Possible Alberta hockey shakeup a 'radical change' likely to draw mixed feelings, says analyst
Eric Francis says likely motivator is to prevent players from going to private leagues
Proposed changes to rules for minor hockey associations in Alberta could dramatically reshape the landscape for hockey families around the province, says a Calgary sports columnist.
"It's a radical change, if it goes through," said Eric Francis. "It's funny. As a hockey parent, I have mixed feelings on it."
On Wednesday, CBC News reported proposed Hockey Alberta rule changes that would remove residency-based registration requirements for minor hockey.
Right now, kids have to play for the hockey association that serves the area where they live, based on their home address. That would change under the proposed shakeup, which would remove that requirement.
It would mean families would be able to pick teams based on a variety of factors, such as coaching, schedules and more.
But it also raises concerns that it would stand to make weak teams weaker and strong teams stronger, said Francis, who works as an analyst with Sportsnet.
"I have to say, I really love the idea of my son growing up playing with kids from his neighbourhood throughout his entire hockey career," he said.
"I think that's really good and builds relationships throughout your life, as opposed to being a free agent of sorts, and meandering in and around the whole system. I'm not sure I like that, either."
WATCH | Proposed changes would remove residency-based registration requirements:
At the same time, hockey organizations try their hardest to create equity so that every team has a chance, every single year, Francis said. Inevitably, there are organizations that can never compete.
"I think, as someone whose son is in one of those organizations that can't compete, that, 'Well, I think it's exciting to think that potentially we could move to an adjacent community,'" he said.
Concerns over private leagues draining talent
On Tuesday, Hockey Alberta said it was considering the change given that private hockey programs are not bound by similar regulations tied to boundaries. The final decision for the rule changes will be made by Jan. 31, 2025, following a period of review.
"Feedback from members, committees, leagues and other stakeholders are crucial and strongly encourages [us] to help formulate a final decision," a spokesperson for Hockey Alberta wrote in a statement.
Francis said private leagues are continually draining some of the top talent from community hockey.
"Community hockey, for a lot of years, was a really great option for a lot of kids. The combination of these private leagues, and parents chasing the dream, has really caused a lot of kids to move out of community hockey," he said.
At the same time, private leagues can often be very expensive, making community hockey the only option for many families, Francis said.
"Go ahead and poll all the hockey players in the National Hockey League. I daresay that a huge majority of them come from a tremendous amount of money in their youth," he said.
"You basically have to, to have a shot at continuing the dream, and even getting a scholarship. So, hockey is expensive, and I daresay moves like this will make it even more expensive."
Mickey Kluner is the owner of Pinnacle Hockey Development, a Calgary-based hockey skills program. He said he's noticed a growing demand for private hockey options.
"The willingness for families to pay money for more ice, for full-ice practices, for that alternative option — there seems to be no shortage of it," he said.
If the decision is made to move ahead, the amendments would come into effect for the 2025-26 season.
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With files from Joey Chini