The Grande Prairie Storm hockey club was named the eighth-best Junior A team in the country on February 18, 2026. This national ranking by MYHockeyRankings places the Grande Prairie, Alberta, team among the top contenders in the Canadian Junior Hockey League as they prepare for a national championship run.
The ranking system used a mathematical algorithm to evaluate teams based on their game scores and the difficulty of their season competition. This recognition comes as the team finishes its regular season and prepares for the Centennial Cup, which will take place in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, from May 7 to May 17, 2026.
The Storm is known for having some of the highest ticket sales in its league, and this national attention is expected to increase interest at the Bonnetts Energy Centre. Head coach Chris Schmidt, a local from Beaverlodge, has led the team since the 2024-2025 season after working as an assistant for three years.
General manager Mark Bomersback and the coaching staff have built a roster that focuses on both high scoring and strong defense. This team is currently seen as one of the city’s strongest chances to win a national title in more than 10 years.
According to MYHockeyRankings, the team’s high position is based on a specific formula that looks at how well they play against other strong opponents. The national tournament in May will bring together the best Junior A teams from across Canada to compete for the final trophy.
