U9

Welcome to U9!!

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WELCOME TO U9 STETTLER STORM HOCKEY

 

Hello U9 Families!

My name is Brittny Kulbacki - I will be your U9 Director for the 2026/ 2027 season. I will be your contact through the season for any questions or concerns that may arise.

This is my first year with a U9 player, although we have been through and we are still in U7, this is my first time in the director role. I hope you will all be patient with me as we get the season rolling and I learn everything my role requires of me.

I am sure we are all looking forward to getting the kids on the ice, although we will have to wait just a little bit longer. Our season will be starting September 28^th this year. Ice times will be confirmed later this week, and once that is done I will be able to provide you with a bit more scheduling information. We will have developmental skates for the first bit before we do team selections and start games. Shortly after that I will be able to provide a schedule for games and local tournaments our teams will be attending.

There are a few items that need to be completed prior to your player skating:

• Medical Forms -We require each player to have an updated medical form completed, Medical Form. If the link doesn't work, just type in your search bar - Stettler Minor Hockey Medical Form.
• Respect in Sport Parent/ Shift Forward - You will have gotten an email back in June regarding the Hockey Alberta introduction of the mandatory program called The Shift Forward Parent/ Guardian, which is replacing the Respect in Sport for both Parents/ Guardians and Activity Leaders. At least ONE parent must have a valid Respect in Sport OR The Shift Forward Parent/ Guardian certification before the season starts. Please make sure to check in on the status of your Respect in sport, if expired for this season - DO NOT RENEW as you will complete The Shift Forward Parent/ Guardian certification instead.
• If your RIS certification has expired: Complete the newShift Forward Parent/Guardian course.
• If your RIS certification is still valid:No action is required at this time. You can continue using your current certification until it expires.
• If you are not sure of your RIS status, you can Check your Respect in Sport account HERE.

If you have not already completed these two items, please do so ASAP as your child WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON THE ICE prior to completion.

While we wrap up the details for season start up, these are a few more items I can provide information on:

Picture Night - there will be a picture night scheduled once team selection is done, date is to be determined and I will provide that once available.

Team Socks - U9 players do NOT need to order game Socks. Your player will be provided with a team jersey and team socks, please just make sure your player has a set of practice socks & practice jersey.

Bacon Fundraiser- This will be our first fundraiser of the year. It is always a great success and counts towards your volunteer hours that you're required to complete. More information and dates coming soon!

Home Tournament Dates - February 5^th to 7^th, 2026.   

Parent Emails - Please ensure that anyone who needs to know about your hockey player gets sent these emails or for future reference knows how to access the U7 drop down on our SMHA WEBSITE. 

Coaches - If you are at all interested in coaching, please apply as soon as possible. We ALWAYS need coaches. Coaches need to complete the RIS Activity leader course as soon as possible, and cannot go on the ice without it. There is also a Criminal record check needed. (We have letters available for this on the website, feel free to reach out if you need it).  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Volunteer Cheques - Each FAMILY is required to provide your director with a Volunteer Cheque; POST DATED to March 31st 2027 for $200. If you have this ready for the first week, I would graciously accept them! I will provide more updates in the near future on how to get volunteer hours, but fundraising is our main option to accomplish that.

Equipment - Some families are familiar and some may not be, so I’ll just share the equipment requirements for each player. PLEASE make sure you are labelling all items of your player’s gear. The dressing rooms can be very busy with players and helping parents, and when things are labelled - it makes it easier when items get misplaced to get them back in the correct hands efficiently.

• Helmet *PLEASE* make sure your players first name is clearly written on the front of it
• Skates (Sharp)
• Shin Pads
• Hockey Pants
• Gloves
• Elbow Pads
• Shoulder Pads
• Neck Guard
• Practice Jersey
• Practice Hockey Socks
• Jock/Jill
• Hockey Stick
• Water Bottle (Labeled with name/ Easily Identifiable) 

I know this is a lot of information all at once, please know that I am available for any questions you may have.

Looking forward to a great season!

Thank you,

Brittny Kulbacki

U9director@stettlerminorhockey.com

780-385-5123