From SWAT Hockey President, Tara Martin

As another hockey season comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on an incredible year for SWAT Hockey and to thank all of the players, families, coaches, volunteers, and sponsors who helped make it possible.

This season was a unique one for me personally, as I stepped into the role of President in January following the resignation of my predecessor. Since then, much of the focus has been on continuing important operational work, strengthening processes within our organization, and ensuring strong alignment with our governing bodies, Hockey Edmonton and the EFHL.

SWAT continues to be one of the largest hockey organizations in both the city and the province. Our athletes range from brand-new skaters taking their first steps on the ice to second-year U-13 players finishing community hockey and preparing for the next chapter of their development. With those numbers comes a tremendous opportunity to offer meaningful programming across all age groups, create balanced tiers of play, honour friend requests, and support opportunities for female athletes to remain together within teams.

Of course, large organizations also come with diverse perspectives, varying levels of commitment and experience, and passionate opinions from families and volunteers alike. That is part of community hockey. Our role as a Board is to provide the structure and support that allows teams to operate successfully while keeping the focus on development, teamwork, sportsmanship, respect, and lifelong friendships.

As we look ahead to next season, there are several exciting initiatives already underway.

One area of focus will be improving accessibility and affordability within our programs. We will be introducing additional guidelines around team cash calls at the U9 and older levels to help ensure financial expectations do not become a barrier for families entering the sport. At the same time, we are continuing to expand association-wide fundraising efforts to reduce pressure on individual teams.

The impact of these initiatives can already be seen. Last season, one family in our association won more than $38,000 through our 50/50 fundraiser, while some teams raised thousands of dollars directly from the same campaign. Our upcoming casino fundraiser is also expected to generate significant support for the association and helps offset major operational expenses such as ice rentals, which now exceed $190 per hour.

We are also excited to continue strengthening the SWAT identity across the organization. Over the coming season, we will begin moving toward more consistent association branding and away from individual team names and logos. Our hope is to build even stronger pride and belonging within SWAT while also simplifying the experience for volunteers and families. Consistency across seasons will also make apparel and merchandise more practical and sustainable for families with younger siblings coming through the program.

None of this work happens without volunteers.

SWAT is powered by an incredible group of individuals who dedicate countless hours behind the scenes to make community hockey possible. This season, we also say thank you to two long-serving Board members who are stepping away from their roles: outgoing Treasurer Brett Klawitter and Coach and Player Development Director Craig Holmes. Both have made a tremendous impact on SWAT through years of leadership, commitment, and care for our players and families. Their contributions to the association will be felt for years to come.

One of my personal values is transparent communication, and I genuinely welcome ideas, questions, and feedback from our membership. Some of the best improvements within SWAT have come directly from parent and coach suggestions paired with a willingness to help make those ideas happen.

You also do not need to be a hockey expert to contribute. I am living proof of that. My 11-year-old regularly reminds me that he is the best skater in our house, and my four-year-old daughter is quickly closing the gap. What I may lack in hockey skill, I make up for in communication, organization, and a passion for building strong communities — and there are countless ways for people with different strengths to contribute within SWAT.

Community hockey only works because people step forward to help. Whether you coached, managed, volunteered at events, worked the time clock, opened penalty box doors, organized fundraising, or simply supported your child and their teammates throughout the season, thank you. Your efforts matter more than you know.

On behalf of the entire Board, thank you for being part of SWAT Hockey. We are proud of what we continue to build together and excited for what lies ahead.

See you at the rink next season.

Tara Martin

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