Back on the Ice: ACAC Hockey Returns for the 2025/26 Season
EDMONTON, AB - “One of the best kept hockey secrets in Canada is about to begin their 2025-26 season – ACAC Men’s and Women’s hockey” says Terry Ballard, ACAC Hockey Convenor and Medicine Hat Rattlers Athletic Director.
“On the Women’s side, there are six teams vying for ACAC Hockey Supremacy, with Lakeland College the defending Champion, it looks to be an exciting season. With six ACAC Women’s Hockey teams, they will be competing to earn one of four ACAC playoff spots in what will be a great season of hockey.”
“ACAC Men’s hockey is always an exciting game, with teams chasing down three-time defending ACAC Champions, Red Deer Polytechnic. With each team capable of beating every other team on any given night, the standings will be in flux until the final weekend of play. Six ACAC Men’s hockey teams will qualify for playoffs and compete for the ACAC Championship crown. Welcome to the 2025-26 ACAC Men’s and Women’s hockey season.”
2024/25 SEASON RECAP
Last season delivered all the intensity fans have come to expect from ACAC Hockey.
On the women’s side, the Lakeland College Rustlers captured the ACAC Championship, defeating the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens in a hard-fought final. Meanwhile, the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings continued their dynasty on the men’s side, claiming their third consecutive ACAC Championship with a victory over the Briercrest Clippers.
2024/25 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Men’s Coach of the Year:
Rod Ohlhauser - CUE Thunder
Women’s Coach of the Year:
Amanda McLeod - SAIT Trojans
Male Rookie of the Year:
Dylan Handel - CUE Thunder
Female Rookie of the Year:
Kelly Stanford - NAIT Ooks
Male Player of the Year:
Tyler Blocha - NAIT Ooks
Female Player of the Year:
Kaedence Mollin - RDP Queens
LOOKING AHEAD:
As the 2025/26 campaign gets underway, the excitement is already building across the ACAC. The Women’s season is heating up as teams settle into their rhythms through the first few weeks, showcasing balanced rosters and breakout performances from both rookies and veterans. With playoff implications already beginning to take shape, every game is proving crucial.
On the Men’s side, anticipation is at an all-time high with the season officially set to drop the puck on October 17. Returning stars and fresh talent alike are ready to make their mark, as programs across the conference aim to challenge Red Deer Polytechnic’s reign at the top. From fast-paced offense to rock-solid goaltending, fans can expect a season filled with intensity, rivalries, and plenty of drama.
Whether it’s the pursuit of redemption, a quest to repeat, or the rise of new contenders, one thing is certain — ACAC Hockey is back, and the road to the championship starts now.
About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
Markk@acac.ab.ca
Emily Peterson, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Emilyp@acac.ab.ca
Twitter: @acac_sport | #ACACsport
Instagram: @acac_sport | #ACACsport
Facebook: Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference