The ice is ready and the community is gathering as the annual Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week officially drops the puck this Friday. The beloved local tradition, a cornerstone of winter in the city, will this year carry a poignant note as it honours the memory of a late longtime volunteer whose dedication helped shape the event for generations.
Launch Ceremony Highlights Future Stars
The week's launch was celebrated with a ceremony on January 6, 2026, in the prestigious Oilers Hall of Fame Room at Rogers Place. A key highlight was the presentation of the prestigious Wayne Gretzky Award, which recognizes outstanding community involvement and sportsmanship among young players.
This year's recipients are Rehaan Chaglani and Tyson Guinchard, who were present to accept their accolades from Edmonton Oiler Community Foundation Executive Director Myrna Khan. A third winner, Maddie Butterfield, was notably absent. Her team was unexpectedly stranded in Stockholm, Sweden, due to a delayed flight home, preventing her from attending the in-person celebration.
A Week Built on Community and Volunteer Spirit
Edmonton Minor Hockey Week is far more than just a tournament; it's a massive community festival centered around the sport. It brings together thousands of young athletes, their families, coaches, and countless volunteers who make the games possible.
The decision to dedicate this year's event to a cherished, late volunteer underscores the foundational role these individuals play. Their countless hours of unseen work—from managing schedules and officiating games to maintaining facilities—form the backbone of minor hockey in Edmonton and across Canada.
Looking Ahead on the Ice
As the games commence Friday, the focus shifts to the rinks across the city where the next generation of players will compete, learn, and embody the values of teamwork and dedication. The week stands as a testament to Edmonton's deep-rooted hockey culture, celebrating both its promising future stars and the volunteer legacy that sustains the sport.
The story of Maddie Butterfield's team, delayed abroad yet still recognized, also highlights the modern, sometimes global, realities of youth sports, even as communities gather locally to celebrate their shared passion.
