Sports Select Alberta (SSA) is a provincial hockey program that has been part of Canadian ice hockey since 1993. The SSA operates under the umbrella of Hockey Alberta, which is responsible for overseeing minor and major ice hockey within the province. In this article, we will delve into the details of Sports Select Alberta, exploring its history, structure, eligibility criteria, benefits, and limitations.
History and Development
The concept of selecting top amateur talent was first introduced in British Columbia (BC) Hockey in 1970 as part sports-select-alberta.ca of a comprehensive development program for young hockey players. The BC system aimed to identify the province’s most skilled and talented youth, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills through specialized training programs. Inspired by this model, other provinces began developing similar systems.
In Alberta, the first phase of Sports Select was initiated in 1988-89 under Hockey Alberta’s leadership. This trial program focused on identifying exceptional talent within various regions of the province. After a successful initial run, SSA expanded its scope and established more formal criteria for selection. Today, the program remains an essential component of Canada’s amateur hockey development structure.
Structure and Eligibility Criteria
Sports Select Alberta operates at two distinct levels: Minor Sports Select (MSS) and Major Sports Select (MaSS). Each tier has a unique set of requirements to ensure participation fairness and effectiveness:
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Minor Sports Select:
- Aims to identify, evaluate, and develop players from ages six to 12.
- Places emphasis on building foundational skills in smaller group settings.
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Major Sports Select:
- Focuses on identifying and developing top hockey talents aged 13-14.
- Provides more advanced training facilities and expert coaches for enhanced skill development.
For both programs, eligibility is determined by an athlete’s residency within the province, commitment to player development, and successful completion of rigorous selection processes. The process typically involves assessment days at various arenas across Alberta where aspiring athletes are evaluated in skills such as skating, passing, shooting, and overall hockey IQ.
How SSA Works
The core objective of Sports Select Alberta is to create pathways for young players with significant potential to excel within the Canadian Junior Hockey League or eventually in professional leagues. This comprehensive developmental approach ensures participants receive high-quality coaching from experienced instructors, regular evaluation, and exposure to diverse playing environments:
- Players are assessed through various phases, culminating in a selection event where top prospects earn an invitation into either MSS or MaSS.
- Participants undergo rigorous training sessions designed by Hockey Alberta coaches emphasizing speed improvement, skating agility, strength development, tactical knowledge, and overall game sense.
Legal or Regional Context
Sports Select Alberta operates within provincial boundaries set forth by the National Sport Organization for Amateur Ice Hockey in Canada. It is essential to note that Hockey Canada has jurisdiction over national policy as well as some key areas of player eligibility and residency rules that govern Canadian hockey development programs.
Key legislation affecting minor sports such as ice hockey include:
- Provincial Statute (Alberta) – Youth Sports Regulation;
- Federal Human Rights Act and Alberta Human Rights Legislation.
- National Sport Organization for Amateur Ice Hockey in Canada:
While some variations may exist based on provincial and national policies governing youth participation, SSA aims to adapt and align with these frameworks to ensure a unified, country-wide approach.
Free Play vs. Real Money Differences
At Sports Select Alberta, the distinction between ‘free play’ and real money is not applicable since it deals exclusively with hockey player development rather than any monetary exchange or competitive tournament fees.
Non-monetary benefits offered in SSA include but are not limited to:
- Improved skills training
- Exposure to elite coaches
- Enhanced competition against top provincial athletes
- Representation for potential national team consideration
