​​​​​​​TPMHA Recreation Hockey Program Overview

The TPMHA Recreation (House) Hockey Program is designed to provide a fun, inclusive, and safe environment for players of all ages and skill levels to learn and enjoy the game of hockey. 

This program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, self-confidence, and most importantly—fun. It serves as the foundation for players who may later pursue competitive or female hockey streams.

Aligned with BC Hockey and Hockey Canada’s Long-Term Player Development model, TPMHA’s recreation program supports age-appropriate, skill-specific programming that promotes lifelong participation in the sport. The program is structured to ensure continuity and consistency as players progress through different age divisions.

Program Objectives

  • Support individual player development in a positive and encouraging environment.
  • Promote safe and enjoyable hockey experiences for all participants.
  • Emphasize sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for teammates, coaches, and officials.

BC Hockey’s Approach

BC Hockey’s recreational programming, including the U7 and U9 Cross-Ice Delivery, focuses on maximizing puck touches, movement, and engagement. These formats have been proven to enhance skill development and enjoyment by increasing player involvement in every game and practice

Hockey Canada’s Philosophy

Hockey Canada believes that when more people play, the game grows stronger. Their recreational programs—from Timbits U7 to adult leagues—are designed to make hockey accessible, safe, and fun for everyone. The structured learn-to-play model introduces beginners to the sport in a way that fosters a lifelong love for hockey

Financial Commitment

  • Season Fees: $360-$460
  • Travel: Travel expenses for tournaments or exhibition games that are scheduled with down island teams.
  • Possible additional fees

Program Highlights

Practices

  • Two practices per week in your home town arena
    • 1 hour on-ice session
  • Typical practice days: Monday-Friday
  • Mandatory attendance is encouraged for player development and coaches to be able to run efficient drills at practice

League

  • Coed team rosters
  • Games played against the other local recreation team (Port McNeill or Port Hardy)
  • Exhibition games with out of town teams may be schedules
  • Games are held on weekends
  • Season length: September - March
  • Mandatory attendance is encouraged for player development and coaches to be able to run efficient drills at practice

Travel

  • travel consists of tournaments and exhibition games if scheduled with other teams

Under-7 (U7) - Ages 4-6

Our youngest players are introduced to hockey in a fun, supportive environment focused on basic skills and teamwork.

  • Two half-ice practices each week
  • Games to start after Remembrance Day
  • No scorekeeping - the focus is fun and development
  • 2-minute buzzer shifts so everyone gets a turn
  • All players rotate through all positions, including goalie

Under-9 (U9) - Ages 7 & 8

Players continue to build on their skills while enjoying game play.

  • Two half-ice practices each week
  • Games to start after Remembrance Day
  • No scorekeeping - we focus on improvement, not winning
  • 2-minute buzzer shifts for equal play time
  • All players rotate through all positions; after Christmas, those interested in goaltending may play more frequently in net
  • After Christmas, 2nd year U9 players will have the opportunity to participate in a few full ice sessions to prepare for U11

Under-11 (U11) - Ages 9 & 10

At this level, players experience full-ice hockey and more structured practices and games.

  • Two ice practices times per week 
  • Games: start after Thanksgiving (1 local game either in Port McNeill or Port Hardy)
  • Games are around 1 hour 15 minutes
  • New players are welcome but a safety evaluation may be done

 

Under-13 (U13) - Ages 11 & 12

Players continue building their skills in a full-ice, team-focused environment.

  • Two ice practices times per week 
  • Games: start after Thanksgiving (1 local game either in Port McNeill or Port Hardy)
  • Games are around 1 hour 15 minutes
  • New players are welcome but a safety evaluation may be done

 

Under-15 (U15) - Ages 13 & 14

U15 is non-body checking recreational hockey with a strong focus on skill and confidence.

  • Two ice practices times per week 
  • Games: start after Thanksgiving (1 local game either in Port McNeill or Port Hardy)
  • Games are around 1 hour 15 minutes
  • No body checking allowed
  • New players are welcome but a safety evaluation may be done

 

Under-18 (U18) - Ages 15 to 18

This division is focused on fun, fitness, and keeping players in the game through their high school years and beyond.

  • Two ice practices times per week 
  • Games: start after Thanksgiving (1 local game either in Port McNeill or Port Hardy)
  • Games are around 1 hour 15 minutes
  • No body checking allowed
  • New players are welcome but a safety evaluation may be done

Volunteer Support (Mandatory)

The success of the TPMHA Wild Recreation 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

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