RECREATION HOCKEY
Recreation Hockey Program
Fun. Friendship. Development.
The Campbell River Minor Hockey Association (CRMHA) Recreation Hockey Program is where most players begin—and often where their best hockey memories are made.
As the foundation of our association, Recreation Hockey provides players ages 5-18 with a fun, inclusive, and development-focused environment where they can learn the game, improve their skills, build confidence, and make lasting friendships.
Whether a player is stepping onto the ice for the first time or has been playing for years, Recreation Hockey offers an opportunity to enjoy the game while developing as both a hockey player and a teammate.
Why Choose Recreation Hockey?
Recreation Hockey is designed for players who want to enjoy hockey in a positive and supportive environment.
Benefits of the Recreation Program include:
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Balanced teams and equal opportunities for all players
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A strong focus on skill development
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Emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect
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Flexible schedules that allow participation in other sports and activities
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Reduced travel commitments
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Opportunities to build lifelong friendships
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A welcoming environment for players of all skill levels
Our goal is simple: help players develop a lifelong love of hockey.
Program Snapshot
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5-18 |
| Season | September - March |
| Commitment | Typically 2 ice times per week |
| Travel | Primarily local |
| Team Formation | Balanced teams |
| Experience Required | None |
| Focus | Fun, Development, Friendship |
New for This Season
To support the Development and Representative tryout process, Recreation Hockey will begin after Development and Rep team selections have been completed.
Team formation, evaluations (where applicable), and season start dates will be communicated once the competitive hockey pathway has concluded.
This approach helps ensure players are placed appropriately while allowing CRMHA to build balanced Recreation teams across all divisions.
Hockey for Everyone
The Recreation Program serves as the foundation of CRMHA.
Many players:
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Begin in Recreation and remain lifelong recreational players
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Move into Development or Representative hockey
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Return to Recreation after playing competitive hockey
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Participate alongside other sports and activities
There is no single pathway in hockey. Recreation Hockey provides a valuable and rewarding experience for players of all ages and abilities.
Player Development
CRMHA recognizes that the majority of player development occurs during practice.
To maximize player involvement and skill development, coaches are encouraged to use structured practice plans and station-based training that keeps players active and engaged.
Our Recreation coaches focus on:
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Skating development
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Puck control
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Passing and shooting
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Hockey sense
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Teamwork and communication
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Sportsmanship and respect
Player development remains a priority at every age level.
Typical Weekly Schedule
Teams generally receive one practice and one game each week.
Typical practice schedules may include:
| Division | Typical Practice Time |
|---|---|
| U7 | Thursday - 5:15 PM |
| U9 | Wednesday - 5:15 PM |
| U11 | Tuesday or Wednesday - 6:30 PM |
| U13 | Tuesday or Thursday - 7:45 PM |
| U15 | Tuesday or Wednesday - 7:45 PM |
| U18 | Tuesday or Wednesday - 9:00 PM |
Practice schedules may vary depending on registration numbers and ice availability.
Division Information
U7 (Ages 5-6)
Our youngest players are introduced to hockey in a fun and supportive environment focused on basic skills, confidence, and teamwork.
Players can expect:
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Two half-ice sessions per week
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Equal participation opportunities
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No scorekeeping
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Position rotation, including goaltending
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Age-appropriate skill development
The focus is on learning, participation, and having fun.
U9 (Ages 7-8)
Players continue building their hockey skills while developing confidence and game awareness.
Players can expect:
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Two half-ice sessions per week
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Equal participation opportunities
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No scorekeeping
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Position rotation
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Increased skill development and game play
The emphasis remains on development, enjoyment, and participation.
U11 (Ages 9-10)
Players transition to full-ice hockey and begin experiencing more structured practices and games.
Players can expect:
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One practice and one game per week
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Full-ice hockey
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Balanced teams
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Equal development opportunities
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Continued focus on skill development and sportsmanship
U13 (Ages 11-12)
Players continue developing individual skills while learning teamwork and game strategy.
Players can expect:
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One practice and one game per week
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Full-ice hockey
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Balanced teams
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Skill development and team play
U15 (Ages 13-14)
U15 Recreation Hockey is a non-body-checking environment that emphasizes skill development, confidence, and enjoyment of the game.
Players can expect:
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One practice and one game per week
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Full-ice hockey
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Balanced teams
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Continued development opportunities
Body checking is not permitted in Recreation Hockey.
U18 (Ages 15-18)
U18 Recreation Hockey focuses on keeping players involved in the game through their high school years and beyond.
Players can expect:
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Typically two games per week
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Optional practice opportunities when available
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Balanced teams
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A focus on fun, fitness, and lifelong participation
New players are always welcome. Introductory development opportunities may be offered before entering league play to ensure players feel confident and safe on the ice.
Body checking is not permitted in Recreation Hockey.
Team Formation
CRMHA strives to create balanced teams that provide a positive experience for all participants.
Team formation may include:
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Coach evaluations
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Player balancing sessions
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Division Manager input
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Consideration of overall team balance
The goal is to create fair and competitive teams while maximizing player enjoyment and development.
Affiliate Players
Affiliate Players (APs) provide opportunities for players to occasionally participate at the next division level when required.
CRMHA manages affiliate opportunities in accordance with BC Hockey regulations and association policies.
Affiliate opportunities are coordinated by Division Managers and coaches to ensure fairness, player safety, and development opportunities for all participants.
Detailed Affiliate Player procedures are available within CRMHA Policies and Procedures.
Why Families Choose Recreation Hockey
Families consistently tell us they value:
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The welcoming atmosphere
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Positive coaching environments
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Strong friendships developed through hockey
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Opportunities for every player to participate
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A healthy balance between hockey, school, family, and other activities
Recreation Hockey allows players to challenge themselves, stay active, and enjoy the game without the additional commitments often associated with competitive hockey.
More Than Hockey
Recreation Hockey is about more than goals and wins.
It is about learning new skills, building confidence, staying active, making friends, and developing a lifelong love of hockey.
Whether a player is stepping onto the ice for the first time or simply looking to enjoy the game with teammates and friends, the CRMHA Recreation Program provides a welcoming place for everyone.
Questions?
For more information about the CRMHA Recreation Hockey Program, please contact:
CRMHA Administration
info@crmha.ca
