Sask First Coaches
Sask First was introduced by Hockey Saskatchewan in 1988 and since that time the program has brought great pride and accomplishment within our province for all participants. It was designed to provide a better understanding of the game as well as to promote the development of quality players, coaches, officials and administrators. The participants are enriched as individuals and can achieve self-satisfaction and employment as part of the hockey community.
The High-performance Program promotes the pursuit of common goals. The historical successes of the program and its graduates are front and centre as incentives for participants and proof of the Sask First’s effectiveness. The Program’s success has assisted numerous coaches in achieving their goals.
Sask First Coaching Programs
The Female Sask First Program begins every February with regional camps held across the province and are open to all players in the Under-16 (U16) and Under-18 (U18) categories. From there, the top players are invited to take place in the Sask First Tournament held in April at which time up to 30 players are chosen to attend the upcoming summer/fall camp.
The process ensures all players not only have the opportunity to compete with their peers, but receive significant exposure as all Sask First events are highly attended by scouts from a variety of elite leagues. In addition, the Sask First Program is a gateway to Hockey Canada’s Female high-performance program which includes their National Teams.
2026-27 Program:
1. Regional Camps
- Dates: February 5 - 7, 2027
- Locations:
- North Camp (Zones 5-8): Dalmeny, Sask.
- South Camp (Zone 1-4): Pense, Sask.
2. Top 136 Tournament
- Dates: April 2 - 4, 2027
- Location: Regina, Sask.
Sask First Coaching Application
Equipment Manager Application
The Female Sask First Program begins every February with regional camps held across the province and are open to all players in the Under-18 (U18) category. From there, the top players are invited to take place in the Sask First Tournament held in April at which time up to 30 players are chosen to attend the upcoming summer/fall camp.
Hockey Saskatchewan created this high-performance program to ensure not only players, but coaches and officials all receive ample opportunity for development both on and off the ice. The Sask First Program is unique as no other provincial branches offer such as in depth developmental program for athletes, coaches and officials. It remains the mission of Hockey Saskatchewan to lead, promote and develop positive hockey experiences across the entire province of Saskatchewan.
2026-27 Program:
1. Provincial Camp
- Dates: February 5 - 7, 2027
- Location: Southey, Sask.
2. Top 80 Tournament
- Dates: April 9 - 11, 2027
- Location: Balgonie, Sask.
Sask First Coaching Application
Equipment Manager Application
This Sask First Program begins every December with regional camps held in the province and are open to all players in the Male U15 category. From there, the top players are invited to take place in the Sask First Tournament held in December (top 160), the a second tournament in February (top 80) at which time the top 25-30 are chosen to attend the camps for the Team Saskatchewan Male Under-16 Program.
Hockey Saskatchewan created this high-performance program to ensure not only players, but coaches and officials all receive ample opportunity for development both on and off the ice. The Sask First Program is unique as no other provincial branches offer such as in depth developmental program for athletes, coaches and officials.
2026-27 Program:
1. Regional Camps
- Dates: December 4 - 6, 2026
- Locations:
- North Camp (Zones 5-8): Aberdeen, Sask.
- South Camp (Zones 1-4): Lumsden, Sask.
2. Top 160 Tournament
- Dates: December 28 - 30, 2026
- Location: Regina, Sask.
3. Top 80 Tournament
- Dates: February 12 - 14, 2027
- Location: Regina, Sask.
Sask First Coaching Application
Equipment Manager Application
The Sask First Program was introduced by Hockey Saskatchewan in 1988 and since that time the program has brought great pride and accomplishment within our province. The high-performance program was designed to provide a better understanding of the game as well as to promote the development of quality players, coaches, trainers, officials and administrators. The participants are enriched as individuals and can achieve self-satisfaction and enjoyment as part of the hockey community.
The Sask First Program promotes a team concept which encompasses the pursuit of common goals. It is emphasized that everyone on the team must pursue their personal goals within the team environment and that no one individual is more important than the team. Team success comes from all team members melding their talents, skills and energies toward the achievement of the team's goals.
The Sask First Under-18 Program is an excellent opportunity for players to showcase their talent and ability in front of many scouts from the Saskatcheawn Junior Hockey League (SJHL). Regional Camps will be held the first weekend of February before the Tournament in April.
2026-27 Program:
1. Regional Camps
- Dates: February 5 - 7, 2027
- Locations:
- Regional Camp (Zones 5-8): Aberdeen, Sask.
- Regional Camp (Zones 1-4): Lumsden, Sask.
2. Top 160 Tournament
- Dates: April 9 - 11, 2027
- Location: Regina, Sask.
Sask First Coaching Application
The inaugural season of the Sask First Para Hockey Program is set to kick off in 2023-24, with the objectives of honing players' skills and assembling Team Saskatchewan to represent the province in national competition. This groundbreaking program is open to both able and non-able-bodied individuals as well as all genders. The journey commences in December with a Provincial Camp, welcoming participants from all corners of the province.
2026-27 Program:
1. Provincial Camp
- Dates: TBD
- Location: TBD
2. 2027 Canadian Para Hockey Championship
- Dates: TBD
- Location: TBD
Sask First Para Coaching Application
Application is Closed.
The Female Sask First Program begins every February with regional camps held across the province and are open to all players in the U16 and U18 categories. From there, the top players are invited to take place in the Sask First Tournament held in April at which time up to 30 players are chosen to attend the upcoming summer/fall camp. The process ensures all players not only have the opportunity to compete with their peers, but receive significant exposure as all Sask First events are highly attended by scouts from a variety of elite leagues. In addition, the Sask First Program is a gateway to Hockey Canada’s Female high-performance program which includes their National Teams.
2025-26 Program:
1. Summer Camp
- Dates: August 1 - 2, 2026
- Location: Regina, Sask.
2. 2026 Female U16 Showcase Tournament
- Dates: September 3 - 6, 2026
- Location: Swift Current, Sask.
Team Saskatchewan Coaching Application
Application is Closed.
Athletic Therapist/Equipment Manager Application
The Team Saskatchewan Female Under-18 Program development path begins at the U16 age level and progresses to U18, with a goal of identifying and evaluating players in the selection process for Team Saskatchewan. The program feeds into Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence. The overall goal is to create an environment where players, coaches, trainers and administrators can meet new friends, compete with their peers, and approach levels of commitment and excellence that each has the potential to achieve.
2025-26 Program:
1. Top 80 Tournament
- Dates: April 10 - 12, 2026
- Location: Balgonie, Sask.
2. Orientation Camp
- Dates: June 7, 2026
- Location: Regina, Sask.
3. Summer Camp
- Dates: July 31 - August 1, 2026
- Location: Regina, Sask.
4. Fall Camp
- Dates: September 17 - 20, 2026
- Location: Saskatoon, Sask.
5. Exhibition Games vs Team Manitoba
- Dates: Dec. 21 - 22, 2026
- Location: Saskatoon, Sask.
6. Departure Camp
- Dates: TBD, 2027
- Location: Regina, Sask.
7. 2027 Canada Winter Games
- Dates: March 5 - 15, 2027
- Location: Quebec City, Que.
Team Saskatchewan Coaching Application
Application is Closed.
Athletic Therapist/Equipment Manager Application
The Team Saskatchewan Male Under-16 (U16) Program development path begins at the Under-15 age level and progresses to U16, with a goal of identifying and evaluating players in the selection process for Team Saskatchewan. The program feeds into Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence. The overall goal is to create an environment where players, coaches, trainers and administrators can meet new friends, compete with their peers, and approach levels of commitment and excellence that each has the potential to achieve.
2025-26 Program:
1. Top 80 Tournament
- Dates: February 13 - 15, 2026
- Location: Balgonie, Sask.
2. Orientation Camp
- Dates: June 6, 2026
- Location: Regina, Sask.
3. Summer Camp
- Dates: July 25 - 26, 2026
- Location: Regina, Sask.
4. Fall Camp
- Dates: September 10 - 13, 2026
- Location: Regina/Wilcox, Sask.
5. Exhibition Games vs Team Manitoba
- Dates: Dec. 21 - 22, 2026
- Location: Saskatoon, Sask.
6. Departure Camp
- Dates: TBD, 2027
- Location: Regina, Sask.
7. 2027 Canada Winter Games
- Dates: February 24 - March 7, 2027
- Location: Quebec City, Que.
Team Saskatchewan Coaching Application
Application is Closed.
