16U AAA Bow Valley Nationals
Elite high-school-age athletes competing at the top tier within the program.
The 16U AAA Nationals compete in the Female Super League — a competitive Western Canadian league for elite female hockey programs.
Built for development and progression
The 16U program helps prepare players for the next stage of their hockey pathway through coaching, training, team expectations, and competitive game experience.
Athletes are challenged to take ownership of their habits — preparation, recovery, training, school, and their role within the team — so the foundation is in place before stepping up.
16U coaching staff
Ryan Hilderman brings over 20 years of coaching experience across elite youth, junior, and professional hockey. His background includes U15, U16, and U18 AAA programs, as well as Junior A, where he has worked with athletes who have gone on to collegiate, professional, and successful careers beyond the game.
He was twice named CRAA Coach of the Year at the AAA level and has experience coaching in the AJHL with the Drumheller Dragons. Ryan has also worked within the Western Hockey League as a regional scout with the Regina Pats.
His coaching experience spans both male and female high-performance environments, including serving as Head Coach of the 2019 Clarkson Cup Champion Calgary Inferno in the Canadian Women's Hockey League, followed by work with the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association.
Ryan's coaching philosophy is centered on development, structure, and creating environments where athletes can grow through accountability and consistent execution. He focuses on building well-rounded players who understand both the technical and team aspects of the game.
As Head Coach of the 16U AAA Nationals team for the 2026/27 season, Ryan helps athletes progress within the Competition phase of the P3 Pathway, reinforcing standards that support long-term success on and off the ice.
What players can expect
- A structured competitive team environment
- Academy-connected training and development touchpoints
- Coaching focused on habits, skill, and accountability
- Female Super League (FSL) game experience
- A clear path within the Nationals progression
- Standards built on discipline, resilience, and work ethic
Team first. Earn the next level.
The 16U AAA Nationals play for the crest, for their teammates, and for the standard the program demands. Effort, coachability, and commitment are non-negotiable.
Competing in the Female Super League
The 16U AAA Nationals compete in the FSL — a Western Canadian league built for elite female hockey programs. Players face consistent, high-level competition across the season, preparing them for the next step in their development pathway.