Hockey Alberta introducing the Player Pledge during Provincial Championships

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RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is proud to announce the Player Pledge - a significant strategic initiative to help achieve the organization’s objective to nurture a positive hockey culture.  

Nurturing a positive hockey culture is one of four Objectives undertaken by Hockey Alberta to provide new and improved opportunities for all participants.  

Therefore it is only appropriate that the Player Pledge is being introduced during the most exciting time of year for amateur hockey across the province - the 2024 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB.  

The Player Pledge encourages participants - on and off the ice - to play and act with respect and to be inclusive. The Player Pledge reads: 

I recognize that inclusive and respectful hockey starts with me. I pledge to: 

• Be AWARE of the language I use and how it impacts others. 

• ACKNOWLEDGE everyone’s differences regardless of the jersey they are wearing.  

• COMPETE HARD while leading positive and RESPECTFUL interactions with others.  

• Be an ALLY by contributing to safe spaces where everyone feels welcome. 

“Hockey culture and how we change to make this game inclusive for anyone who wants to play this sport is essential,” said Len Samletzki, Chair of Hockey Alberta’s Board of Directors. “We’ve talked about this for a number of years, and it gives us an opportunity to be inclusive and to be part of something that brings us forward. We have a great sport and we’re excited about being at the start of this in Alberta and doing it with all the players that we get an opportunity to work with.”  

In September, Hockey Alberta released its statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) where Hockey Alberta committed to removing all forms of discrimination and maltreatment from the sport of hockey.  

HOCKEY ALBERTA’S EDI STATEMENT > 

The Player Pledge is a key undertaking where Hockey Alberta is asking teams competing in Provincial Championships to be part of the commitment to nurture a positive hockey culture. Teams are requested to participate in a team building activity ahead of the tournament that includes watching a short video followed by the coach leading a conversation about respect, inclusion and what it means to be an ally.  

The final step is a request for players to take the Player Pledge, as well as a team commitment on what the team will do throughout the tournament to help nurture a positive hockey culture. To acknowledge the Player Pledge and commitment, each team participating in Provincials receives a dressing room door magnet that includes space to share their commitment to action throughout the tournament.  

“We are really excited to have the Player Pledge as part of our Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships,” said Rob Litwinski, President and CEO of Hockey Alberta. “We all have a huge responsibility in the game to ensure we continue to enhance and nurture a positive hockey culture. That includes respectful behaviour and actions on the ice, in the dressing room, in hotel rooms and it’s also going to lead to inclusive behaviour and language as well.”  

Participation is not mandatory; however, teams who take the Player Pledge can enter to win $500 towards their year-end party. 

In addition, Player Pledge pop-up banners will be visible in Provincial Championship arenas around the province.  

Everyone attending a Provincial Championship event is encouraged to get involved on social media: take a photo with the Player Pledge, share it on social media, tag Hockey Alberta and use the hashtag, #ItStartsWithMe.