A new partnership is forging a female hockey pipeline in northern Alberta, aiming to keep young athletes in the region while they pursue both sport and education.
Partnership Announcement
Grande Prairie’s Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) has announced a collaboration with the Peace Country Female Athletic Club (PCFAC) hockey program. The initiative is designed to create a clearer pathway for female players to compete at high levels while earning post-secondary credentials close to home.
“What we’re trying to do is make sure the development system in northern Alberta is quite strong, and athletes are able to stay in the area for both their post-secondary and athletic careers,” said James Phillips, athletic director at Northwestern Polytechnic.
Phillips emphasized that the partnership aims to strengthen opportunities for young athletes who might otherwise leave the region to continue their hockey development.
Building a Long-Term Pipeline
NWP President and CEO Dr. Vanessa Sheane described the initiative as the creation of a long-term development pipeline for female players.
“A pipeline of female hockey is exactly what this is,” she said. “The partnership is about creating a clearer pathway for young female players to develop their skills and pursue post-secondary education.”
“It’s about keeping students in the area and contributing to their education,” added Phillips.
Athletics Expansion at NWP
The announcement comes as NWP continues to expand its athletics profile. Wednesday’s convocation marked a milestone, with student-athletes graduating while representing the Wolves program.
“Today we have graduates wearing the Wolves logo. They want everyone to know they are graduating student-athletes here today,” said Phillips.
As part of the partnership, new jerseys for PCFAC teams will be unveiled for the 2026-27 season and will feature a look aligned with the new NWP Wolves women’s hockey program.
Commitment to Local Athletes
Officials say the collaboration reflects NWP Athletics’ commitment to investing in local athletes and supporting young women pursuing high-level hockey while remaining in northern Alberta.
Phillips noted that the connection between the two organizations became obvious early in the planning process.
“When we were putting this program together, we saw some athletes in NCAA, collegiate and university hockey and thought, wouldn’t it be nice if some of these athletes could stay at home,” he said.
“It allows athletes to compete at home and gives them a natural transition to their professional or athletic next steps.”
