Fort McMurray Women’s Hockey League Joins MGHL for 2026–27 Winter Season

The Fort McMurray Gentlemen’s Hockey League (MGHL) is proud to announce a new partnership that will expand adult recreational hockey opportunities in the region. Beginning in the 2026–27 winter season, the newly formed Fort McMurray Women’s Hockey League (FMWHL) will officially join the MGHL family, marking an exciting step forward for the growth of hockey in Fort McMurray.

This collaboration was developed with the goal of creating a structured, competitive, and sustainable adult recreational league specifically for women in the community. Through the support of the MGHL, the FMWHL has been established to provide consistent organization, guaranteed scheduled ice times, and a competitive environment tailored to the growing interest in women’s hockey. The league will operate Monday nights at the North Side Twin Arena in Abraham’s Landing starting in the 2026–27 winter season.

While the FMWHL will function semi-autonomously with its own leadership and day-to-day operations, it will follow the same bylaws and governance structure currently used by the MGHL. This alignment ensures consistency in league standards, fair play, and overall league management. To support a smooth and efficient launch, the FMWHL will also utilize MGHL services including ice allocation, game officials, scheduling, and website integration. Leveraging this established infrastructure allows the new league to focus on participation and delivering a strong on-ice experience from day one.

For its inaugural season, the FMWHL will begin with two teams. This approach provides a solid foundation while allowing the league to gauge interest and build sustainably. As participation grows, additional teams may be introduced in future seasons, subject to ice availability.

Early response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Registration for the inaugural FMWHL season filled in just eight days, with 48 players and 4 goalies committing to the league. The strong turnout highlights both the demand for a women’s recreational league and the excitement surrounding its launch.

The FMWHL will be led by President Shannon Hughes, who will oversee operations for the opening season. With leadership now in place, several key milestones have already been achieved. Jerseys have been designed, and sponsors have been secured to assist with league costs and support a successful inaugural year.

The next step in preparing for the season will be the completion of a player draft, which will take place at a later date. The draft will ensure balanced teams and help establish a competitive and enjoyable experience for all participants. Additional updates, including draft details, team announcements, and further season information, will be shared in the coming weeks as the FMWHL continues building toward its first puck drop.

The MGHL is excited to support the continued growth of hockey in Fort McMurray and believes this partnership represents an important step in expanding opportunities within the local hockey community. The addition of the FMWHL strengthens the overall hockey landscape while creating a dedicated space for women to compete in a structured recreational environment. The MGHL looks forward to welcoming the FMWHL and supporting a successful inaugural season.