Alberta Pro Roller Hockey League Players Represent at NARCH Winternationals

The Alberta Pro Roller Hockey League continues to prove that the strength of roller hockey in Alberta and Canada runs deep, not only through elite competition but through leadership, mentorship, and community.

This past week at the NARCH Winternationals, several AB Pro athletes stepped into the spotlight in a big way, competing at the highest levels of the tournament while also dedicating their time to coaching and developing the next generation of roller hockey players.

These players weren’t just attending the event; they were helping build the future of the sport in real time.

Coaching the Next Wave of Talent

A major highlight from the week was the commitment shown by AB Pro athletes who took on coaching roles, guiding youth teams through high-pressure games, teaching the details that matter, and bringing a professional standard of preparation to the bench.

Representing the Rinkster Alberta Ice coaching staff:

• Steven Sanche, Coach, Rinkster Alberta Ice, AB Pro Player, Fort Saskatchewan Wolfpack
• Aaron Leisman, Coach, Rinkster Alberta Ice, AB Pro Player, Fort Saskatchewan Wolfpack
• Brendan Baumgartner, Coach, Rinkster Alberta Ice, AB Pro Player, Sherwood Park Archers. Also competed in the Pro Division at NARCH with the Labeda Freeze

Representing the True North Eh Team coaching staff:

• Julian Beardman, Coach, True North Eh Team, AB Pro Player, Calgary Outlaws
• Josh Ruigrok, Coach, True North Eh Team, AB Pro Player, Calgary Outlaws

These coaches brought more than just strategy; they brought experience, composure, and the kind of on-rink knowledge that can’t be taught from a clipboard. Their impact goes beyond wins and losses, shaping player confidence, habits, and the long-term growth of roller hockey in Canada.

Competing at the Highest Level

While coaching, AB Pro talent was also showcased on the biggest stage in the sport, competing in the NARCH Pro Division, a level defined by speed, precision, and world-class competition.

• Brendan Baumgartner – Pro Division player, Labeda Freeze, AB Pro Player, Sherwood Park Archers
• Chris Rauckman – Pro Division player, Labeda Freeze, AB Pro Player, Red Deer Reign

Competing in the Pro Division at NARCH is an accomplishment in itself. To do it while also representing AB Pro back home shows the depth of talent Alberta continues to produce and develop.

Building the Sport Across Alberta and Canada

What makes this group so special is the range of teams and communities they represent. From Fort Saskatchewan to Sherwood Park to Red Deer to Calgary, these athletes highlight the reach of the Alberta Pro Roller Hockey League and the growing strength of roller hockey across the province and country.

They are proving that Alberta’s roller hockey pipeline is real: competitive, committed, and expanding.

A Standard Worth Celebrating

At the heart of it all is something bigger than any tournament result: giving back.

These AB Pro athletes didn’t just show up to play. They showed up to lead, to coach, and to invest in the next generation. Their presence at NARCH Winternationals reflects a culture that’s being built in Alberta roller hockey, one where elite players help raise elite players.

The Alberta Pro Roller Hockey League is proud to recognize and celebrate:

Steven Sanche, Aaron Leisman, Brendan Baumgartner, Chris Rauckman, Julian Beardman, and Josh Ruigrok

Thank you for representing AB Pro, Alberta, and Canada with skill, leadership, and passion.