The Cochrane Minor Hockey Association (CMHA) has been named Hockey Alberta’s Minor Hockey Association of the Year, recognizing its exceptional year of growth and leadership.
The award was presented at a gala in Red Deer last weekend.
Drew Dixon, senior manager of membership for Hockey Alberta, said CMHA stood out for its efforts to expand programming to meet the needs of players at all levels—from recreational to elite.
“They’ve also done a ton of great work with their development programs, and specifically this year, they played a strong leadership role in working with their neighbouring communities,” said Dixon.
He highlighted CMHA’s role in helping re-establish minor hockey leagues and programs in Mînî Thnî, while continuing to welcome players from the community on to Cochrane-based teams.
Selecting the top minor hockey association is never easy, said Dixon.
“We’ve got over 160 associations throughout the province, so we try to look at it with a fresh lens from our staff and volunteers. We want to ensure we recognize a deserving member each year.”
CMHA president Paul Ringrose said the award reflects a year of exceptional growth and dedication.
“There’s an acknowledgement, I think, from Hockey Alberta that Cochrane is a high-growth association that runs our business very well,” said Ringrose. “We’ve got an amazing group of staff and volunteer board members that put in countless hours to make it one of the best in the province, and we’re very proud of that.”
This year also marked a major step forward in Cochrane’s elite programming. Hockey Alberta has approved Cochrane’s first AAA teams, with a U13AAA Timberwolves team joining the provincial elite league in the 2025–26 season. U15 and U17 teams will follow in 2026–27.
RELATED STORIES
- Full Circle: Sam McCulloch takes on historic role for Cochrane Chaos AA team
-
Cochrane mayor to propose motion to explore twinning 'original' arena
Cochrane’s female program has also received a boost, with the addition of its first U13AA team.
Last season, about 270 girls were registered with Cochrane Minor Hockey, a number that has grown significantly in the past five years.
“Our female hockey committee has done a great job of promoting female hockey. I believe we have one of the better programs in the province.”
Ringrose said the collaboration with Mînî Thnî has been a rewarding experience.
“We’re pretty proud of the partnership on regenerating and rejuvenating their program. That’s been a real success and a great partnership. They’ve been really great to work with.”
CMHA’s growth over the past decade has been significant. Twelve years ago, the association had about 400 players. That number has since tripled to 1,200.
Last season, CMHA operated 76 teams, supported by roughly 300 coaches and managers, 20 board members, three staff members, and many other volunteers.
But success has brought challenges, particularly in securing enough ice time to accommodate the growing number of players.
“We are probably tapped out in terms of current ice availability,” said Ringrose. “We’re hopeful that in the next year or two we’ll see an additional ice surface in town so we can continue on this growth trajectory.”
CMHA has previously booked ice in Cremona, but that option is no longer available due to the growth of that community’s own programs.
“As a result, we’re really limited to the four sheets in Cochrane plus the Mînî Thnî facility for next season.”
The reach of Cochrane’s AA and AAA teams extends beyond the town limits, drawing players from Canmore, Banff and Cremona. That has also contributed to increased interest in the program, Ringrose said.
“We’re seeing people relocate to Cochrane or looking to get their players into our association.”
In addition to the CMHA’s recognition, Hockey Alberta also awarded three life memberships and presented several other association awards at the gala.
A special thanks to Ashley Raabis, minor hockey vice-president of operations, for providing the cover photo on short notice.