The Program
The Vancouver Girls Ice Hockey program is centered on developing strong hockey skills for girls between the ages of four/five through 19. These skills are taught by coaches and associates that focus on team goal setting, recreational and competitive hockey drills, and most importantly friendships and fun on ice and off. The Vancouver Girls Ice Hockey teams, known as The Angels, are governed by the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association (PCAHA). For more information on PCAHA rules please visit http://www.pcaha.bc.ca/rules/ and for maps to our arena locations http://www.pcaha.bc.ca/maps/
Vancouver Girls Ice Hockey Program Levels
Any new player can join the Angels teams at any level according to their age by December 31. A highly recommended pre-requisite to new hockey players is power skating. The girls do not have to have completed the previous level of skill or have played recreational or competitive hockey previously. The level of commitment including practice and game time varies from age group and level of play and is summarized below.
Tyke: (4/5-6 years old)
Tyke provides an introduction to hockey skills development for new players and skaters. The coaches’ focus is on having fun playing the game, general knowledge of hockey and basic skills including skating, stopping, stick / puck handling, and game rules. Tyke practices once or twice a week with games (home & away) starting in January through the beginning of March.
Novice: (7-8 years old)
The Novice level reviews and builds upon the basic skills acquired by Tyke players. Many new players join at the Novice level and can easily learn the skills necessary to enjoy playing hockey as a new sport. New skills are added to advance player’s knowledge of skating skills including turning, shooting and passing, and stick / puck handling. Novice practices twice a week during preseason and placement rounds. Regular games start in early November on average once per week, either home or away, with one practice per week through the beginning of March.
Atom: (9-10 years old)
This level focuses on advancing all the skills learned and introduces faster skating skills, shift endurance, shooting and passing to teammates. Players at this level may compete in organized tournaments to gain an appreciation for a wider spectrum of teams and player skills outside the Angels league. Teams are tiered at the Atom level and beyond so players develop their skills with peers at the same level of hockey. Atom practices once per week and plays one game per week, either home or away, starting with exhibition games continuing to league-scheduled placement round games through the beginning of March.
Pee Wee: (11-12 years old)
At the Pee Wee level players can choose to continue on the recreational teams and they are provided with an option to try out for competitive rep level play. This level of recreational and rep coaching focuses on more advanced skating skills including edge control, competitive hockey strategies, stick / puck handling as well as working with teammates on scoring tactics. Pee Wee practices once or twice (rep level) during preseason and placement rounds. Games include one home and one away per week, averaging three ice times a week including practices.
Bantam: (13-14 years old)
The Bantam teams include the same opportunity as Pee Wee for girls to play on a recreational team or compete for placement on the more competitive rep level team. Coaches continue to teach more advanced skating skills and girls are encouraged to take additional power skating programs to improve edge control and endurance. Competitive hockey strategies both at an individual and team level are important for tournament and competitive play. Bantam practices once or twice (rep level) per week during preseason and placement rounds. Games include one home and one away per week, averaging three ice times a week including practices.
Midget: (15/16-17 years old)
Midget girls focus on improving their individual and team skills based on how competitive their plan is to continue playing hockey. The coaching is designed to teach advanced hockey drills and game strategies with a focus on shooting and passing, hockey rules, personal endurance and fitness, and stick / puck handling. Midget practices once or twice (rep level) per week during preseason and placement rounds. Games include one home and one away per week, averaging three ice times a week including practices.
Juvenile: (18-19 years old)
In 2010 the PCAHA added the Juvenile level. This level allows players to continue competing in games with other Lower Mainland associations, including Richmond and Burnaby. Players at this level participate at a recreational level and there are no practices.