The Southern Skies Hockey Alliance (SSHA) is a structured, collaborative partnership uniting 13 towns and cities across Southern Alberta. Our core mandate is to ensure the delivery of positive, development-focused hockey experiences for our youngest participants. We are dedicated to fostering a fun, competitive, and safe environment for U7 and U9 athletes while vigilantly maintaining reasonable travel logistics and affordable participation costs for all families.
The Alliance was formally established during the 2024–2025 season, commencing with the organization of U9 and select U7 games involving Lethbridge, Coaldale, and Picture Butte. Following expansion throughout the summer of 2025, the SSHA now proudly represents 47 participating teams and serves nearly 600 players. This marks a significant year of growth and operational refinement; we remain committed to continuous improvement through strong, mutual collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Alliance Structure & Mandate
- What is the Southern Skies Hockey Alliance?
The SSHA is a cooperative agreement among several Southern Alberta towns and cities to organize sanctioned minor hockey games specifically for U7 and U9 divisions.
Currently, Alliance operations are primarily administered through Lethbridge Minor Hockey (LMHA), with significant support from other participating associations, most notably Coaldale.
- Is the Alliance an official league?
No. The SSHA functions as a partnership between existing minor hockey associations for the purpose of game scheduling. All games played under the Alliance framework are sanctioned under Hockey Canada regulations.
- Who governs the Alliance?
There is no single, overarching governing body for the Alliance itself. Each participating minor hockey association remains independently responsible for ensuring compliance with all Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta rules and bylaws. All procedural or compliance concerns must be directed to your local association first.
- Can new communities join?
We are not currently conducting active recruitment for new members. Our governing priority is maintaining manageable travel distances for U7/U9 participants. However, we may review applications from geographically compatible communities that fully align with our development-focused philosophy.
Participation & Finance
- Is there a fee to participate in the 2025-2026 season?
No. There are no specific player registration or league fees levied by the Alliance. The hosting association is responsible for covering the costs associated with hosting, sanctioning administration, and officials, if required. Players only need to be registered with their respective local minor hockey association.
Note: For the 2025-2026 season, the Alliance is 100% volunteer-run and carries no operational funds.
- What is a "sanctioned game"?
A sanctioned game is officially approved and registered through Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada. This process ensures that all participating teams, players, and coaches meet the requisite registration, insurance, and safety standards.
- What is the primary function of the Alliance?
The Alliance provides a centralized scheduling framework to facilitate consistent, balanced competition among comparable teams while minimizing inter-community travel.
- What is the geographic boundary?
The Alliance membership comprises communities within Southern Alberta where U7/U9 travel times remain consistently short, generally centering around the Lethbridge hub.
Development & Administration
- Where can I find scores or standings?
The SSHA intentionally does not publish scores, statistics, or standings. Our operational focus remains strictly on player development and enjoyment. Scores are sometimes submitted informally to assist in maintaining balanced scheduling but are never made public.
- Who should I contact regarding scheduling issues?
Please direct all scheduling inquiries initially to your local Minor Hockey Association Director or Scheduler. They will manage communication with the designated Alliance scheduling representatives.
- Who should I contact for sponsorship or volunteer opportunities?
Please direct all inquiries regarding sponsorship or volunteerism to the LMHA Entry-Level Development Director at
lmha.stevensample@gmail.com
- What are the future plans regarding U11?
While the expansion to U11 is a possibility, our current strategic focus is on solidifying the success and operational efficiency of the U7/U9 structure before considering any further expansion.
- How do I contact the Alliance for urgent matters?
For major concerns or critical operational questions, please contact the LMHA office or the General Manager of Lethbridge Minor Hockey, Keith Hitchock.
