HINTON – The Hinton Canadians are the newest team in the Alberta Elite Junior Hockey League (AEJHL) and will launch their inaugural season this fall.
Mike Renner, team owner, general manager and head coach of the Hinton Canadians, has been running the Mayerthorpe team for the last three years but wanted to move to Hinton since it was not only closer to his wife’s family but also had great facilities and was a true hockey town.
“It’s just a great place to live, it’s a great place for our hockey team and it’s just got everything we wanted,” Renner said. “It was perfect match for us, and we made that call and [are] getting really where we want to be.”
Renner explained how they had gone to the owner of the Hinton Timberwolves, which isn’t having a season this year, to make sure they weren’t stepping on anybody’s toes. Then they signed a lease with the Town of Hinton following a presentation.
The Hinton Canadians’ 2025–26 season will include 21 regular-season home games at the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre, with the home opener set for Sept. 27 against the Northern Alberta Lightning.
“The return of Junior hockey to Hinton is about more than just the game; it’s about bringing people together, creating new traditions, and boosting local pride,” said Mayor Nicholas Nissen in a news release.
“The Hinton Canadians will help foster connection and belonging through the shared experience of local elite hockey,” Nissen added. “We’re excited to see the positive ripple effects this team will bring to our community, our businesses, and our young athletes.”
The Hinton Canadians are looking for players who have AAA experience or are ex-Junior A players from other leagues. Renner said they had already reached out to a few former Timberwolves players, who quickly jumped on board.
The goal is ultimately to develop players who may not have gotten much ice time in the past.
“We’ve had a lot of success with that in the past, and that’s our ultimate goal is to develop and move players on and give them that sort of opportunity that maybe they didn’t get playing at that next level,” Renner said.
He emphasized they would practice in the afternoon and only take one game slot a week in the evening from prime ice to accommodate minor hockey.
“We’re not walking in their to take minor hockey ice time,” he said.
Players will volunteer at local schools, food banks and events, and they will support minor hockey by participating in practices and offering mentorship when invited.
The new team is also expected to create positive economic benefits for local businesses and boost tourism during game weekends. Renner noted many of the teams will be coming from farther away and will likely stay overnight.
A prospect camp will be held in Edmonton, Aug. 16-17. The community also can meet players and coaches during a pre-season barbecue featuring bouncy castles, face painting and giveaways, with the date to be determined.
To stay up to date with the Hinton Canadians, follow them on social media. Those interested in season tickets, sponsorships or volunteering can connect with the team directly via email.
