King the Husky mascot drops the puck to signify that the Keyano College Huskies will enter Alberta Colleges Athletic Association men's hockey program in 2012. On the right is Jarrod Saunders, President of the Keyano College Student’s Association along with Dale Unruh, Chair of the Keyano Foundation and Board of Directors.

Photo Sean McLennan

May 29, 2011 - Keyano College Huskies announced recently that their application to enter a men’s hockey team into the Alberta Colleges Athletic Association has been accepted and that they will commence league sanctioned play in 2012-2013.

“This is our big dog Huskies moment,” said Wade Kolmel, Director of Sport & Wellness, Keyano College. “I want to thank Wayne Thomas (former Project Manager Sport & Wellness) who has been instrumental in bringing hockey to Keyano College and all of our community for making this happen.”

Like the other dignitaries in the audience Thursday, Dale Unruh, Chair of the Keyano Foundation and Board of Directors had had a speech prepared but when he came to the podium those written words were simply thrown out the window.

He let his heart speak:  “Everyone has played a part in making today’s announcement happen – this is a typical Fort McMurray factor. There was a void. Kids will now have a place to go.This brings Keyano College and Wood Buffalo to a national level.”

Dr. Kevin Nagel, Keyano College’s President  & CEO echoed Unruh’s passion: “Hockey has been a source of national pride for Canadians. It’s going to be a great asset for our College and the community.”

Nagel himself was an outstanding hockey player having played for the University of Wisconsin Badgers in the 1970s while also suiting up for the Regina Pats of the Western Canadian Hockey League in 1974-1975 and then professionally with Cologne EC in 1980-1981.

Decked out in a Huskies hockey sweater, Jarrod Saunders, President of the Keyano College Student’s Association, added that the hockey team will enhance student life on-campus. “We will be able to recruit more students. Playing hockey while getting a diploma is gratifying. Go Huskies!”

Andrew Boutilier, president of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, stated that the Huskies will now give the Barons a “direct link” for their graduating players.

“We are one of the most fertile hockey markets in the country and we’ve always had that support.  (Oil Barons) Head coach Gord Thibodeau has done a great job in preparing players for that next level and Keyano College hockey will be a great tool for us for sure,” said Boutilier in an interview.

Kolmel said they are presently interviewing coaching applicants and that a coach is expected in place by September.

“We are going for the most elite players we can. Whenever you’re filling a brand new roster you will have a lot of opportunity and players will be seeking us out.”

Sponsorships of over $450,000 have already been secured to start up the program with Finning Canada as the program’s Diamond Sponsor with a pledge of $150,000 over three years.

The announcement was a major step in the Keyano College Huskies program as they complete their 25th year in the ACAC.

Last year was also the Huskies inaugural season in men’s and women’s basketball and futsal.

The Huskies also compete in men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball along with cross country running.

What sort of players suit up in ACAC hockey?

If you look on this year’s rosters, as is the case every season, you will find dozens  of former AJHL players.

Former MOB members and Fort McMurray home grown talents Jeremy Roberts and, Kris Steedsman, played with Mount Royal Cougars and Portage Voyageurs this past year.

Olympians are also part of the league as Grant MacEwan Griffins feature Canadian Women’s National team member and Olympian Shannon Szabados in net

Nearly every team has a few former professional players either from the North American or European circuits. Men, some in their 30s’, now returning to school to upgrade their education or get a trade.

The NAIT Ooks featured a former NHL draft pick with Dion Darling – 125th overall in the fifth round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens – who after 16 years of getting a paycheque playing hockey around the globe returned to school this fall at age 35.

Down in Camrose the Augustana Vikings have a few former pro players on the roster with Jeremy Beirnes of the Huntsville Havoc and Brent Ottmann of the Wichita Thunder.

Former Swiss pro from the EHC Winterthur, Manuel Schellenberg, is enrolled at Briercrest.

No doubt Keyano College Huskies will also have a similair talented roster in 2012 for local fans to cheer for.

Click here for a photo gallery of the event