Major Milestone - AAA Expansion Coming to CMHA

We are excited to share some important news that marks a significant milestone for Cochrane Minor Hockey Association and the entire Bow Valley hockey community.

Hockey Alberta has officially approved U15 AAA and U17 AAA teams for Cochrane and the Bow Valley draw zone, beginning in the 2026/27 season. This announcement represents a major step forward for elite hockey in our region and is the result of years of dedication and planning by our team.

Following the departure of the Avs program from Cochrane, securing our own AAA program has been a long-standing priority. With this expansion, we’re proud to now offer a complete development pathway for local athletes - from grassroots through to elite levels - while giving players the opportunity to stay closer to home and grow within their community.

These new AAA teams will compete under the Bow Valley Timberwolves branding. This was a deliberate and meaningful choice, aimed at representing our entire draw zone and ensuring every player and family feels included in this exciting new chapter.

Acknowledgment:
We extend our sincere thanks to Hockey Alberta and the AEHL committee for the time and effort they dedicated to this process. We’re also grateful to the executive committee and board of directors at Cochrane Minor Hockey Association for their ongoing commitment to the growth of hockey in our region. A special thank you goes to Ashley Raabis, whose hard work and leadership have played a key role in making this vision a reality.

As always, CMHA remains committed to developing well-rounded athletes by providing high-quality, accessible programming that prioritizes skill development, teamwork, and a love for the game.