U11 Jr Raiders Coach
Craig Strain
Head Coach, U11 AA Lightning
We’re excited to welcome Craig Strain as the Head Coach of the U11 AA Lightning for the upcoming season.
Craig brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the program, both on and off the ice. He has served as a Head Coach for the past four seasons, including leading the U9 Jr Raiders for the past two years. He is also Development 1 certified and holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary, bringing a thoughtful and structured approach to player development.
As a player, Craig competed at elite levels, including 177 games in the WHL. He followed that with a season in the AJHL, where he captured a National Championship with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. Craig then played five seasons with the University of Calgary before continuing his career professionally in the ECHL and CHL. In 2007, he won the CHL Championship with the Colorado Eagles. These experiences have collectively given him a comprehensive understanding of the game at every level.
Beyond the bench, Craig contributes to the broader success of the program as the Vice President of the St. Albert Raiders Hockey Committee, helping to shape the future of elite hockey in our community.
Craig is passionate about creating a positive, skill-focused environment where players can grow, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the game.
Aaron Buchsdreucker
Head Coach, Jr Raiders U11 AA Barons
The Jr Raiders Barons are excited to welcome Aaron Buchsdreucker as Head Coach for the 2025–2026 season.
Aaron brings a strong coaching background to the role, having served as a Head Coach for four seasons within the association. Most recently, he led the Jr Raiders A team, where he was recognized for his structured, player-focused approach and ability to foster team culture. His team competed in the Minor Hockey Week finals and took home the EFHL Championship.
Aaron is committed to continuous learning and development. He holds certifications in Development 1, Coach 1, Coach 2, Checking Skills, and Respect in Sport – Activity Leader. His dedication to coaching education ensures that his players benefit from current best practices in skill development and safe play.
Aaron is passionate about creating a positive, high-energy environment where players can grow and develop. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, accountability, and fostering a lasting love for the game.
We’re looking forward to a great season with Aaron behind the bench!
U11 A Head Coach
We are currently accepting applications for the Jr Raider A (Tier 1) coaching postions. Please complete our online Coach Intake form if you are interested.
St. Albert Minor Hockey is committed to providing a comprehensive development program for players who want to eventually reach elite hockey and stay within their own hockey community. We are confident the leaders selected for this program willallow playersy to advance their skills further.
The Jr Raiders AA program is a competitive stream of hockey, and players will be evaluated to determine eligibility for the program. This process varies in each division.
