North Island Tier 1 Zone Program

North Island Bears Tier 1 Zone Program

The North Island Bears Tier 1 Zone Program provides eligible U13, U15, and U18 players with the opportunity to compete at the highest level of minor hockey available within the VIAHA system.

The program brings together top players from across the North Island to train, compete, and develop in a highly competitive environment while remaining connected to their home communities and minor hockey associations.

Why Zone Hockey?

Zone Hockey was created to provide players with enhanced development opportunities by competing and training alongside athletes of similar skill and commitment levels.

Benefits of the Tier 1 Zone Program include:

High-level competition against the top players on Vancouver Island
Advanced skill development and coaching
Increased exposure to higher levels of hockey
Opportunities to compete with and against elite athletes
A challenging and rewarding team environment
The ability to remain connected to your local association while pursuing Tier 1 hockey

As hockey continues to evolve, the Zone Program helps provide a strong local alternative to academies and private hockey programs while supporting player development close to home.

Why Stay on the Island?

The North Island Bears Program allows athletes to pursue elite-level competition while remaining connected to their schools, families, and home communities.

The goal is to provide a high-performance hockey experience without requiring players to leave the North Island. Players benefit from enhanced development opportunities while continuing to represent the communities and associations that helped develop them.

What is the North Island Bears Zone Team?

The North Island Bears are a regional Tier 1 program consisting of players from four Minor Hockey Associations:

Campbell River Minor Hockey Association (CRMHA)
Comox Valley Minor Hockey Association (CVMHA)
Powell River Minor Hockey Association (PRMHA)
Tri-Port Minor Hockey Association (TPMHA)

Together, these associations form the North Island Zone within the Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association (VIAHA).

Program Snapshot

Item	Details
Level	Tier 1 Representative Hockey
Eligible Divisions	U13, U15, U18
Associations	Campbell River, Comox Valley, Powell River, Tri-Port
Tryout Dates	August 22-29
Registration Deadline	July 31
Tryout Fee	$175 (subject to annual approval)
Practice Locations	Primarily Campbell River and Comox
Fundraising	Required
Season	September - March

Practice locations, schedules, and team costs are estimates only and may vary based on roster composition, ice availability, and decisions of the North Island Zone Committee.

Team Location and Hosting

The North Island Bears operate as a regional program serving players from Campbell River, Comox Valley, Powell River, and Tri-Port.

The host association, team operations, and primary practice locations are determined annually based on several factors, including:

The geographic location of rostered players
Ice availability
Travel considerations
Operational requirements of the program

This flexible approach allows the program to adapt each season and best support the needs of players and families across the North Island.

Practices and Travel

Practices will primarily be held in Campbell River and Comox, although final locations will depend on roster composition and available ice allocations.

As a Tier 1 program, players and families should anticipate significant travel commitments throughout the season for league play, tournaments, exhibition games, and team activities.

Final schedules will be confirmed following team selection.

Coaching Staff

North Island Bears coaches are selected and appointed by the North Island Zone Committee.

The North Island Zone Committee has appointed the following Head Coaches:

U13 Bears - Dallas McDonald

U15 Bears - Bryce Cockburn

U18 Bears - Mason Harris

Who Should Consider Tier 1 Hockey?

Tier 1 hockey is intended for players seeking the highest level of competition available within the VIAHA system.

Players considering Tier 1 should be prepared for:

Increased travel requirements
Higher levels of competition
Additional training expectations
A significant commitment to practices, games, and team activities
A strong focus on development and performance

Tier 1 hockey is both challenging and rewarding and is best suited for players committed to maximizing their development potential.

Financial Commitment

Participation in the Tier 1 Zone Program requires a significant commitment from both players and families.

Potential costs may include:

Team fees
Host Association Rep fees
Tournament entry fees
Travel and accommodations
Team apparel
Team activities
Additional development opportunities

Fundraising initiatives will be required to help offset team expenses.

Final budgets and team fees will be established by the North Island Zone Committee following team formation and may vary by division and season.

Family Commitment

The success of the North Island Bears Program relies on the commitment and support of both players and families.

Parents should anticipate:

Regular travel throughout the season
Fundraising participation
Volunteer responsibilities
Team communications and scheduling commitments
Supporting a positive and respectful team environment

Families should carefully consider these commitments before entering the Tier 1 tryout process.

Tryouts

Tier 1 tryouts will take place from August 22-29 in Campbell River and Comox.

Schedules and ice times will be released once registration numbers have been confirmed.

Important

Players wishing to participate in Tier 1 tryouts must first register with their home association.

Registration for Tier 1 consideration closes on July 31.

Players may:

Try out for the North Island Bears Tier 1 Program
Try out for their home association's Tier 2 Representative Program

Please Note: Players pursuing a Tier 1 roster spot who wish to remain eligible for their home association's Tier 2 Representative Program must register and pay the applicable tryout fee for both programs.

Affiliation Eligibility

Players who choose not to participate in Tier 1 tryouts will not be eligible to affiliate with a Tier 1 team during the season.

Registration Information

Campbell River Players

In addition, players must complete and submit the VIAHA Tier 1 Tryout Request Form to CRMHA by July 31.

Comox Valley Players

Powell River Players

Submit the VIAHA Tier 1 Tryout Request Form and applicable tryout fee through Comox Valley MHA.

Tri-Port Players

Submit the VIAHA Tier 1 Tryout Request Form and applicable tryout fee through Campbell River MHA.

Specific registration instructions, forms, and payment details will be provided by each association.

What About My Home Association Rep Team?

The North Island Bears Program complements—not replaces—the Representative programs offered by member associations.

CRMHA and CVMHA continue to plan for U13, U15, and U18 Tier 2 Representative teams each season, subject to:

Registration numbers
Coach availability
Goaltender availability
Recreational team numbers and association requirements

Players who are not selected for the Tier 1 program remain eligible to participate in their home association's Tier 2 Representative program.

Which Program Should I Try Out For?

North Island Bears (Tier 1)

Ideal for players seeking the highest level of competition available within the VIAHA system and who are prepared for the increased commitment associated with Tier 1 hockey.

Home Association Rep Team (Tier 2)

Ideal for players seeking competitive hockey, strong development opportunities, and the ability to represent their local association while balancing school, family, and other commitments.

Both

Players pursuing a Tier 1 roster spot who wish to remain eligible for their home association's Tier 2 Representative Program must register and pay the applicable tryout fee for both programs.

More Than a Team

The North Island Bears Program is about more than wins and losses.

It is an opportunity for players from across the North Island to challenge themselves, develop lifelong friendships, and compete alongside athletes who share the same passion for the game.

The program is built on respect, accountability, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the ice.

Questions?

For questions regarding the North Island Bears Tier 1 Zone Program, please contact your home association Representative Coordinator.

Additional information, tryout schedules, and registration details will be released as they become available.