of goals scored in the 2025 Minor Hockey Week
5
914 Games PLAYED
63
4,512
Groups who Participate in QEMHW [U9, U11, U13, U15, U18]
$5
PRICE OF TOURNAMENT PASS (Admission to ALL games)
Championship games played
Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week 2025
164
SHUTOUTS that occured
39 Ice Sheets being used
8,000 20,000 PROGRAMS
5,000
PUCKS USED
24 Arenas to be used for games
62
1,200 3,600 COACHES GOLD MEDALS AWARDED
2,000
REFEREES
YEARS the Minor Hockey Week
tournament has been played (since 1964)
in the 2025 tournament
FANS IN THE STANDS
PRINTED
26
Years Quikcard has
108
Overtime games played in the 2025 tournament
been the Minor Hockey Week title sponsor
Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 15
16 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
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Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 17
The History of EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY WEEK Book
We are publishing a book on the history of Edmonton Minor Hockey Week, and looking for any special memories or stories which took place at a previous year’s event. Maybe it’s 3, 4 or 5 members of the same family winning Gold, or three generations of a family with Gold Medals. Or an incredible player or team accomplishment. Recognizing that the tournament started in 1964, it would be great to get some photos of players or teams from the early years to support materials gathered at future events. (Especially the 60’s and 70’s, these years which are lacking in materials.) And if you have a program, medal, puck, etc. from the early years, this would be great to include in the book.
Whatever is submitted will be given full consideration, and you can submit materials to the Publisher at the following e-mail address: rob@suggitt.com
Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 19
A Tribute to BILL ROSS “MR. CENTRAL” BY SHARI NARINE I PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HOCKEY EDMONTON
Bill Ross I October 17, 1933 - May 22, 2025 “Mr. Central” set the bar high.
“I miss Bill so much,” said Ray Vigneau, General Manager of Hockey Edmonton. “He was such a good friend and mentor of mine.” Bill Ross passed away on May 22, 2025, after almost 60 years of dedicated service to Edmonton Minor Hockey Week. In 2019, Vigneau pitched the idea of the Bill Ross Mr. Central Arena Manager of the Year Award to Ross, who was stepping down from his role in the operational hub during Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week (QEMHW). “Well, right away (Bill) says to me, ‘What do I got to do?’ I said, ‘Bill, you don't have to do anything. We will pick the winner, and we just want your name on the award in your honour.’” That wasn’t acceptable to Ross. He did his own research to pick the worthy winner. 20 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
“So now we have an award for the best all around rink manager who looks after the players, spectators and everything else,” said Ross proudly. Vigneau, who had been managing rinks since 1998 for Edmonton Minor Hockey Week, was the winner in 2024. “I told Bill this was the most prestigious award, in my opinion, that I'd ever won because of who he was and his dedication to minor hockey and what he did for all those years,” said Vigneau. For almost six decades Ross was an integral part of Edmonton Minor Hockey Week, spending 40 of those years in Hockey Central, the operational hub for the tournament, earning himself the nickname “Mr. Central”. In speaking with Hockey Edmonton Magazine in 2024, Ross recalled how he got the beloved moniker. “One of the gals there, Betsy Turner, we used to kibbitz back and forth about names. And she says, ‘Seeing how you answer the phone ‘Central’, we’re going to call you Mr. Central,’ and that’s how it originated. And I’ve been that all the way through,” said Ross.
IT WAS ALWAYS A BIG DEAL WHEN BILL ROSS CAME TO THE RINK BECAUSE BILL WAS MR. CENTRAL. HE WAS THE GUY. He started at the Confederation Arena complex and when remodelling forced a relocation, he took over at the Kinsmen twin arenas. Ross was also known for his rotary phones. He kept them in his garage and brought them out each year to hook up at central where the scores from the hundreds of games were phoned in and any problems or issues that arose during the course of the tournament were addressed. Shaun Mitchell, long time manager for the Terwillegar Recreation Centre where QEMHW finals have been held for the past 15 years, considered Ross a top dignitary. “The one for all of us, for everybody was Bill Ross himself. It was always a big deal when Bill Ross came to the rink because Bill was Mr. Central. He was the guy,” said Mitchell. In 2017, Ross was recognized by QEMHW for his outstanding service as he marked his 50th and final year as an official volunteer. Ross started his volunteer time with Edmonton Minor Hockey Week in the 1967-1968 season by flooding outdoor rinks at Lendrum Community. Ross laughed as he recalled how his trajectory went from accompanying his son to the outdoor rink at Lendrum to decades of volunteering with Minor Hockey Week. It was the early ‘60s and his three-year-old son, who skated on their backyard rink, wanted to play hockey. Off they went to the local outdoor rink at Lendrum and asked if they could play with the teams. “And they said, ‘Gee, we sure could use some help’ and they suckered me. Of course, I volunteered and I stayed there and I coached the boys until they were in midget age (U18). And then my son said he didn’t want to play hockey anymore, that it was getting too regimented. I said, ‘OK.’ So I just hung in there and I got involved with the Minor Hockey Week committee.” Ross was good friends with Vern Davis, Don McCombie, George Reith and Eric Reilly, who started Edmonton Minor Hockey Week. He joined the effort when they invited him in the late ‘60s.
“When we were talking, they anticipated that if they could just squeeze 10 years into the tournament, they thought they’d be happy,” said Ross. The longevity of the tournament was due to a number of factors, he said, including the fun and excitement players experienced. “I used to talk with the kids there and they figured that Minor Hockey Week was the Stanley Cup final. They looked forward to it every year,” he said. After serving as chair for QEMHW from 2009-2012, Rod McMahon moved into Ross’s position at central office. As McMahon told Hockey Edmonton Magazine in 2017, “I don’t think anyone can do what Bill has done. The knowledge that he possesses when we have an issue with arenas, Bill’s been there and he’s done that. I don’t think there’s anything he hasn’t seen in 50 years of working with the tournament. So he’s set the bar extremely high and I guess we’ll just do our best to get to a level that Bill can look back on next year and say, ‘Yeah, they’re doing OK still’.” McMahon easily understood the appeal of the position that held Ross there for so long. “Being in central and taking all the phone calls from the arena managers, still dealing with them on a one-on-one basis and helping solve problems that maybe took it away from the chair’s responsibility, I loved it. It was great,” he said. Ross was also recognized in 2009, serving as honourary chair for QEMHW. In 2011, he joined Vern Davis in dropping the puck at Rexall Place when the Edmonton Oilers took on the Ottawa Senators. The pair were invited by the Oilers in recognition of Hockey Day in Canada, Feb. 12. While Ross stepped down from his work at the central office, he remained involved in QEMHW for years afterwards attending press conferences, committee meetings and watching games almost daily. Before he passed away, Ross had researched the 2025 recipients for his award and had already had the plaques engraved. Sam Gaeckle shared the 2025 award with Marvin and Kerry Heise and family. “That one was special because Bill Ross just passed away. That was the last one he was able to nominate before,” said Gaeckle, who manages one or two arenas during QEMHW depending on the need that year. Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 21
memories
QUIKCARD
MINOR
PHOTOS BY MVP SPORTS TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY
22 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
from
EDMONTON
HOCKEY WEEK
2025
Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 23
24 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE DUNSMOOR I KELOWNA ROCKETS
BY JEREMY FREEBORN January is an exciting month of the year for minor hockey in Edmonton. For one week each year, all minor hockey players who are part of the Edmonton Minor Hockey Association get to compete against players on teams their own age group.
It’s pretty cool! It’s a big time for all of the young kids. I remember reading the magazine actually, and taking it home. I saw them around the rink, and read it to see who had won it before. My mom also got those Quikcard Minor Hockey buttons. She could then go to McDonald’s and get a free coffee if you show up during Minor Hockey Week.
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For Edmonton native Josh Banini, Minor Hockey Week is very special. I had the opportunity to speak to the Kelowna Rockets goaltender about his minor hockey memories in the Alberta capital after he got off the bus from a long trip from Swift Current to Brandon.
Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 25
Banini has fond recollections of winning Minor Hockey Week with Whitemud West at the novice level.
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That was my first year being a goalie, and we won Minor Hockey Week,” remembers Banini. “My teammates included Matt Paranych of the Regina Pats, Hyde Davidson of the Seattle Thunderbirds, Ethan Hughes of the Spokane Chiefs, and Owen Berge of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The head coach of that team was Hyde’s dad, Matt Davidson, who played in the NHL (three seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets). He was a big part of me being a goalie. At that age, there were not a lot of drawn up systems. He taught us how to love the game and made it fun for us.
“Josh was a very up beat, positive person. He was fun to coach and fun to be around. His teammates thoroughly enjoyed having him on the team. Josh is easy to get along with. At the same time, a very competitive athlete. When it comes to his personality, he is a guy you really want in your dressing room. I coached him for two years.” Zalasky also discusses Banini’s strengths from a goaltending standpoint. “He had a never give up attitude. You may think he may be out on a particular play, but then he would slide across. He would make a second or third effort on a shot that most goalies cannot do. Josh had sheer athleticism, and was very competitive. He would make the spectacular save, and rarely give up rebounds. From a coaching standpoint, you were confident that Josh was still in on a particular play. He was very, very reliable.” Banini talks about what he likes about being a goalie the most. “I liked the gear, the idea of playing the position, and the aspect of saving the team to win games.” From 2022 to 2024, Banini played for the Edmonton Junior Oilers U18 AAA team. He had five shutouts over two seasons. Over the last three seasons, Banini has played in the Western Hockey League. From 2023 to 2025, he played 27 games for the Moose Jaw Warriors. Then in 2025-26, Banini has been backstopping the Kelowna Rockets. In discussing his WHL experiences, Banini stresses the importance of having confidence. There is no question that goaltending can be a stressful and high-pressure situation. However, Banini believes it is very important to have positivity, and swagger. It is very important that Banini believes in himself.
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This is a very special season for Banini. That is because he is on a Kelowna Rockets franchise that is hosting the Memorial Cup. “It means a lot. I don’t know how many teammates will make the NHL, but they are on the right track. I try to emulate the best I can to what they do. It will help my career for sure.” Two notable WHL games Banini has had this season were against the Victoria Royals and Spokane Chiefs. In those two contests, Banini made 62 saves on 64 shots. Davidson was one of three influential hockey coaches Banini learned from in Edmonton. The other two were Lee Zalasky and Terry Paranych. “Lee was a great coach,” remembers Josh. “He taught us how to create a winning culture and that was the first time I was part of a team that won so much. He won before with the Golden Bears at the University of Alberta. Lee was able to teach us what it takes to win as a team rather than as individuals. We all bought into that, and we were able to win the league, and it carried over to other aspects of my game individually. It allowed to get to where I am today.” “Terry was my pee wee coach. He taught me of the importance of being a good person and the work ethic to take me to the next level.” 26 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
Recently, Banini has been working closely with Rockets goaltending coach Eli Wilson. Eli runs goaltending camps in Edmonton during the summer, and has taught Banini different techniques on how to be a better goaltender. Wilson has stressed the importance of proper positioning, limiting rebounds, and “making saves easier than they have to be.” Banini also understands about the importance of improving his skating so he get to certain spots faster. Zalasky coached Banini from 2020 to 2022 with the CAC Canadians. In 2021-22, the Canadians beat the Calgary Royals to win the U16 AAA Provincial Championship. This was Banini’s fondest memory while playing in the Edmonton Minor Hockey Association. Zalasky was very complimentary of Banini not only as an elite goalie, but as an individual and teammate.
Banini’s two favourite goaltenders growing up were Corey Crawford of the Chicago Blackhawks and Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators. Currently, Banini tries to watch as much hockey as he can, and carefully studies the goaltenders on the ice. He enjoys learning, he does not try to emulate one goaltender’s style specifically, and tries to “make his own game.” Banini takes pride in being a black goaltender in the Western Hockey League. “It’s an honour. My biggest thing is showing other black goaltenders they can do it. I hope I can be a resource to not only black goalies in Edmonton, but all black minor hockey players.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE DUNSMOOR I KELOWNA ROCKETS
A year ago while with the Warriors, Banini honoured former basketball legend Kobe Bryant during Black History Month. A famous quote of Bryant was found on the back of Banini’s helmet. “That’s Mamba Mentality, we don’t quit, we cower, we endure and we conquer.” Banini also had “Black Mamba” (Bryant’s nickname) on his stick. “Bryant was one of the great black athletes. You have to look pretty hard to find a black goalie playing at a high level,” says Banini. “All successful black athletes have been an inspiration. I can take a lot from them. Kobe is a big role model for me. I often read Kobe’s quote I put on the back of my helmet, and it helped me get through hard times. There are a lot of hard times as a goalie. It’s not if they happen, it is when they happen. What matters is how you respond to them.” Banini has one message for minor hockey players. “No matter where you are playing, continue to work hard and trust the process. If you put in the extra work, you will have the opportunity to show your stuff to make it to the next level.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE DUNSMOOR I KELOWNA ROCKETS
This season, Banini would love to win a Memorial Cup. In the long term, he would love the opportunity to play professional hockey. With a combination of hard work and positivity, Banini is confident he can achieve his goals!
Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 27
INITIATIVE
BY JEREMY FREEBORN The story of how the ALS Canada Buck-a-Puck ALS Initiative first got
started is extremely significant. In April of 2021, Humber Valley Sharks U12 hockey coach Steve Daly was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (known as ALS, and in the sports world as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Prior to the diagnosis, Daly was very active with his four children’s activities, and was very physically fit, as he played hockey and cycled often. However, in a short period of time he noticed he could not project his voice as well as he once could. Then Daly’s breathing strained while working out, and he had a tough time controlling his emotions. He would cry after watching a Maple Leafs’ victory. It was soon after Daly experienced these symptoms, that he saw a neurologist and was diagnosed with ALS. Daly had been a minor hockey coach for 12 years. He was known for his booming voice, but all of a sudden experienced challenges speaking, and was slurring his words. When he tried to take a sip of water, he would end up choking. Even though Daly was losing his ability to speak, he tried to continue to coach hockey. Daly used a voice assisted app on his phone to help his players get through certain drills. However, in the fall of 2021, Daly was having problems skating. He collapsed on the ice and was taken 28 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
to hospital via ambulance. Daly was not done coaching. When he no longer could go on the ice, he coached from the bench. By January of 2022, Daly passed away at the age of 50. After Steve passed away, a group of five people who knew Steve in the hockey community helped organize an initiative. They were Sarah Lopez, Heather Evans, Joshua Lopez, Liam Muffitt, and Steve’s son George. The grassroots initiative was called ALS Buck-a-Puck. For every dollar raised for the ALS Society of Canada, the participant takes a shot during a game, practice or workout session. So far to date, more than $165,000 has been raised. Now, as ALS Canada is in the fourth year of the program, it’s gone from being a very local event to a nationwide event across Canada. “The feedback for the ALS Canada Buck-a-Puck for ALS program has been incredibly positive,” says ALS Canada’s Manager, Walk to End ALS, Reyhaan Bilimoria. “We appreciate the uniqueness of this event, which allows people to take part in a fun and competitive way while taking shots on net, and at the same time raising funds for ALS research. The event is also flexible. It doesn’t take place at one particular time or location but can be done when it makes the most sense for the hockey players. By getting more people involved across Canada, it allows us to connect to a wider audience.
the daly family
This is a way for Canadians to collaborate with each other, and share their stories. That way people can show how ALS has impacted their life. It could be a direct relative, work colleague or friend. We know it is a devastating disease. For the hockey community to come together, it creates a friendly competition as well.” Bilimoria is very grateful that the hockey community has gotten on board. Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Mitch Marner has even used YouTube to promote the program. When asked about Marner’s presence, Bilimoria was extremely complimentary. “It is incredibly meaningful,” he states. “He is a well known and respected figure in the hockey community. I think it has been inspiring for other people to participate. Hockey fans and young athletes definitely look up to him and are encouraged to fundraise for ALS.” Bilimoria also stresses that the program is not limited to ice hockey players in Canada. Field hockey players and floor hockey players across Canada are encouraged to participate and donate as well. Players can fundraise for ALS individually or participate as a team. For those of you who may not know much about ALS, we spoke to the Chief Scientific Officer at the ALS Society of Canada, Dr. David Taylor. He first discusses the early signs for a person who is concerned they may have ALS. “Typically, people will notice it as a painless weakness in one of their limbs,” states Taylor. “It may be fatigue starting with moments in time where someone is running or walking, and their legs or feet are not responding as they normally do. This tends to have people put it off, and make the excuse that they are tired or not feeling well. However, it continues to the point where people start to get worried and see their doctor. For other people, it is more speech related, challenges with swallowing, and there is a change in the voice. Speech becomes slow and the voice is deep. People have an intent to say something but cannot get their words out.”
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This is a way for all Canadians to collaborate with each other, and share their stories... We know it is a devastating disease. For the hockey community to come together, it creates a friendly competition as well.
“In the last five to 10 years, we have really advanced our understanding,” says Taylor. “We still have a ways to go. It is an extremely complex disease, and so far, most of the treatments we have tried have not had a significant effect that we would like to see. We feel like we are closing in on a better understanding and better treatments that come with clinical trials, and will have a better effect for people. At the same time, we want to try and find better ways to treat people, before symptoms come on.” One notable person who passed away recently of ALS is former Calgary Flames Assistant General Manager Chris Snow. Snow battled ALS for five years before his death in September of 2023. “He was part of an incredible family who openly and bravely shared their story,” stated Taylor. “He had such a rapid, progressing form of ALS in his family. Snow defied those odds and showed the world what was possible in ALS with the help of the drug Tofersen (Qalsody). He was doing incredible things that someone with his variant would never have been conceived to do two or three years after his diagnosis. We now know the most aggressive forms can be treated, and that gives us hope we did not have before.”
To donate to the ALS Canada’s Buck-a-Puck for ALS, please visit: buckapuckforals.com. The program for the 2025-26 hockey season is accepting donations until the end of February.
One concern Taylor has are the wait times in Canada to see a neurologist or specialist. He believes improvements need to be made to speed up the entire process. When it comes to research, significant improvements have been made.
Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 29
If your child won a gold medal at Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week 2026, we want to hear from you! Email in the following questions, along with a hockey photo, by February 12th, 2026, and your child could be featured in the spring issue of the Official Hockey Edmonton Magazine! Email to: publisher@hockeymagazine.net name: NUMBER OF YEARS PLAYED:
AGE:
CURRENT TEAM:
SCHOOL GRADE:
USUAL POSITION:
FAVOURITE HOCKEY TEAM:
FAVOURITE HOCKEY PLAYER:
YOUR ROLE MODEL:
OTHER HOBBIES / INTERESTS:
FAVOURITE HOCKEY MEMORY:
30 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
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Hockey Edmonton Magazine I 31
SPOTLIGHT ON AN
OFFICIAL ELLIOT
SPRATLIN By Rob Suggitt I PHOTOs BY SC PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY In late November, we met up with 19-year-old Elliot Spratlin, to chat about his experience as an Edmonton Minor Hockey official, what got him started, and what he most enjoys about being a minor hockey official. Elliot is currently enrolled in his second year of schooling at the University of Alberta, pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. His future plans are to apply to medical school, and become a physician. In the offseason (school and hockey), Elliot umpires Little League Baseball, and this past summer, he worked with the City of Edmonton Green Shack programming outdoor drop-in recreation programs for children. HOCKEY EDMONTON MAGAZINE: Did you play hockey growing up, and if so, what teams, level, did you play? ELLIOT SPRATLIN: Yes, I played hockey growing up. As a young kid, I played in many tiers with Lynwood Hockey Association and Whitemud West. I played tier 2 (checking) with Northwest Zone in my first year of U15, before playing U15AA and U16AA with Canadian Athletic Club (CAC) the next two seasons. I spent my last two years of U18 with Northwest Zone Tier 1 (Non-Checking) before retiring from minor hockey in 2024. I now play for fun once a week with U of A intramurals. HEM: When did you start officiating? ES: I started officiating in September of 2021 at the age of 15. HEM: What made you want to become a hockey official? ES: I wanted to become a hockey official to stay involved in hockey as I was aging out of minor hockey and make some money doing so. HEM: What level of hockey are you currently officiating? ES: I currently am a linesman for up to U17AAA and a referee for U18 tier 3 Checking and tier 2-3 non-checking, but I do many levels below these. 32 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
ES: Right now, I prefer being a linesman because I do higher levels, but as I’ve progressed as a referee, I’ve started to enjoy the different types of decision-making that come with that, and so my answer may change in the future. HEM: Describe your work with younger officials, where you are mentoring them and helping them grow and develop as officials.
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ES: My work with younger officials involves mentoring and shadowing new officials at the U9 level and at the lower tiers of U11. This is where I go on the ice with the officials in-game, observe their game and give them feedback on the ice, as well as talk with them about their strengths and weaknesses after the game, and then send a few notes about this to their assignors and the Referee in Chief. It also involves off-ice supervisions of the higher U11 tiers and lower U13 tiers, where I watch from the stands, and then, like mentoring, chat with them after the game and send a few notes to assignors. Lastly, this season I’ve started to help coach on-ice clinic sessions for new officials, where we do drills and exercises to help new officials practice their job.
My special memories of MHW include the two finals I’ve skated in the past two seasons. In 2024, I officiated the U11AA final, and last year I refereed the U15-2 final. Those were a lot of fun and will be games that I remember.
HEM: I understand that you have you been officiating games for Minor Hockey Week for the past 5 seasons, and for most of these seasons, without pay. What made you volunteer your time as an official for Edmonton Minor Hockey Week?
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HEM: Do you usually do lines, or mostly refereeing?
ES: I volunteered not only because we are expected to, but also because I was happy to give back to the tournament that provided me with so many great memories as a hockey player growing up. I didn’t realize before becoming an official the amount of work and coordination it takes to organize a tournament for every team in every tier at every level in EFHL, and to help in any small way possible with that feels good. HEM: Do you have any special memories from being an official during Edmonton Minor Hockey Week? ES: My special memories of MHW include the two finals I’ve skated in the past two seasons. In 2024, I officiated the U11AA final, and last year I refereed the U15-2 final. Those were a lot of fun and will be games that I remember. HEM: What do you enjoy most about officiating hockey games? ES: What I enjoy the most about officiating hockey is the aspect of teamwork, the community, the aspect of self-competition and always trying to be better every game, and being able to facilitate the game I love for all the players.
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What I enjoy the most about officiating hockey is the aspect of teamwork, the community, the aspect of self-competition and always trying to be better every game, and being able to facilitate the game I love for all the players.
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HEM: How would you compare the training you were provided, and how young officials are trained/prepared today? ES: The training I received is comparable to what new officials receive today. I remember attending all the clinics that I now coach. The officiating program in Edmonton, and specifically the Northwest Zone, takes great pride and puts a lot of effort into their training, supervision, and mentorship, and this is why they’ve been able to develop a lot of great officials. HEM: How has officiating minor hockey changed over the years? ES: I haven’t been an official for too long, so I can’t speak to a lot of changes to officiating. However, in the time I’ve been officiating, there has been a greater effort to have more tiers and levels with 3 officials or 4 officials per game to have more eyes on the play. In addition, the pay has increased quite a bit for some levels since I started. I also know that in recent times, there has been a greater emphasis on checks to the head, checks from behind, and maltreatment. There are often new rules which we, as officials, have to be the first to know about. HEM: Ever suffered any injuries as an official? Any close calls? ES: I’ve never suffered any major injuries, but bumps and bruises happen all the time, as they do to anyone in a hockey game. The closest calls I’ve had are almost always due to a puck being shot really close to my face. HEM: How do you handle criticism on the ice?
ES: When responding to criticism, I always try to listen to the coach or player and see where they’re coming from, even if I disagree with them. In the end, I know that I am the one who must make the call, not the coaches or players. I can’t make everyone happy, and as an official, you just have to be okay with that and try to do your best every game. HEM: How many more years do you plan on being a hockey official? ES: I’m not really sure how much longer I plan on being an official. I definitely don’t want to stop any time soon, and I’d like to continue to do it for as long as I can. HEM: Do you have any comments you wish to share with parents, coaches or anyone involved with minor hockey? ES: Have fun, try your best, and remember: it’s only a game! 34 I Hockey Edmonton Magazine
PENALTY CALL SIGNALS
BOARDING
BODY CHECKING
BUTT ENDING
CHECKING TO THE HEAD
CROSS CHECKING
ELBOWING
HOOKING
INTERFERENCE
KNEEING
SLASHING
SPEARING
CHARGING
CHECKING FROM BEHIND
HIGH STICKING
MISCONDUCT
TRIPPING
HOLDING
ROUGHING
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT