Hanna, Alberta has long been more than just a dot on the prairie map—it’s a hockey town at heart. Generations of players have come up through Hanna’s minor hockey programs, cheered on by families, volunteers, and loyal fans. It’s the hometown of legends. Now, with the launch of the Hanna Havoc junior hockey club, Hanna is well positioned to write the next chapter in our hockey legacy.

The USPHL Premier is one of North America’s largest and most competitive Tier III junior leagues, with over 60 teams across the U.S. and now Canada. In 2024-25 alone, more than 250 USPHL players advanced to collegiate and club hockey across North America. The addition of Alberta teams—including the Hanna Havoc—positions our province at the forefront of this growing North American network while bringing top-tier hockey to Hanna’s doorstep.

As co-owner Travis St. Laurent put it: “Competing in this prestigious league provides our players a valuable opportunity to grow, develop, and showcase their talents on a broader stage. We’re thrilled to represent the people of Hanna with pride, passion, and grit“.

What sets this initiative apart is how deeply it’s rooted in community. The Havoc aren’t just here to compete—they’re here to contribute. The team’s mission is to “win on and off the ice,” inspiring youth, and enriching Hanna’s social and economic fabric. Players, aged 16 to 20, will billet with local families, mentor young athletes, support school programs, and volunteer at town events—from food drives to snow shoveling for seniors.

The team expects to host over 20 home games at the Hanna Agri-Sports Complex, complemented by practices, camps, and community skates. This usage helps maximize the value of existing infrastructure, providing year-round activity at the arena and justifying future upgrades that will benefit everyone.

“My goal is to fill Hanna’s facilities with both users and patrons,” says Kevin Olsen, Community Services Facilities Manager. “This will bring people in to watch the games as well as users to both the Arena and to Centennial Place.”

The economic benefits will be significant and immediate. Visiting teams, scouts, and families will fuel increased activity in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Sponsorships, merchandise sales, and vendor partnerships offer new revenue streams. And for those wondering if the hockey will match the buzz—the answer is a resounding yes. The USPHL Premier is fast-paced, physical, and competitive. It draws players from North America and Europe, and has become a proven stepping stone toward NCAA, ACHA, Tier II junior, and even professional hockey. With the Alberta Division expected to evolve toward the USPHL’s tuition-free NCDC level, the future is even brighter.

Mayor Danny Povaschuk shared his support, stating, “The Hanna Havoc represents a fantastic opportunity for our town—not just for hockey, but for economic activity, tourism, and pride. This team will give us one more reason to rally together and show what this town can do.”

While restaurants and hotels are the obvious immediate beneficiaries of a junior hockey team, there’s a ripple effect that reaches a broader set of local businesses and supports non-hospitality business opportunities. Services that could drive demand, created by the addition of the Hanna Havoc, might include transportation, pro-shop and equipment, merchandising, health, technology and media services. Keep watching as we will provide some ideas on how having a junior hockey team will provide fertile ground for entrepreneurial growth.

Town staff are equally enthusiastic about the new partnership. “I’m excited to work with the Hanna Havoc media team to help them get their information out to residents and fans,” said Laurie Armstrong, Director of Business & Communication. Armstrong reminds everyone to get their information from legitimate and trusted sources. “The Town’s electronic newsletter is a great first step, followed by the community event calendar, weekly flyers in your mailboxes, and of course, the official social media accounts of the Hanna Havoc and the Town of Hanna. The Town’s marketing department plans to support the Hanna Havoc as they introduce the league and team to the community.”

Identification Skates

August 16 & 17, 2025 at 8:00 am, 9:45 am, 1:00 pm, 2:45 pm both days
Chestermere Rec Center, 201 West Chestermere Drive
Registration is now open. Visit usphl.com
All 5 teams will be in attendance.

For more information, sponsorship inquiries or to get involved, visit the USPHL Website or Hanna’s Community Events Calendar.
Follow @HannaHavoc on social media for the latest updates.