When does registration open?

Registration typically opens June 1 for the coming season. Watch the homepage and our Facebook page for the announcement.

What does it cost?

$1,050 for U15 tiered community, $1,100 for U18, and $600 for the Recreation League. Junior C is separate. Full details are on the Registration page. 

Can I pay in installments?

Yes. You can pay in full at registration, or split it into three payments — at registration, September 1, and October 15.

Is there a late fee?

Yes, $100 for registrations after June 30. It's waived for players trying out at the AA level and for players transferring in from another association.

What if I need financial assistance?

No family should miss a season over cost. Two national programs help with registration fees: KidSport Edmonton and Canadian Tire Jumpstart. Both have straightforward applications and both cover minor hockey.  If those don't cover your situation, contact our registrar. These conversations are handled confidentially and discreetly.

My player is U7 to U13. Do I register with SWZ?

1. Confirm you're with the right association. SWZ runs U15, U18 and U21. Younger players in our area register with SWAT Hockey or Confederation Hockey.
2. Get your player's Hockey Canada ID. Every registered player in Canada has one. If your player has played before, they already have it; if not, you'll create it during registration.
3. Complete the parent education requirement. At least one parent or guardian per family needs current certification before registration is complete.
4. Register and choose a payment option.
5. Get equipment sorted. See the equipment list above — full CSA-approved gear including a neck guard.  
   
   Watch for evaluation information in late summer. Evaluations usually start mid-September.

What if my player withdraws before the season starts?

Before evaluations begin, you receive a full refund less a $100 administration fee. After evaluations begin but before teams are formed, 75% is refunded. After teams are formed, fees aren't refunded except where the league cancels the season.

What about the Recreation League?

Full refund less the $100 administration fee before September 30. No refund after September 30.

What if my player is injured and can't finish the season?

Contact your team manager and our registrar as soon as possible. Requests for a partial refund due to injury or illness are considered case by case, and are handled under our refund policy.

Does my player have to attend evaluations?

Yes. Every player in a tiered division goes through evaluations, and no player is placed on a team before the process is complete.

What if my player is sick or away during evaluations?

Contact your division director as soon as you know. We'd rather work it out in advance than after the fact.

How are tiers decided?

By a combination of timed skills results and evaluator scoring across several scrimmages, with teams re-sorted during and between scrimmages so players are seen against a range of opponents.

Can I request a specific team or coach?

No. Placement is by evaluation. Requests to move a player after placement are considered only on medical or compassionate grounds.

We signed up for body checking. Are we guaranteed a body-checking team?

What equipment does my player need?

Full CSA-approved equipment: helmet with full facemask, neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, shin guards, protective cup, skates and a stick. A mouthguard is strongly recommended.

Is a neck guard mandatory?

Yes, and it's CSA-approved neck guards specifically. This is enforced at camps and evaluations.

Where do I get SWZ team gear?

Through our online store, run in partnership with United Cycle. SWZ families also receive a discount coupon.

Who supplies game jerseys?

Where do I find my team's schedule?

Schedules live on your team's page and update automatically. Your team manager will also communicate changes.

What if my player misses a practice or game?

Let your coach or team manager know as far in advance as you can. Consistent unexplained absences are a conversation with your coach, not a penalty.

My player was injured during a game. What do I do?

Get them assessed. For insurance purposes an injury report must be filed, and claims have a hard 90-day deadline from the date of injury — don't wait on this. Your team manager has the form. For any suspected concussion, follow Hockey Canada's concussion protocol; a player cannot return to play without medical clearance.

How do I raise a concern with a coach?

Wait 24 hours after a game before raising it, then go through your team manager rather than approaching a coach during or immediately after a game. If it isn't resolved, contact your division director.

My player wants to move to another association mid-season.

That's a player movement request through Hockey Alberta, and it has its own process and deadlines. Start with our Registrar.

Who do I talk to about ice times?

I'd like to coach. What's involved?

Certification, a criminal record check with vulnerable sector search, and an application. Full details are on the Team Resources page. Coaches must be certified by November 15.

Do I need a police check to help out?

Anyone in a position of trust with players needs a vulnerable sector check, renewed every two years. It's free for volunteers and SWZ covers certification costs.

My child's team needs a manager. What does that involve?

Managers handle the off-ice side — communication, scheduling logistics, tournaments, team finances. There's a full checklist and templates in Team Resources, and you're not expected to figure it out alone.

How do I become a referee?

• Support your player and the team positively. They can hear you.
• Respect the 24-hour rule before raising a concern about a game.
• Communicate through your team manager, not directly to a coach during a game.
• Never approach an official. Officials are often young people learning the game — some are barely older than the players.
• No sideline coaching from the stands
• Model the behaviour you want to see from your player.