HSL - Hockey Super League

YYC Jays - Joining the 2017 and 2018 Divisions

Thursday, March 26, 2026

The Hockey Super League is pleased to welcome the YYC Jays as a new franchise for our 10th anniversary season. Based in Calgary, the Jays will join the league in both the 2017 and 2018 divisions, enhancing the development options available for young players in southern Alberta.

Program overview

The organization was founded three years ago by Dan Thompson, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in its rapid growth and success. Since launching the program in 2023, Dan has invested immense effort and tireless hours into building a highly regarded spring hockey development program. His original vision has evolved into a thriving and respected program, recognized for its strong culture, loyalty among players and families, and consistent on-ice success. As a long-standing contributor to the Calgary hockey community, Dan has created an environment where participants feel connected to a program that prioritizes development, character, and community alongside performance.

“As YYC JAYS continues to evolve, we are excited to partner with HSL, aligning shared values, experience, and a commitment to long-term development. Together, we look forward to growing the program with HSL and continuing to build a positive, competitive, and community-driven hockey environment for years to come.” Dan Thompson, Founder.

Leadership

Joining Dan Thompson as a founder is Sandy Edmonstone, a long-standing and highly respected contributor to the Calgary hockey community. Sandy brings a unique combination of leadership, operational expertise, and community-focused vision to the organization. Most notably, he led the restructuring of a Junior A hockey organization that, within a three-year period, transformed into national champions, a reflection of his ability to build culture, implement high standards, and drive performance at every level of an organization. His broader involvement in initiatives such as the Hockey4Ukraine event, which leveraged elite U18 hockey to support humanitarian efforts, further underscores a track record that blends event execution, player development, and meaningful community engagement.

This depth of experience directly informs the YYC Jays’ approach to planning, operational standards, day-to-day execution and community within the HSL framework, ensuring the program is not only competitive on the ice, but also professionally managed and aligned with its commitment to development and community impact.

“We are incredibly excited and deeply grateful for the opportunity for the YYC Jays to join the HSL during its milestone 10th anniversary season. HSL has established itself as the preeminent development league for youth hockey in Canada, and we are proud to align with a model that prioritizes excellence, structure, and player growth. We look forward to developing YYC Jays players within this elite framework and contributing to the continued success and evolution of the league.” Sandy Edmonstone, Founder.

Development philosophy

The YYC Jays are structured to provide age-appropriate, consistent development through purposeful practice and meaningful game play. The program emphasizes skating, puck management, decision-making, and competitiveness, with a focus on building habits that will support players as they move into more advanced environments over time.

Looking ahead

As the HSL marks its 10th anniversary season, the addition of the YYC Jays reflects a shared commitment to structured, high-standard programming in a key market for the league. We look forward to working with the organization as they integrate into the 2017 and 2018 divisions and support the ongoing development of players and families in Calgary.

Back to All News >>

Game Summary

Game Summary

Game Summary

Game Summary

Game Summary

Game Summary

Game Summary

Game Summary

Game Summary

Game Summary

HSL - Hockey Super League

YYC Jays - Joining the 2017 and 2018 Divisions