Darryl Lockwood reflects on the challenging periods faced by the Canmore Eagles.
In the early 2010s, the team president would glance at the audience during matches and see merely around 80 spectators.
“Those were tough times,” he recalled.
Now, those moments are a thing of the past as the Eagles prepare for Canada’s national junior A championship, the Centennial Cup, in Prince Edward Island, after clinching their inaugural Alberta Junior Hockey League title in their 31-year existence.
Throughout their thrilling playoff journey, sellout crowds became commonplace, with fire safety regulations being the only barrier preventing even more fans from entering the arena.
“I love that this serves as a community hub … I always envisioned what we’ve been experiencing, where everyone from the community comes together, enjoying fantastic hockey, and we can all share this experience,” Lockwood expressed. “That has motivated me.”
A Canmore Eagles player tips the puck during a drill in practice on April 30. The Eagles won their first Alberta Junior Hockey League championship and will represent the province at the Centennial Cup in P.E.I. (Greg Colgan/CBC)
Challenging Periods
The Eagles have endured significant challenges over the years.
They faced the typical obstacles of injuries and players transferring to other teams. Financial strains nearly forced them to shut down.
In the mid-2010s, the organization found itself approximately $150,000 in debt. Aside from the operational costs, the Eagles suffered setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic and a three-year period of arena renovations. The high living costs in Canmore complicated their annual search for billet families.
There was interest from potential buyers, but that would have required relocating the team out of the Bow Valley.
Andrew Milne, the head coach and general manager, remarked that despite those tough times, “junior hockey is woven into the fabric of every small town in Canada.”
During the 2024-25 season, five teams from the AJHL transitioned to the British Columbia Hockey League.
The ongoing shifts continued when the NCAA allowed junior players to move more freely between leagues without facing eligibility concerns or risking scholarships.
Milne, who has been with the Eagles for 18 years, acknowledged that the changing landscape presents challenges.
“We’re quite loyal to our players. We aim to cultivate that culture, foster a community spirit, and ensure players feel at home here.”
He noted that Canmore’s tourism environment presents unique challenges, as there are numerous attractions vying for attention, “but we are still a community with a deep passion for the game and a strong recognition that hockey is a vital part of our community’s identity.”
Former NHLer, Olympic gold medallist and Stanley Cup champion Jay Bouwmeester assists Canmore Eagles defencemen during practice on April 30. (Greg Colgan/CBC)
Securing the Championship
The franchise had never reached a league title game, let alone secured a win in its 31 years.
Lockwood, who has been with the team since its inception, remarked that this year was unique.
After the Christmas break, things began to click, culminating in a first-place finish.
The team triumphed over the Calgary Canucks in the first round, followed by a sweep against the Drumheller Dragons, and eventually clinched the league title against the Whitecourt Wolverines in five matches.
As the final moments of the championship game against Whitecourt approached, the ending was frantic.
“That last minute felt like an eternity,” Milne reflected.
He recalls the all-star goalie Alex Scheiwiller making a crucial glove save in the final seconds leading to one last faceoff.
“I distinctly remember Alex making that glove save, nodding at me, and saying, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got this.’ He’s been fantastic all season, and it was a reassuring feeling.”
Lockwood mentioned that he usually remains composed, but “was a nervous wreck” during the final period.
“The calmest person in the arena was Scheiwiller … I was nearly in tears afterward as it all sank in that we had won. It was incredibly emotional. A lot of memories came flooding back from the years.”
Scheiwiller, named playoff MVP, expressed how he remembers being engulfed by teammates after tossing his gloves in celebration.
“I keep reliving that moment. It was the most incredible experience of my life. I wish I could relive it just once more,” he stated.
Lockwood and Milne emphasized that a crucial aspect of their revival has been uniting various segments of the community.
“For us, it was the entire community coming together,” Milne noted.
A group of Canmore Eagles players share a laugh during a break in practice on April 30. (Greg Colgan/CBC)
