2026 - U18AAA Tryouts

U18AAA Players - will be scheduled for 3 scrimmage icetimes
U18AAA Goalies* - will be scheduled for a goalie eval and 3 scrimmage icetimes

*Please note: There is the possibility of goaltender releases following the goalie eval depending on registration numbers. If this does occur, you will be issued a full registration refund (minus any non-refundable credit card fees if applicable)

All registrants must also be registered for their respective Community Tryouts in order to be eligible for our tryouts. The only exceptions will be to those players who have already been committed by the U18AAA coach.

U18AAA TRYOUTS SCHEDULE (updated Aug 18, 2026)

AUg 24, 2026
Information from Hockey Operations:

U18 Players and Parents/Guardians,

As we move closer to the U18 tryout period, we want to remind everyone of the CRAA's expectations for players who are also pursuing Junior tryout opportunities this fall. Please read this email carefully.

Junior Tryout Opportunities

The Calgary Royals fully support players pursuing opportunities with recognized junior hockey programs, including the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), and Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

If you are attending an AJHL, SJHL, MJHL, WHL, or other recognized non-association tryout, you are expected to communicate this with the appropriate Royals Hockey Operations staff and make every effort to attend your scheduled Royals tryouts when possible.

The Royals want to support players pursuing the highest level of hockey available to them while also maintaining a fair, organized, and consistent tryout process for all players.

A Note on Non-Sanctioned Leagues (WIJHL)

We also want to make sure families have accurate information when weighing Junior opportunities. The Western International Junior Hockey League (WIJHL) is not a Hockey Canada-sanctioned league and does not operate within the Hockey Canada system. As a result, it is not considered a recognized Junior pathway by the Calgary Royals, and we are not in a position to support or endorse players attending WIJHL tryouts, camps, or teams.

Our priority remains supporting players in pursuing legitimate, recognized opportunities through Hockey Canada-sanctioned leagues and programs, and we'd encourage families to look into the sanctioning and recognition status of any league before committing to a tryout or team.

Please Note: The 200 km Expectation

There is a firm expectation that any player attending a Junior tryout within 200 km of Calgary will attend their scheduled CRAA tryouts.

Exceptions to this expectation are made only at the discretion of the AAA coaching staff, in conjunction with the Vice President of Hockey Operations (On Ice) and the Manager of Hockey Operations. Players and families should not assume an exception will be granted — please confirm any conflict directly with Hockey Operations staff in advance.

Regardless of Junior tryout attendance, a minimum of two CRAA tryout ice times must be attended prior to final team formation for a player to remain eligible for placement on any CRAA team.

Returning from Junior Tryouts

If a U18-age player returns from a Junior tryout after CRAA tryouts have commenced but before the U18AAA evaluation process concludes, the player will be offered initial tryout times at the discretion of the Vice President of Hockey Operations (On Ice) and the Manager of Hockey Operations.

Please also note: any U18-age player who registers for CRAA tryouts but does not report to a CRAA team, and does not return from a Junior tryout by the date designated in September by Elite Council, is not guaranteed a tryout or a position within the CRAA.

Our Expectation of Families

We ask all players and parents to:

1. Communicate any Junior tryout attendance to Hockey Operations staff as early as possible.

2. Make every effort to attend scheduled CRAA tryouts, particularly where the Junior tryout is within 200 km of Calgary.

3. Confirm any conflict or exception request directly with Hockey Operations rather than assuming one will be granted.

4. Review the full CRAA Policies and Procedures Manual, available on our website, for complete details on the tryout process.

We understand this can be a demanding time for players balancing multiple opportunities, and we are committed to supporting every athlete while maintaining a fair and consistent process. If you have questions about your player's specific situation, please reach out to Hockey Operations directly.

Thank you for your attention to this important information, and we wish all of our players the best of luck through the tryout process.