An ownership change for Calgary International Hockey Academy (Calgary IHA) has been approved by Hockey Alberta and the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The ownership change became effective on August 29, 2025 with Dale Unruh and Merle Johnson gaining control of the Calgary, AB program. Unruh and Johnson are two well-known Calgary businessmen with successful backgrounds in the oil industry and a strong history in youth sports.
“We would like to thank the outgoing ownership group for their tireless hard work and dedication to Calgary IHA – our capable staff remain in place for another successful season. Calgary IHA does not just build hockey players, it shapes strong character, teaches integrity, and develops future leaders through discipline, education, and the spirit of sport.” said Unruh.
“We would like to thank the CSSHL for its warm welcome as well as congratulate the league as the number one choice in North America for youth sports schools. Lastly, we would like to thank our partner, the National Sports School (NSS) for providing an unmatched educational program for all the athletes and families it supports. We could not be prouder to be associated with NSS,” added Johnson.
The ownership change was approved by Hockey Alberta earlier last month, before being voted on by all 37 CSSHL member programs.
Calgary IHA was previously owned by Richard Mulvale, Moe Jamal, and Jay Beagle, who took control of the then International Hockey Academy (IHA) program in the spring of 2023.
After a successful rebrand to Calgary IHA, the group was able to expand the academy from two to four teams as of the 2025/2026 season, while winning the 2024 CSSHL U17 Prep Tier I Western Championship, the first CSSHL Championship in program history.
“We are privileged to have been able to be a part of the CSSHL and take great pride in helping young players achieve their goals in an education-based hockey environment,” remarked Jamal.
“We would like to thank the outgoing ownership group for their efforts over the years in developing Calgary International Hockey Academy into a top-quality program in the Alberta market place,” added CSSHL CEO Andy Oakes. “We would also like to welcome Dale and Merle to the CSSHL and believe they will be big contributors to the overall success of the CSSHL in the coming years. Both of these individuals have proven track records in business and youth sport which will benefit the CSSHL and its members partners.”
