There are 10 reasons to be fired up about the Alberta Cup and perhaps coincidentally enough, the number of reasons is the exact number of Airdrie Xtreme U15 AAA players that were named to the roster.

Will McLaughlin, Benett Kelly, Aaron Sawatzky, Isaac Davies, Finn Bagley, Ryan Schrock, Caelen Joudrey, Riley Boychuk, Griffin Horne, and Braeden Bohach-Murray were selected from 100-some players that will now be representing their regions at the 2023 Alberta Cup in Red Deer. 

Tyson Soloski, the Xtreme's Head Coach, who also happened to coach one of the Alberta Cup rosters last year, said that the amount of players selected from the Airdrie team speaks to the high level of training and play that the hockey club instills in its players.

"I think the two biggest things that we focus on are hockey IQ and being able to process the game at a high level, [as well as] to be able to make plays at a high speed," he said. "To get noticed at a trial that has a few hundred kids is pretty hard. So, your competition level needs to be very high and I think that's exactly what they did to earn a spot."

Between March 31 and April 2, the players gathered at three Regional Camps in Calgary, Red Deer and Spruce Grove for trials. Players participating in the Alberta Cup tournament will be evaluated to represent Team Alberta at the WHL Cup in October.

“Year after year we see talented kids from across the province try out, and this was no exception,” said Mike Kraichy, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Elite Male Hockey in a press release. “This is the next step in the Team Alberta program, but my focus is on player development and that they use this opportunity to reach their next level as hockey players and people.”

Soloski said that for him as a coach it's a proud moment, especially after a momentous season. 

"I think the Alberta Cup is a really cool experience for everyone involved. Hockey Alberta does a really good job of giving 14-year-old kids a really cool experience. It's a very proud moment to see 10 of our kids selected."

According to Hockey Alberta, two teams from each of the North, Central and South regions will face off against each other in a modified round-robin tournament taking place in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, April 27-30. Each of the six teams is comprised of two goaltenders, six defence and 12 forwards.

When asked what advice he would lend his players, Soloski said that the players should focus on their game on the ice, but also enjoy the moment.

"This moment is something that doesn't happen all the time. Enjoy the five days up there and take everything from the experience."

Hockey Alberta’s Spring Showcase will begin with the Alberta Cup. The Alberta Challenge (May 3-7) and the Prospects Cup (May 10-13) will also be played in Red Deer.

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