Crowsnest Pass. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Junior A hockey returns to the Crowsnest Pass after 17 years

May 5, 2022 | 2:50 PM

CROWSNEST PASS, AB – It is not yet known if the former names “Timberwolves” or “Red Devils” are coming back to the Crowsnest Pass, but Junior A hockey is.

The Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League (GMHL) has announced that they have approved the Crowsnest Pass as an expansion host community.

GMHL West Division Executive Director Dr. Derek Prue says the organization wanted to grow its presence in Southern Alberta.

“After considerable consultation with the community of Crowsnest Pass, we have been extremely impressed by the demographics of the community, the facility, and the considerable amenities available to both our league as well as the players looking to advance their careers at the Jr. A level,” says Prue.

Patrick Thomas, Chief Administrative Officer with the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, adds that he is already starting to hear some excitement from locals.

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“I think it’s a great opportunity for the community to get a renewed interest in hockey and in the community, and even for our kids growing up playing hockey, they have some local idols that they can go and watch, and [it’s] just another form of entertainment for people in the area to go and enjoy,” says Thomas.

This will be the third time that the Crowsnest Pass will have a Junior A team, but the first time that it will not be part of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

The Pass Red Devils played four seasons from 1972 to 1976, while the Crowsnest Pass Timberwolves were in operation from 1998 to 2004.

The GMHL has signed a multi-year lease with the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass.

Mayor Blair Painter hopes that the Junior A expansion will not only give young skaters another avenue to play hockey, but will also be an exciting addition to the community.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for both our community and the league,” says Painter. “The minor hockey program has been on a considerable decline since the loss of the Timberwolves team and hopefully with a competitive team back, this will help to inspire a new wave of players. We wish them great success.”

Currently, there are 26 teams in the GMHL, including 17 clubs in Ontario, six in Alberta, two in Quebec, and one in B.C.

The GMHL hopes to have the new Crowsnest Pass expansion team join the league in the 2023-24 season.