Director, JOB Elite

Rick Bowman

(AAA, AA JOB Teams)

Director, JOB Tiered

Carlene Heath

(A, B JOB Teams)

TRYOUT SCHEDULES

About Our Junior Oil Barons

The Junior Oil Barons (JOB) are Fort McMurray’s premier hockey program, offering the highest levels of sanctioned competition available in our community. Our teams travel across Alberta to compete in the province’s top leagues while proudly hosting games at home—bringing visitors into Fort McMurray and showcasing the pride and hospitality of our community.

The program is divided into two divisions:

  • Elite Division (AAA & AA): Competing in the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL), this division features U13 AAA, U18 AA, U16 AA, U15 AA, and U13 AA. These teams represent the top level of hockey in Fort McMurray. Looking ahead, we are committed to growth with plans to introduce U15 AAA in the future.

  • Tiered Development Division (A & B): Focused on strong player development within a competitive environment, these teams compete in the Northern Alberta Interlock League (NAEHL). This season includes U11 A, U13 A, U15 A, U18 A, and—new this year—U15 B.

The Junior Oil Barons are about more than just hockey. We are committed to growing homegrown talent while shaping players into leaders on and off the ice. Our athletes develop discipline, teamwork, and resilience, while also learning the importance of giving back to their community.

As part of the Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association, the Junior Oil Barons embrace the vision of Hockey for Life by focusing on:

  • Pathways for Every Player – Ensuring opportunities exist for both elite and development athletes.

  • Developing Skills for Life – Building character, leadership, and confidence that extend far beyond the rink.

  • Community Pride – Competing with passion while representing Fort McMurray with integrity and hospitality.

  • Accessibility & Inclusion – Reducing barriers to ensure hockey remains within reach for all families.

  • Leadership & Growth – Preparing players to succeed not only in hockey, but in life.

The Junior Oil Barons bring together athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers with a shared mission: to build strong players, strong teams, and a strong community.

 

 

JOB Program Frequently Asked Questions

Are all the Junior Oil Barons teams Elite?

No. Only the AAA and AA teams are classified under Hockey Alberta’s Elite Pathway.

  • Elite Division (AAA & AA): These teams compete in the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL) and represent the top level of hockey in Fort McMurray. Current teams include U13 AAA, U18 AA, U16 AA, U15 AA, and U13 AA. We are also planning to introduce U15 AAA in the future.

  • Tiered Development Division (A & B): These teams are part of Hockey Alberta’s Alberta One Tiered Pathway. While they fall under the Junior Oil Barons banner, they are not Elite hockey—they are considered House League teams that provide a more competitive option than our Wood Buffalo Hockey League (WBHL). Tiered Development teams compete in the Northern Alberta Interlock League (NAEHL) against other communities. This season includes U11 A, U13 A, U15 A, U18 A, and—new this year—U15 B.

In summary:

  • AAA & AA = Elite Hockey (AEHL)

  • A & B = Tiered Development (House League at a higher level than WBHL)

What equipment does my player need?

Players are required to wear full hockey equipment, including an approved neck guard, for all tryouts, practices, and games.

Jerseys & Socks

  • Jerseys and socks are not supplied for tryouts.

  • Coaches may choose whether to provide practice jerseys for the season, so players should always have their own practice jersey ready.

  • Game jerseys are supplied for all games, including the annual Blue vs Gold games at the start of the season.

Mouth Guards

  • Mouth guards are not mandated by Hockey Alberta, but they are strongly recommended for players in U15 and U18, as they have proven effective in reducing the risk of concussion in contact hockey.

  • FMMHA supports coaches who choose to mandate mouth guards for their team.

Branding & Team Gear

  • At the start of each season, FMMHA opens a parent-paid store where families can purchase optional branded items such as pant shells, gloves, and player bags. These items are not required.

  • FMMHA recommends players wear a navy blue helmet for a consistent team look.

Is my player eligible to try out for the Junior Oil Barons?

Yes—if your player meets the following requirements:

Eligible Birth Years

  • U11: 2015–2016

  • U13: 2013–2014

  • U15: 2011–2012

  • U18: 2008–2010 (U16 = 2010 only)

Registration Requirements

  • Player must be registered with FMMHA for Minor Hockey prior to tryouts.

  • Player must be registered for Junior Oil Barons Tryouts (or Huskies U13 AA Tryouts) through FMMHA prior to tryouts.

  • Player must have no outstanding registration fees from previous seasons.

👉 For full registration details, please visit our Registration Page.

What teams is FMMHA planning to ice in 2025–26?

FMMHA is planning to complete tryouts and roster the following Junior Oil Barons teams for the 2025–26 season:

  • U11 Division

    • U11 AA

    • U11 A

  • U13 Division

    • U13 AAA

    • U13 AA

    • U13 A

  • U15 Division

    • U15 AA

    • U15 A

    • U15 B

  • U18 Division

    • U18 AA

    • U16 AA

    • U18 A

Do I have to try out for Junior Oil Barons AA if I want to play Junior Oil Barons A?

Yes. You start off tryouts at the highest level and move to the next once released.

Can I choose to play A if I am picked to play AA?

No. You do not get to choose which team you play for. If you refuse the AA roster spot you will be released to the WBHL.

How much does it cost to play Junior Oil Barons for a season?

The total cost includes:

  • FMMHA Registration

  • Tryout Fees

  • Rep Fees

  • Player Commitment Fees

  • Hotels & Travel

Notes:

  • Player commitment fees are set by each team and may include tournaments, team events, and other expenses.

  • Hotel and travel costs are generally covered for players by the team when traveling by bus; parents are responsible unless otherwise specified.

  • Costs are averages and may vary slightly by team.

I am a female in the U13 division, am I allowed to try out for U13 AAA Junior Oil Barons.

Yes, you are permitted as a female to try out for the U13 AAA Junior Oil Barons team. As long as you meet the above eligibility. 

  • If released from the U13 AAA Junior Oil Barons tryouts, you must decide between U13 AA Junior Oil Barons or U13 AA Huskies. If you choose U13 AA Junior Oil Barons and are released from U13 AA Junior Oil Barons, you must go to U13 A or WBHL. You will not be permitted to try out for U13 AA Huskies if you choose to try out for U13 AA Junior Oil Barons.
Am I eligible to try out for any AAA team in Alberta?

No, your player must try out in Fort Saskatchewan first. This is for all players registered in FMMHA who have a home address in Fort McMurray. You may request a “release” from Fort Saskatchewan through FMMHA VP Rep Operations, if granted this counts as your 1st tryout.

In reference to U13 AAA, you have to try out in Fort McMurray first. If released you are permitted to obtain a 2nd try out anywhere in Alberta that is accepting 2nd tryouts.

If I try out for AAA in Fort Saskatchewan do I automatically make an AA team in Fort McMurray?

Tryouts in Fort Saskatchewan have no effect on player placement in Fort McMurray.

However, if you have followed the correct process and ensured the VP Rep Operations and Elite Director are aware of your situation, you may be offered the opportunity to:

  • Pay the appropriate tryout fees in Fort McMurray, and

  • Attend up to a minimum of Two skates to earn a roster spot.

If I pay tryout fees in Fort Saskatchewan, do I also have to pay tryout fees in Fort McMurray?

Yes. FMMHA does not receive any portion of the fees paid to Fort Saskatchewan for tryouts. Players trying out in Fort McMurray must also pay the FMMHA tryout fees.

If I try out for Fort Saskatchewan, do I have to register with FMMHA?

Yes. Players must be registered with FMMHA before attending Fort Saskatchewan tryouts.

  • If the player makes a AAA team in Fort Saskatchewan, FMMHA will refund the registration fees, and the player will then be required to register with Fort Saskatchewan.

If there are FMMHA players trying out for AAA in Fort Saskatchewan (U18, U17, U15), is my spot safe on the pre-season roster for Junior Oil Barons?

No. The preseason roster may change if a player is released from AAA tryouts in Fort Saskatchewan.

  • Players returning from AAA do not have an automatic advantage over those already trying out for AA.

  • However, FMMHA is required to provide any released AAA player the opportunity to attend AA tryouts and compete for a roster spot.

In short: preseason rosters are not final until all AAA releases are complete.

JOB Sponsors