CSSHL announces South Alberta Hockey Academy (SAHA) as host for the inaugural 2027 U18 Men’s National Championship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2026
The first ever CSSHL National Championship will take place from March 31 to April 4, 2027, in Southeast Alberta, with U18 teams from the Eastern Division taking on U18 Prep teams from the Western Division.
The host member program, SAHA, has been a member of the CSSHL since the 2020/21 season. SAHA won the inaugural CSSHL East West Challenge in 2025/26 along with two Circle K Classic titles and producing the likes of Gavin McKenna (Toronto Maple Leafs), Andrew Basha (Calgary Flames) and Ryan Miller (Pittsburgh Penguins).
“Choosing the host for this inaugural event was a difficult decision for the CSSHL based on the quality of the applications received from our member programs” stated Mel Davidson, CSSHL Commissioner. “Through our selection evaluation process, SAHA, and the host community, exceeded our criteria and will be an excellent partner. They will deliver a memorable experience for all our participating student-athletes, coaches, staff and the visiting family members & friends.”
Darren MacMillan, General Manager, South Alberta Hockey Academy and Director of Enhanced Programming at Prairie Rose Public schools says, “Being selected to host the inaugural CSSHL U18 Men’s National Championship is an incredible honour for the South Alberta Hockey Academy, Prairie Rose Public Schools, and our entire Southeast Alberta community. Far beyond championship hockey, this event celebrates the power of education-based athletics and the opportunities that exist when schools, sport, and community work together. At SAHA, we are committed to developing exceptional student-athletes. At Prairie Rose Public Schools, we are dedicated to creating innovative learning experiences that prepare students for success beyond graduation. Hosting the nation’s top U18 teams provides an opportunity to showcase not only our outstanding facilities and hospitality, but also the educational model that allows young athletes to excel both in the classroom and on the ice. We are excited to welcome teams and families from across Canada to Southeast Alberta and look forward to creating an unforgettable national championship experience.”
Working alongside SAHA and the CSSHL will be a local event host committee. The host chair for the committee will be Brent Sauer. “Hosting the CSSHL National U18 Men’s Hockey Tournament is a tremendous honour and a testament to our community’s reputation for delivering exceptional sporting events.” says Sauer. “We look forward to welcoming the country’s top young hockey talent and their families while showcasing everything our region has to offer. This tournament is about more than championship hockey; it’s about creating lasting memories, building community, and celebrating the next generation of athletes. We are excited to work alongside our volunteers, partners, and sponsors to deliver an outstanding national championship experience.”
And of course, the City of Medicine Hat will also be involved as the host city. “The City of Medicine Hat is proud to welcome the CSSHL U18 National Championship in 2027. Hosting this event provides an incredible opportunity to showcase our outstanding recreation facilities and community hospitality,” said Scott Richter, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Medicine Hat.
Currently, CSSHL Champions are crowned independently in the Eastern and Western divisional playoffs. Teams from the East can appear as guest teams at Western Showcases, and vice-versa, but the National Championship will be a large step forward in unifying the league and allowing the two divisions to compete for a national title. Details on the event format will be released at the start of the 2026/27 CSSHL season.
For further information:
CSSHL
Sara Cassie
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
s.caissie@csshl.ca
SAHA
Darren MacMillan
General Manager, SAHA, & Director of Enhanced Programming, Prairie Rose Public Schools
darrenmacmillan@prrd8.ca
About the CSSHL
The Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) was established in 2009 and has grown to feature 38 accredited schools and 133 teams across Canada and the US. The CSSHL is a leader in education-based hockey in North America. With 983 alumni in the CHL, 58 in the NHL, and 20 in the PWHL, notable alumni include Connor Bedard and Emily Clark. All programs are sanctioned Hockey Canada Accredited Schools, Schools with Residence, or Sanctioned by USA Hockey.
About Southern Alberta Hockey Academy (SAHA)
The South Alberta Hockey Academy provides a world-class education-based hockey experience that cultivates integrity, leadership, and excellence. Students, teachers, coaches, and performance professionals collaborate to provide academic and athletic experiences that leverage every student’s strength.
Located in Southeast Alberta, Canada, the academy offers a comprehensive, multidimensional program focused on elite skill development, academic success, personal growth, and character building.
Student athletes benefit from an expert coaching staff that brings professional experience, instructional excellence, and a genuine investment in each player’s progress. Through individual meetings, video review, specialized position training, and year-round development plans, athletes receive the guidance needed to reach their highest potential.
The academy works closely with local schools within the division to ensure that players thrive both on the ice and in the classroom. Through flexible academic support, structured routines, and a strong focus on responsibility and accountability, student-athletes can maintain balance while training and competing.
With state-of-the-art facilities, athletes train in an environment designed for high performance. Daily shuttling, structured training blocks, off-ice conditioning, nutrition education, and mental performance support all contribute to a holistic development model.
The South Alberta Hockey Academy offers an unparalleled experience for aspiring hockey players, one that builds skills, confidence, discipline, and leadership, preparing them for success in sport and in life.
