U16AA/U17AAA Tryouts

CANADIAN ATHLETIC CLUB U-17AAA GREGG DISTRIBUTORS

Starting May 29-31, 2026, the Canadian Athletic Club will begin the comprehensive evaluation process for the 2026-2027 hockey season. This process is being led by the CAC Hockey Committee and the U17AAA & 16AA coaches to ensure that a fair and detailed evaluation takes place.

Our evaluation process accurately reflects the evolving landscape of elite hockey in Alberta. Our plan will be fair, transparent and consistent for all parties involved.

Evaluation Plan:

The U17AAA/16AA program at CAC will be hosting evaluations in three phases:

1. Spring Camp - May 29, 30 & 31, 2026
2. Fall Camp- August 29 & 30, 2026
3. Main Camp - Sept 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2026

Players who are only interested in playing 16AA should only register for the Fall Camp

Signing Offers:

• After the completion of Spring Camp, “Invitation to Join the CAC U-17AAA Hockey Program for the 2026/27 Season” letters may be distributed for a spot on the 17AAA Team
• A maximum of 10 “Invitation to Join the CAC U-17AAA Hockey Program for the 2026/27 Season” will be extended following the completion of Spring Camp (Note: not all 10 may be issued at this time)
• Attendance at Spring Camp is a requirement to receive an offer, unless there are a valid set of circumstances for a player's absence that has been ratified by the Hockey Committee and the coaching staff.
• Offer letters must be signed in writing by the specified deadline, after signing a commitment form, and the deposit of $1000 must be paid in full by a specified date.
• Players who accept and sign their Invitation letters will report directly to Main Camp.

Spring Camp - May 29, 30 & 31, 2026

• Spring camp will have a cap of 84 players total (48 Forwards, 24 Defencemen, and 12 Goalies)
• Due to ice availability, once the cap is reached, players will be added to the wait list. 
• We highly encourage families to add their athlete's name to the waitlist, as spots will change due to withdrawals and special circumstances. 
• The CAC reserves the right to adjust the player cap to ensure a balanced and competitive camp.
• Spring Camp will consist of four (4) sessions, ranging from small area games, skills, and scrimmages. 
• After the completion of each team's four (4) sessions, the U17AAA coaching staff and the CAC Hockey Committee may provide “Invitation to Join the CAC U-17AAA Hockey Program for the 2026/27 Season” and Main Camp invitations. These players are not required to attend the Fall Camp
• All players not receiving an Invitation Letter or Main Camp invite must attend Fall Camp.

Fall Camp - August 29 & 30, 2026

Fall camp will include the following players: 

• Players not advanced to Main Camp following Spring Camp
• Players who did not participate in the spring camp and did not have a verified set of circumstances for their absence
• Players who move into Edmonton after the Spring Camp
• Participants will have a minimum of three (3) evaluation skates, which may include skills sessions, small area games and scrimmages.
• The U17AAA/16AA coaches and the Hockey Committee will have a final evaluation of all players in Fall Camp and finalize the invites for the players attending main camp.
• Players who are not extended invites to Main Camp may access a second tryout for AAA or move on to 16AA tryouts (if eligible as a 1st Year Player)

Main Camp - September 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2026

This is an invite-only camp. Invites will be extended following Spring Camp, and the remaining spots will be filled from Fall Camp. 

• Players who register late or move to the draw zone after the spring camp must attend Fall Camp and be invited to Main Camp.
• Main camp will include a minimum of three (3) evaluation skates that may include skills sessions, small area games, scrimmages, and exhibition games.
• All eligible players who are at the Jr Oilers Program Fall Camps and released by the Jr Oilers will be automatically invited to Main Camp and must contact the U-17AAA Head Coach and CAC Registrar immediately upon release (this applies to players who may seek out 2nd Tryouts at the U-18AAA Level with other programs)
• The U-17AAA Red vs White Game will conclude Main Camp on September 7, 2026
• Following the Red vs White Game, 1-on-1 Player Exit Meetings will occur with the coaches and the roster will be reduced to approx. 25-27 players for the exhibition season.
• Further evaluation of the remaining players will take place from September 8, 2026 until the team is finalized.

Main Camp - September 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2026

This is an invite-only camp. Invites will be extended following Spring Camp, and the remaining spots will be filled from Fall Camp. 

• Players who register late or move to the draw zone after the spring camp must attend Fall Camp and be invited to Main Camp.
• Main camp will include a minimum of three (3) evaluation skates that may include skills sessions, small area games, scrimmages, and exhibition games.
• All eligible players who are at the Jr Oilers Program Fall Camps and released by the Jr Oilers will be automatically invited to Main Camp and must contact the U-17AAA Head Coach and CAC Registrar immediately upon release (this applies to players who may seek out 2nd Tryouts at the U-18AAA Level with other programs)
• The U-17AAA Red vs White Game will conclude Main Camp on September 7, 2026
• Following the Red vs White Game, 1-on-1 Player Exit Meetings will occur with the coaches, and the roster will be reduced to approx. 25-27 players for the exhibition season.
• Further evaluation of the remaining players will take place from September 8, 2026, until the team is finalized.

General FAQ’s

• To make U17 AAA, do I need to attend Spring Camp?

1. No, but attendance at Spring Camp is required to receive a signing offer letter (unless a verified set of circumstances, i.e., injury, has been discussed with the Hockey Committee). Players who do not attend Spring Camp will still have the opportunity to be evaluated in Fall Camp and receive an invite to Main Camp.

• ?If my athlete is assigned to Fall Camp, are they done with the U-17AAA process? 

1. No, Fall Camp attendees will still be evaluated and can receive a main camp invite.

• My athlete was not offered a “Invitation to Join the CAC U-17AAA Hockey Program for the 2026/27 Season” letter, Can they still make the U17 AAA team?

1. Yes. Signing offers make up a limited portion of the roster. The coaching staff can sign up to 10 players, but does not need to use all 10 available spots. 
2. Players may not receive a “Invitation to Join the CAC U-17AAA Hockey Program for the 2026/27 Season” letter, but will still be invited to report directly to Main Camp, otherwise they have to attend the Fall Camp.

• Who gets first priority on the Spring Camp waitlist?

1. Positional balance is the first priority. If a forward drops out, the next forward on the list will be added

• If we decline our “Invitation to Join the CAC U-17AAA Hockey Program for the 2026/27 Season” letter, can our athlete still attend main camp? 

1. This is on a case-by-case basis, and each scenario will be reviewed by the Hockey Committee and the coaching staff. Your athlete may not be asked to attend the main camp if the invitation is declined.

• Can my athlete receive feedback from the evaluation process?

1. Yes, while data and rankings will not be shared, verbal feedback can be provided if the U17AAA director is appropriately contacted.

• When is the team finalized?

1. The team is not finalized until the end of the evaluation process in late September to early October 2026, as the U-18AAA programs are finalized first.

Player Movement FAQ’s

• ?Are the borders in AAA hockey “open”? Can players try out anywhere they choose?

1. No, there is no such thing as an “open borders” policy in Elite Hockey in Alberta.

• How does elite player movement work for players within Hockey Edmonton?

1. AAA/AA players who are Edmonton Residents may apply for player movement to a different club from their resident / draw zone club. 
2. Players must apply between March 1st and 15th. No exceptions. Families will be asked to share a letter highlighting their reasons to request movement to another club.
3. If movement is accepted, players will be expected to register for the CAC Spring and Fall/Main Camp. -? https://www.playhockeyedmonton.ca/playermovement

1. ?How does player movement work for players outside of a Hockey Edmonton Draw zone? 
1. Players whose primary association falls out of the CAC drawzone or a subsequent Hockey Edmonton draw zone must first submit an Elite Player Movement Request to Hockey Alberta. Hockey Alberta will accept submissions from March 1st to April 1st.
2. Players who have submitted an Elite Player Movement request during this timeframe may be provided temporary permission to attend a second spring camp.
3. If CAC indicates that we support the player movement request, this player may attend CAC’s Spring Camp with this temporary permission. Players applying for movement to CAC will receive a letter of support after they have applied.
4. This temporary permission only applies to the requested club, but does maintain their eligibility to attend their home association's spring camp.
5. This temporary permission does not guarantee that the Elite Player Movement Request will be approved.
6. Players on temporary permission will not be eligible to receive an “Invitation to Join the CAC U-17AAA Hockey Program for the 2026/27 Season” letter. Letters will only be offered if their Elite Player Movement Request is approved by Hockey Alberta to go to CAC.

Player Fee Summary Estimate

2025/26 PLAYER FEES 

*The 2026-2027 fees are not set and fees are subject to change.

The Club tries to operate on a balanced budget each year and the Executive projects a budget of anticipated expenses and known revenues such as sponsors. Player registration fees are calculated to cover such expenses as

• Game ice
• Referee fees for league play and playoffs
• Time Keepers
• Trainers and supplies
• Practice ice (approximately 2 practices per week for AA or 3 for AAA)
• Game jerseys and socks
• Practice jerseys
• Team photos
• Banquet and awards
• Travel - bus, hotel, meal allowance for league games out-of-town
• Coaches and team staff honorariums
• Coaching supplies
• Coach/Player apparel
• Coaching Clinics and certification
• Club administration
• Hockey Edmonton, Hockey Alberta, and Hockey Canada fees
• League fees
• Player and coach insurance coverage
• Player, goalie, and coach skill development programs

For the 2026-2027 season, families will have the option of 1 or 4 payments for the fees.

• The first payment is due at the time of team registration.
• If payment in full is chosen, the balance is due at team registration.
• If installments are chosen, the first installment (40%) is due at team registration and the following 3 installments will be due on October 30 (20%), November 20 (20%), and January 15 (20%).
• During your online registration, you can select payment by credit card or e-transfer.
• If you choose to pay by credit card, installments will automatically be charged to your card on the dates listed.
• If you choose to pay by e-transfer, please pay by chosen installment method with e-transfer for the outlined dates.
• Accepted methods of payment are VISA, MasterCard, or E-Transfer.

The team is responsible for all team expenses including additional practice ice required over and above the allocation assigned to the team by the Club (approx. 2 practices per week).  

 REFUND POLICY

• Refund requests must be accompanied by a medical certificate.
• Please submit your request to CAC Office attn: Betty email to registrar@cac-hockey.com
• Please allow approximately 3 weeks for the processing of the refund from the time of notification.
• Administration fees will not be refunded.
• Tryout and Registration fees include a $75.00 non-refundable administration charge.

Betty Chmilar

780-499-4148

registrar@cac-hockey.com