Three Cochrane players who helped the U15AAA Airdrie Xtreme win a provincial championship have been selected to play in the 2023 Alberta Cup being hosted by Red Deer, Apr. 27 to 30.

Forwards Riley Boychuk and Braeden Bohach-Murray and blueliner Bennet Kelly will be playing for Alberta Blue in the tournament.

Yesterday, Hockey Alberta announced the 120 athletes who were selected for the tournament. Two teams from each of the north, central, and south regions will face off in a modified round-robin tournament taking place at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Each of the six teams is comprised of two goaltenders, six defence, and 12 forwards.

Several other members of the Airdrie Xtreme were named to Alberta Cup rosters.

Tryouts were held last weekend for eligible male players born in 2008.

“Year after year we see talented kids from across the province try out, and this was no exception,” states Mike Kraichy, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Elite Male Hockey, in a news release. “This is the next step in the Team Alberta program, but my focus is on player development and that they use this opportunity to reach their next level as hockey players and people.”

The Alberta Cup provides players and staff with an opportunity to experience elite-level play in a short-term competition. Players participating in the tournament will be evaluated to represent Team Alberta at the WHL Cup in October.

It's followed by the Alberta Challenge, May 3 to 7, and the Prospects Cup, May 10 to 13, which will also be played in Red Deer.