(Grande Prairie, Alta. – May 8, 2026) – The City of Grande Prairie and Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) are proud to announce Design Works Centre will serve as home ice for the inaugural Wolves Women’s Hockey team beginning in Fall 2026.
The addition brings a new level of sport and energy into the community and the arena, building on Design Works Centre’s role as a gathering place for residents, athletes and visitors. From daily recreation to major events, the facility continues to evolve as a place where the community comes together.
As part of the partnership, the NWP Wolves logo will be prominently featured at centre ice, creating a strong connection between the team and the facility. The centre ice design will also recognize Design Works Engineering, the naming rights partner of Design Works Centre, as a co-name on the ice logo.
“Partnering with Northwestern Polytechnic to make Design Works Centre the home ice for women’s hockey is an exciting step for our community,” said City of Grande Prairie mayor, Jackie Clayton. “It creates new opportunities for athletes and continues to build on Grande Prairie’s reputation as a games city and a leader in sport hosting.”
Bringing post-secondary athletics into Design Works Centre creates new opportunities for residents to experience high-level competition close to home, while also supporting the growth of women’s sport in the region.
“The addition of Wolves Women’s Hockey creates a powerful pathway for elite student-athletes to develop both academically and competitively while strengthening community pride and engagement across the Peace Region,” said NWP President and CEO, Dr. Vanessa Sheane. “This new program is another example of the momentum building in our community as we collaboratively create opportunities for local talent to pursue their goals, inspire the next generation, and build lasting connections both on and off the ice.”
The Wolves women’s hockey program is set to launch in Fall 2026, marking an exciting milestone for Wolves Athletics and adding to the range of experiences available at the facility. The home opener game is set for October 9, 2026.
"We're honoured to have our name on a facility that continues to bring the Grande Prairie community together. The addition of the Wolves Women's Hockey program is exactly the kind of exciting, community-building moment we hoped would happen here; we can't wait to see the team take the ice this fall,” said Haydar Al Dahhan, President and CEO of Design Works Engineering.
As Grande Prairie continues to grow as a destination for sport and events, the addition of women’s hockey at Design Works Centre reflects that momentum and the continued investment in opportunities for athletes and the community.
More information about the Wolves women’s hockey program and upcoming season is available at NWP.me/WolvesHockey.