Edmonton Morning Briefing: Top 5 Stories for Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Good morning, Edmonton. Here are the top five stories you need to know for Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Sports

Connor McDavid Records Nine Points in Team Canada Olympic Victory

Connor McDavid delivered a dominant performance for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Tuesday, recording nine points in a decisive victory against Czechia.

The Edmonton Oilers captain tallied four goals and five assists in the preliminary round matchup. The performance marks one of the highest single-game point totals in Olympic hockey history.

Team Canada defeated Czechia 10-3 in the game played in Milan, Italy. McDavid opened the scoring in the first period and added points throughout the contest.

The 29-year-old forward now leads all Olympic scorers through the preliminary rounds. He has 14 points in three games for Canada.

McDavid is representing Canada at his first Winter Olympics. NHL players returned to Olympic competition for the 2026 Games after sitting out the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Team Canada advances to the quarterfinal round with a perfect 3-0 record. The knockout stage begins later this week.

The Oilers captain is expected to return to Edmonton following the Olympic tournament. The NHL regular season resumes in early March.

Crime

Fatal Shooting Under Investigation in North Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in north Edmonton overnight.

Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the area of 137 Avenue and 66 Street at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17.

Police found one adult male victim at the scene with gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services transported the man to hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The Homicide Section has taken over the investigation. Police have not released the victim’s identity pending notification of next of kin.

No arrests have been made. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Edmonton Police Service or Crime Stoppers.

Investigators are reviewing security camera footage from the area. Police are also seeking dash camera footage from vehicles that may have been in the vicinity between 11:30 p.m. and midnight.

This marks Edmonton’s sixth homicide of 2026. The city recorded 48 homicides in 2025.

Police will provide additional details at a media briefing scheduled for later today.

Politics

Province Announces $143 Million for Classroom Complexity

The Alberta government announced $143 million in new funding to address classroom complexity on Tuesday.

Education Minister announced the funding at a press conference in Calgary. The money will support students with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and mental health needs.

The funding breaks down as follows: $78 million for additional educational assistants, $35 million for specialized learning supports, and $30 million for mental health resources in schools.

School divisions across Alberta will receive the funding starting in the 2026-27 school year. The Edmonton Public School Board is expected to receive approximately $24 million of the total allocation.

The announcement follows months of advocacy from teachers and education stakeholders. The Alberta Teachers’ Association called classroom complexity a crisis affecting student learning and teacher retention.

Edmonton Public Schools reported in January that 42 percent of its classrooms contain students requiring intensive supports. The division requested $89 million in additional funding for the current fiscal year.

The funding represents a 12 percent increase in specialized education support compared to 2025-26 budget levels.

Opposition education critics called the funding insufficient to meet growing demand. They noted that enrollment growth and inflation reduce the real value of the increase.

The provincial budget will be tabled next month. Additional education funding details are expected at that time.

Weather

Major Winter Storm Forecast for Edmonton Region

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Edmonton region ahead of a significant winter storm arriving Wednesday afternoon.

The weather agency forecasts 15 to 25 centimeters of snow for Edmonton and surrounding areas. The snow is expected to begin around 2 p.m. Wednesday and continue through Thursday morning.

Strong winds will accompany the snowfall. Gusts up to 60 kilometers per hour may create blowing snow and reduced visibility.

Temperatures will drop through Wednesday. The high temperature Wednesday is forecast at -8 degrees Celsius. The low overnight will reach -18 degrees Celsius with the wind chill making it feel like -28.

Environment Canada warns of hazardous travel conditions. Poor visibility and snow-covered roads are expected on major highways and city streets.

The City of Edmonton activated its snow clearing plan Tuesday evening. Snowplow crews will focus on main roadways and transit routes during the storm.

The city asks residents to avoid parking on snow routes during the storm. A parking ban remains in effect on designated snow routes until cleared.

Edmonton Transit Service advised passengers to expect delays. Commuters should allow extra travel time Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning.

The storm system is tracking across central Alberta from British Columbia. Similar snowfall warnings are in effect from Red Deer to the Saskatchewan border.

The snow is expected to taper off Thursday morning. Skies will clear Thursday afternoon with temperatures remaining below seasonal averages through the weekend.

Community

World’s Longest Hockey Game Approaches $1 Million for Cancer Research

The World’s Longest Hockey Game taking place near Edmonton is approaching the $1 million fundraising mark for cancer research.

The charity hockey marathon entered its sixth day Tuesday at Saiker’s Acres near Sherwood Park. Participants have been playing continuously since Friday, February 13.

Organizers reported Tuesday evening that donations have reached $947,000. The funds support cancer research at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton.

The event features rotating teams of players who take shifts around the clock. More than 40 participants are registered for this year’s game.

The current game is on track to break the Guinness World Record for longest hockey game. The existing record stands at 252 hours set in 2015.

Organizers plan to conclude the game at noon on Sunday, February 22. That would bring the total playing time to 251 hours.

The World’s Longest Hockey Game has been held biennially since 2003. The event has raised more than $6 million for cancer research over its history.

Players range in age from 19 to 58. Each participant plays several shifts per day while resting between appearances on the ice.

The outdoor rink at Saiker’s Acres remains open to spectators throughout the event. The public can visit to watch the game and make donations.

Local businesses have provided meals and supplies for participants. Volunteers staff the event around the clock to support players and track game statistics.

The Cross Cancer Institute director visited the game Monday to thank participants. She noted that funds raised support clinical trials and equipment purchases at the facility.

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For more Edmonton news and updates throughout the day, visit The Canadianist.