MISSION STATEMENT
"To operate a competitive hockey program in South-west Calgary designed to promote and encourage the development of the individual's hockey skills and positive attitudes towards sportsmanship, education and citizenship"
C.R.A.A. History
Prior to 1966, the Calgary Buffalo Hockey Association exclusively sponsored “AA” hockey in Calgary. Inthe mid 1960’s a group of energetic hockey men in South West Calgary created the formation of a separate association to promote “AA” hockey in the South West area. The leaders of this group were Joe Krycka, Bill Blyth, Ted Steele and Stan Jaycock. These gentlemen were instrumental in forming the South West Athletic Association (SWAA), which operated as an unincorporated association from 1966 to 1969. During this period the Association sponsored one team in each of the Bantam, Midget, Juvenile and Junior B categories.
The Association was subsequently incorporated under the Societies Act of the Province of Alberta in 1969.
The activities of the Association have expanded with the growth of the city and it now sponsors two Bantam “AA”, one Bantam “AAA”, two Minor Midget“AAA”,
two Midget “AA”, a Major Midget “AAA”, and two Junior “B” teams.
The success of the Association over the years has been largely due to the outstanding leadership provided by its’ Presidents, including:
Wilf Godfrey, George Dunn, Don Quinn, Bill Shearer, Laurie Schmidt, Bob Arkley, the Honorable Mr. Justice Bill O’Leary; Ron Onishenko; Don McCallum; Ken Morris; Bob Venables, Ray Ference; Bruce Bierwagon, Attila Szabo; Bob Wilson (now serving as a director for 14 years);
Clive Marsh (now past-president with 17 years service), Kris Katsaounis the current President of the Association.
The dedication and hard work of these people has contributed to the success of the Association and also to the advancement of “AA” hockey in Calgary.
There have been many Directors whose tireless efforts have contributed a great deal to “AA” hockey, including the late Emile Dupont and Rusty Basarab, Gordie Moore, Ron Johnson, Martin Vernon, Clint Reynolds, Doug Cook, Bob Sinclair, Bill Salt, Derek Gould, Ken Hindmarch, Scotty Jones, Dan Mulvenna, Jim Morris and Brent Siddons. SWAA has been fortunate in attracting volunteers, coaches, and managers of the highest caliber.
SWAA has been proactive over the years in developing a comprehensive scholarship program that was commenced in 1976 and continues today, offering 9 scholarships and $10,500 per season to deserving SWAA players.
Rick Luhning pioneered the scholarship program, mentoring Clive Marsh, who took a very active role in the Scholarship program from 1991 and has always championed the program; under the coordination of Bill LeClair who took over in 2001 and Mandy Latiff our current Scholarship Coordinator;
the program has evolved to what it is today.
These volunteers and their dedication has positively reflected in the program and led to continued growth and the recognition of our players.
The Association has been active in supporting progressive change in “AA”hockey and was instrumental in the formation of the “AA” hockey council. “AA”hockey is the delegate of the Minor Hockey Association of Calgary; it has actively supported the concept of tiering hockey players by age so that players compete with others, approximately the same level of physical and mental development. The Association also took an active part in the formation of the Southern Alberta Major Midget Hockey League and the Alberta Major Midget Hockey League as well as the concept of forming a Major Midget team in each quadrant to participate in those Leagues.
The Association has instituted a club concept whereby all team colors and insignia are standardized,
resulting in better identification as well as savings inthe cost of uniforms and jackets.
The aim of the Association has been and will continue to be the over-all welfare and development of the players in its hockey system.
We are proud of the many fine young players who have participated in our association over the years and we would like to think that they have received some benefit from their connection with us.
THE ASSOCIATION APPRECIATES THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE AND THE DEDICATION OVER THE YEARS BY ITS TEAM SPONSORS, DIRECTORS, COACHES, MANAGERS, PARENTS,AND PLAYERS.