The PHL Advantage
Elite Development Through the PHL
A Better Path for Hockey Development
At Rocky Mountain Venom Hockey Academy, we are committed to providing our athletes with the best possible environment to develop their skills, compete at a high level, and pursue their hockey goals. That's why we have chosen to compete in the Premier Hockey League (PHL), one of Western Canada's fastest-growing development-focused hockey leagues.
The PHL was established to offer an alternative development model for players seeking enhanced opportunities beyond traditional minor hockey. By combining competitive gameplay with a strong emphasis on skill development, the league creates an environment where athletes can maximize their potential both on and off the ice.
What is the Premier Hockey League?
The Premier Hockey League has been successfully operating throughout Western Canada for six seasons and continues to experience significant growth. Founded by Kelly Bruce and Kevin Hill, who collectively bring more than 50 years of experience playing, coaching, and operating successful hockey programs, the PHL was created with a clear vision: provide players with a development pathway that better supports their growth as athletes.
Since launching in 2019 with just four teams in a single division, the league has expanded rapidly and is expected to feature more than 50 teams from across Alberta and Western Canada.
The PHL is made up of independently owned and operated member organizations that share a common commitment to player development, competitive excellence, and creating positive hockey experiences for athletes and families.
A Development-First Philosophy
The foundation of the Premier Hockey League is simple: every player deserves an opportunity to develop at a level consistent with their abilities, commitment, and goals.
The league continually works to improve the player experience by focusing on:
- Recruiting and training qualified on-ice officials
- Enhancing communication between teams, coaches, and managers
- Implementing rules that support player development
- Creating affiliation opportunities with higher levels of hockey
- Providing reasonable travel schedules for participating teams
- Maximizing development opportunities through a showcase-based league structure
This commitment to continuous improvement helps ensure that players receive meaningful instruction, quality competition, and an environment that encourages long-term development.
The Showcase Weekend Advantage
One of the unique features of the PHL is its showcase-based competition model.
Rather than playing league games every weekend, teams participate in monthly showcase events where they compete in multiple games over a two- to three-day period. Each team typically plays four league games during every showcase weekend, culminating in a Championship Showcase held in March.
This format offers several important benefits:
- More time for practices and skill development
- Increased opportunities for team training sessions
- Reduced weekly travel commitments
- Greater flexibility for exhibition games and additional development programming
- Competitive environments that challenge players against teams from across Western Canada
For developing athletes, this balance between training and competition creates an ideal environment for continuous improvement throughout the season.
Age-Appropriate Competition
The Premier Hockey League is structured to support player development at every stage of the game.
U9 & U11
Non-contact divisions focused on skill acquisition, skating development, game understanding, and confidence building.
U13
Modified-contact divisions designed to help players safely transition into more physical aspects of the game while continuing to develop hockey IQ and fundamental skills.
U15, U16 & U18
Full-contact divisions that provide advanced competition and prepare athletes for the next levels of hockey.
This progression allows players to develop within an age-appropriate framework that emphasizes both safety and performance.
Why Rocky Mountain Venom Chooses the PHL
At Rocky Mountain Venom Hockey Academy, our priority is creating the best possible environment for player growth.
The Premier Hockey League aligns with our commitment to:
- Individual player development
- High-quality coaching and instruction
- Competitive opportunities
- Increased training time
- Long-term athlete development
- Positive experiences for players and families
By competing within the PHL, our athletes benefit from a league designed around development, competition, and opportunity.
Together, Rocky Mountain Venom and the Premier Hockey League provide a pathway where players can develop their skills, build confidence, compete at a high level, and continue pursuing their hockey dreams.
