TriPort Minor Hockey Female Wild Hockey Program

Program Overview

The Wild Female Hockey Program, part of the TriPort Minor Hockey Association (TPMHA), offers girls from Port Hardy, Port McNeill, and surrounding North Island communities a structured, inclusive, and development-focused hockey experience. The season runs from mid-September to the end of March. The Wild teams compete in the Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association (VIAHA), which organizes league play for age divisions ranging from U11 to U18. Young female players participating on house teams may also be invited to attend female-oriented ice sessions offered by TPMHA, providing additional opportunities for skill development and community building.

As the female program grows, team formations may vary depending on registration numbers. In cases where specific age divisions cannot be filled, players may be moved up or down to ensure team viability. If a female-only team cannot be formed, players will be offered spots on co-ed recreation teams, with continued female development opportunities such as possible female only tournament team participation and developmental ice. Additionally, if league play is not feasible due to limited interest, team dynamics, or registration numbers—but there are volunteers willing to support, TPMHA may initiate an intro to female hockey program.  This program would not include league games, but could offer weekly practices and the potential for exhibition games.

Female hockey is one of the fastest-growing sports in Canada, and TPMHA is proud to support and expand opportunities for girls in the North Island region.

Financial Commitment

  • Season Fees: $520
  • Travel: Island-wide travel for VIAHA league games, tournaments and playoffs
  • Team Attire: Team apparel and/or dress clothes is required
  • Wickfest: 4 day Tournament on the mainland (subject to acceptance)
  • Possible additional fees

Program Highlights

Practices

  • Two practices per week: One in Port McNeill and one in Port Hardy which include;
    • 1 hour dryland
    • 1 hour on-ice session
  • Typical practice days: Monday and Wednesday evenings (subject to change)
  • Mandatory attendance is expected

League 

  • Games played in the Female Island League (VIAHA)
  • All female roster
  • Season length: September - March
  • Teams may face opponents such from Victoria, Nanaimo, Powell River, Comox, Cowichan Valley, and Campbell River
  • Each team may play others twice at home and twice away
  • Games are held on weekends, and sometimes require overnight travel
  • Mandatory attendance is expected

Playoffs

  • Two playoff weekends scheduled across Vancouver Island
  • Mandatory attendance is expected

Travel

  • Travel may include overnight stays depending on location and team standings
  • Families must be prepared to travel in all weather types and road conditions. 
  • Island league teams are required to attend all games – fines to the association may apply for missed games (some exceptions for adverse weather such as no ferry or RCMP travel advisories, if approved by VIAHA)

Dryland Training

  • Typically held one hour prior to practice and games
  • Schedule and format to be confirmed by each team
  • Mandatory attendance is expected

Dress Code

  • Team apparel is required
  • Specifics and ordering will be discussed at the team level

Goalie Information

  • Each team requires a dedicated goalie
  • A backup goalie is highly valued and encouraged

Volunteer Support (Mandatory)

The success of the TPMHA Wild Female Program depends on strong parent and volunteer support. Each team must have:

  • Head Coach
  • Assistant Coach(s)
  • Safety Parents
  • Team Manager

In addition, parental support is required for all home games and events, including:

  • 50/50 draws
  • Music
  • Time clock operation
  • Scoresheet management

Other roles may arise during the season for tournaments, fundraising, etc.. All families are expected to contribute to ensure a safe, organized, and fun experience for the players.

Fundraising (Mandatory)

All families are expected to participate in:

  • TriPort Association wide fundraising initiatives
  • Team-specific fundraisers to help cover costs associated with travel, tournaments, and team activities
  • TriPort Association wide fundraising initiatives
  • Team-specific fundraisers to help cover costs associated with travel, tournaments, and team activities

Options for Female Players in Minor Hockey

1. Female Wild Hockey Program Only

  • Season Fees: $520
  • Practices: 2 times per week
  • Games: VIAHA Female Island League + playoffs
  • Tournaments: 1 home and 2-3 away (will vary from season to season)
  • Attendance: Mandatory for all games and playoff weekends
  • Teamwear: Required
  • Travel: Island-wide, may include overnight trips

2. Co-Ed Recreation Only

  • Season Fees: $360–$460
  • Practices: 2 times per week
  • Games: 1 weekend game alternating between Port Hardy and Port McNeill throughout season
  • Tournaments: 1 home and 2-3 away (will vary from season to season)
  • Travel: As needed for tournaments/exhibition games
  • Attendance: Strongly encouraged for all practices and games

3. Dual Registration (Co-Ed + Female)

  • Season Fees: Primary team fee + 50% of secondary team fee
  • Practices: Up to 4x per week total
  • Priority: Players must designate a primary team; the primary team’s games/practices take precedence
  • Form Required: TPMHA & VIAHA approval via dual roster form

We recommend families carefully consider the time and financial commitments before entering the Female Wild program




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