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Medicine Hat Water Polo

MHWP was founded in 2008 as an adult recreation program. In 2009 it expanded to an all-ages club with exhibition games played in Calgary and Swift Current. Mini Polo (U10) was created in 2011, which was the first program in Alberta dedicated to pre-competitive development, inspiring the AWPA “I ♥ Water Polo” grassroots initiative. 2012 saw the first competitive team exclusively made up of Medicine Hat players, leading to three years of excellence in Provincial and Western Canadian competition.  As with any niche sport in a smaller community, participation numbers will drive the success of the program.  While we do not have our own competitive travel team at the moment, our players still practice locally, and participate with other clubs at the provincial level.

 

Unfortunately, like many athlletic programs, 2020-2023 were especially difficult years.  The competitive side of the program closed, our affiliation with Alberta Water Polo was no longer in the best interest of the program, and the club has moved to a fully independent program.

Locations

Local play is at the Family Leisure Center. Mini Polo uses the variable depth area which is typically set at 1m (3’) or 1.3m (4’) depending on the group they play in. For competitive play, we typically use the Dive Tank and/or the VarDepth set at 2m.

2019

2018

2014

2013

2010

2012

Local Success

2022-23:

Season canceled

Ended affiliation with the Alberta Water Polo Association

 

2021-22

Operated at a loss with a 'Fun & Fitness' program

 

2019-20, 2020-21:

Seasons canceled

 

2018-19:
U12G - (w/ Edmonton) Provincial League Silver, (w/ Edm & Spruce) Alberta Open Bronze

 

2017-18:
U12G - (w/ Edmonton) Alberta Open Gold, Provincial League Silver
U17B - Two invited to play with Calgary Rep team
U17G - (w/ Edmonton) multiple Canadian & US events, including US Junior Olympics
 

2016-17:
U12G - (Rural Club combination) Alberta Open 4th
U17G - (w/ Edmonton) multiple Canadian & US events
 

2015-16:
U17G - (w/ Edmonton) multiple Canadian & US events
 

2014-15:
U14G - (/w Edmonton) Provincial League Gold, Alberta Open Silver
U17G - Three players invited to join a Washington team for US Junior Olympics
 

2013-14:
U14G - Alberta Open Silver & MVG, Provincial League Silver, Sask-Open Silver
Three players selected for Team Alberta, Five players invited to US Junior Olympics
 

2012-13:
U14G - Alberta Open 4th, Provincial League Bronze
Three players selected for Team Alberta
 

2011-12:
U12 Co-Ed - (w/ Spruce Grove) Provincial League Silver
 

2010:
First travel player and head coach for Alberta Summer Games, Gold (w/ Edmonton)

About the Coach - Jason Williams

Jason picked up Water Polo in the Edmonton high school league between his Football (Cornerback) and Soccer (Goaltender) seasons. He didn’t find the passion right away but entering Grade 11 realized it was the only sport he wanted to pursue. He went on to be named the All-Star Goaltender the next two seasons, with both the scoring title (yes, as a goalie - that’s a lot of breakaway assists!) and the city championship in Grade 12. He also played on the city Club team, and was recognized as the top Junior goalie in Western Canada until an injury side-lined National Team hopes.


After a two year hiatus, Jason returned to the sport playing with the Edmonton Travel Team, participating in events in Seattle, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. At the same time he also coached defensive tactics and goaltending to Edmonton youth players and sat on the Board of Directors for 3 years before moving to Calgary.


In Calgary he held the same role as a youth mentor and playing in the Adult City League. He spent almost 8 years there including two with the Alberta Water Polo Association Board before moving to Medicine Hat to start the club, using equipment from the 2008 Alberta Summer Games.


Jason was asked to be the Head Coach for the Edmonton entry in the 2010 Alberta Summer Games (Peace River), and with the first local competitive player, earned a Gold medal.

Edmonton HS Gold Medal game, 1992