Raiders to host provincials

Posted on: Staff Writer

From edition: January 24 2024 Strathmore Times

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

The Wheatland Raiders, who knocked off the Okotoks Oilers 7-6 on Jan. 19 at the Strathmore Family Centre, will host the U16AA Provincial Championship later in March. The Raiders, who also defeated the West Central Tigers 5-1 on the road on Jan. 20, will host the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Jan. 26 (7:30 p.m.) in the Hussar Arena.

Joe Lepage Photo

The Wheatland Raiders will host the 2024 Hockey Alberta U16AA provincial championship March 21-24. 

The Raiders, consisting of players from Strathmore, Chestermere, Siksika, Langdon and Drumheller, play in the South Central Alberta Hockey League.

“They’re doing pretty good, running just a little bit over .500 on (the season),” said Derek Hachey, the Raiders social media coordinator and videographer. “It’s a really competitive league … it’s a lot of great competition. We seem to be improving really well there.”

There is also a real economic boost to the community.

“Strathmore’s population could bubble up for the weekend,” said Hachey, adding that the Gold Arena at the Strathmore Family Centre is well equipped to accommodate the event. “Everybody is welcome to come in. There will be ticket packages. You can buy a weekend pass or just come in to watch a game. There’s going to be a lot of hockey packed into that weekend – a lot of action going on.”

There will be many great things happening at the rink besides the great hockey such as draws and raffle baskets. 

“There’s a lot of excitement – the parents are pumped up. We’ve already got our organizing committee fired up here and everybody’s looking forward to play their part,” he said. “We made the announcement to the whole team at our Christmas party before the holidays and everybody was just so excited. It was awesome.”

Game packages haven’t been finalized; however, people are encouraged to check out the Raiders Instagram (@wheatlandraidersu16aa) for up-to-date information regarding all tournament-related information. 

The Raiders are actively seeking sponsorship for the tournament with different packages available including advertising and passes to the games. Anyone who would like to sponsor or receive a sponsorship letter is encouraged to contact Hachey at u16aa2024provincials@gmail.com or 587-432-0899.