ON-ICE DEVELOPMENT
On ice development is the foundation of the Sturgeon Sting AA hockey program. It is where passion meets purpose and raw potential becomes elite performance. Our program is built on a high performance training model that blends advanced skill instruction, tactical awareness, and game specific scenarios to challenge and grow every player. Athletes receive detailed coaching that sharpens their skating, puck control, positional play, and decision making so they can excel in meaningful competition.
But development on the ice is more than just physical. It builds athletes who think quickly, compete with confidence, and lead with character. Whether players are working toward AAA, Junior, or College levels, they gain more than just hockey skills. They develop the tools to become complete competitors and strong individuals. At the Sting, we believe the habits learned through disciplined, focused development will stay with our players long after they leave the ice.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
The Sturgeon Sting Elite Hockey Program is thrilled to announce our partnership with Fort Hockey Development and Brandon Ralph for the 2025–2026 season! This collaboration represents a major step forward in our commitment to providing players with the best possible development opportunities.
Fort Hockey Development brings top-tier training, elite coaching experience, and a proven track record of helping athletes reach their full potential. Together, we’re building a stronger, faster, and smarter Sting team—focused on preparing players for success at the AAA, Junior, and College levels. We can’t wait to get started!
BRANDON RALPH
Brandon has been a head instructor at FHD for 15 years and has experience coaching skills at all levels including U15AAA, U17AAA, and U18AAA.
His junior career included 3 seasons in the WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings & Everett Silvertips before finishing as Captain of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the AJHL. After completing his diploma while playing Men’s Hockey at NAIT, Brandon continues to support hockey players in Fort Saskatchewan.
In 2025, FHD opened the new off-ice facility “ONE7 Hockey” so players can sharpen their skills off the ice all year round.
GOALIE DEVELOPMENT
The Sturgeon Sting are proud to champion a goaltender development model that goes far beyond the basics—one that prioritizes elite-level technical skill, explosive mobility, intelligent positioning, and unwavering confidence between the pipes. Under Jason Knight’s expert guidance, our goaltenders benefit from structured, high-performance training and personalized feedback tailored to their unique style and stage of development.
Whether preparing for tryouts, sharpening their edge mid-season, or rising to the pressure of playoffs, Sting goalies are empowered to thrive in every situation. More importantly, they develop the focus, resilience, and habits needed to reach the next level — whether that means AAA, Junior, College, or beyond. The lessons they learn go far beyond the crease: self-discipline, leadership, and accountability that will serve them long after hockey, helping shape strong, capable young adults ready to succeed both on the ice and in life.
JASON KNIGHT
Jason Knight plays a key role in the Sturgeon Sting’s development program, leading our goaltender training with the knowledge, passion, and professionalism that comes from years of experience as both a coach and educator. His background in teaching allows him to break down complex goaltending concepts in a way that connects with players at every stage, from early development to elite performance.
Jason’s approach combines structure, technical depth, and individualized feedback. He works closely with each goalie to help them refine their positioning, improve their mobility, and develop the confidence needed to stay composed under pressure. His sessions are detailed and purposeful, always focused on building complete, well-rounded goaltenders.
What makes Jason stand out is his ability to help athletes grow not only as goaltenders, but as people. Through his mentorship, our goalies learn the discipline, focus, and self-leadership that carry well beyond the rink. Whether they’re preparing for the next level of hockey such as AAA, Junior, or College or simply becoming stronger and more resilient individuals, our players are better for having worked with him.