REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

St. Albert Minor Hockey Association (SAMHA) is seeking proposals from qualified hockey development providers to deliver player and coach development programming during the 2026–2027 season.

We are committed to providing accessible, high-quality development opportunities for both players and coaches. The successful provider will work collaboratively with our hockey operations team and Director of Hockey Development to deliver programming aligned with the Association's development philosophy and long-term player and coach development objectives.

Scope of Services

The successful provider will be responsible for delivering two primary areas of programming within our STA program:

1. Total Hockey Player

The Total Hockey Player Program (U7-U9) is designed to provide players with additional development opportunities focused on building complete hockey players through high-quality, age-appropriate instruction.

Schedule:

  • Fridays
  • Approximately 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Dates and exact ice times TBC
  • Programming will run weekly starting September 25th, the 2026–2027 hockey season

The successful provider will be expected to:

  • Plan and deliver structured, age-appropriate on-ice development sessions.
  • Focus on fundamental and transferable hockey skills, including skating, puck skills, passing, shooting, decision-making and game application.
  • Ensure sessions are engaging, progressive and appropriate for the age and ability of participating players.
  • Provide a qualified lead instructor and 3 supporting instructors to maintain appropriate player-to-instructor ratios.
  • Work collaboratively with our hockey development staff to establish program objectives.
  • Adapt programming where appropriate based on player age, skill level and identified development needs.

2. New Head Coach Development 

The successful provider will work directly with new St. Albert Minor Hockey Head Coaches twice during the season, joining the coach and their team for an on-ice practice.

Ice times will vary depending on individual team schedules. The anticipated number of sessions is between 25 and 30 between October and February.

The objective of these sessions is not simply to run a practice for the coach, but to provide practical, hands-on coach mentorship in the coach's own team environment.

The development provider will be expected to:

  • Connect with each participating Head Coach prior to the session to understand their team and development needs.
  • Collaboratively plan an appropriate practice.
  • Attend and participate in the team's regularly scheduled practice twice throughout the season.
  • Model effective practice structure, teaching techniques, station design and player engagement.
  • Provide practical feedback and mentorship to the Head Coach.
  • Help coaches develop confidence in planning and delivering effective practices.

SAMHA will coordinate participating coaches and team ice times with the successful provider.

Development Philosophy

SAMHA is looking for a provider that views development as more than simply delivering drills.

Programming should prioritize:

  • Age-appropriate player development.
  • Strong skating and fundamental skill development.
  • Decision-making and hockey sense.
  • High player engagement and activity.
  • Progressive teaching and skill development.
  • Positive and inclusive learning environments.

The successful provider should be comfortable working with players and coaches across a range of ages, abilities and experience levels.

Provider Qualifications

Proponents should demonstrate:

  • Experience delivering minor hockey player development.
  • Experience working with and mentoring minor hockey coaches.
  • Qualified and experienced on-ice instructors.
  • Ability to develop age-appropriate practice plans and development programming.
  • Strong communication, organization and professionalism.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with organization staff, leadership team, and volunteer coaches.
  • Appropriate screening requirements for all personnel working directly with players.

Proposal Requirements

Interested providers are asked to submit a proposal that includes:

  1. Organization/Provider Overview
    Background, experience and approach to player and coach development.
  2. Proposed Development Model
    An overview of how you would structure and deliver the Total Hockey Player Program and New Head Coach Development Program.
  3. Staffing
    Identification and qualifications of the lead instructors and other personnel who would be involved.
  4. Coach Development Approach
    An explanation of how your organization would mentor and support new Head Coaches through the two in-season sessions.
  5. Pricing
    A detailed fee proposal, including:

    • Hourly or session rate for Total Hockey Player programming.
    • Rate for New Head Coach development sessions.

Evaluation of Proposals

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Quality and suitability of the proposed development model.
  • Experience and qualifications of instructors.
  • Approach to player development.
  • Strength of the coach mentorship model.
  • Ability to provide consistent staffing and programming.
  • Alignment with SAMHA's development philosophy.
  • Cost and overall value to the Association.
  • References and demonstrated experience working within minor hockey.

SAMHA reserves the right to select the proposal that it determines provides the best overall value and alignment with the Association's objectives. Submission

Proposal Deadline: September 1, 2026

Proposals and questions regarding this RFP should be submitted to:

Jane Sedo
Executive Director 
St. Albert Minor Hockey Association
executivedirector@samha.ca 

We appreciate the interest of all providers and look forward to identifying a development partner.

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