Information - General
FAQ
What is Greater Victoria Minor Ball Hockey Association?
Our volunteer-based league strives to provide a FUN, fast-paced activity for both girls and boys from ages 5-18. And by creating balanced teams we ensure all participate no matter what their skill level. Having a blast, meeting new friends and learning about this fantastic sport is what we also desire for your player. No experience necessary.
What are the Timelines for Spring Ball Hockey Season?
November to January - online registration opens November 1
January - January 15th registration closes. After this date players may be placed on a waitlist.
February / March evaluation of players, drafting of teams, evaluation/balancing jamboree games.
March - preparation of schedule; head coaches contact their teams once teams are finalized (mid-March).
March - schedule for April released 3rd week of March or earlier if possible.
April - season officially begins, schedule for May released mid-April, team photos.
May - loads of games, WCC team tryouts (Rep), WCC practices begin mid-May.
June - playoffs begin late May early June, WCC practices continue.
June - season ends with playoff finals on 23/24 weekend.
July - the division winners from our season will participate in the BC Provincial Championship on the Mainland (July long weekend).
July - Western Challenge Cup (WCC) tournament held in mid July, location TBD
Once the schedule has been completed, how often does a team play?
The schedule is only created once we have completed all registration and the league has received confirmation of the available floor time. Season runs from early April to Father's day (June 16th). We use Pearkes, Archie Browning, Eagle Ridge, Panorama, Wurtele (Naden) and Save on Foods arenas. It is important to note that floor time availability at most of our venues (other than Eagle Ridge) is subject to the ice being removed, the timing of which varies from venue to venue making scheduling complex. The league’s goal is to provide a minimum of 12 games for the season but most teams will end up with about 16 games by the end of the season depending on how many teams are in your division. Please see below for more info;
Tykes - Mondays and Wednesdays at Pearkes Field House, 5:30 - 6:30pm
U8 (Peanuts) - Practice either Tuesday or Thursday each week, 5:15 - 6:15pm, Archie Browning with games between 9am and 11am on Saturday and Sunday, various arenas.
U10 (Pups) - One practice a week, Tuesday or Thursday 6:15 - 7:15pm at Archie Browning or 6 - 7pm at other arenas. Games on both Saturday and Sunday morning, usually between 10am and 1pm, various arenas.
U12 (PeeWees) - One practice a week, 6 - 7pm or sometimes 7 - 8pm, any weekday. Games on both Saturday and Sunday, usually between 12 and 4pm at various arenas.
U14 (Minors) - One practice a week, 7 - 8pm at various arenas. Games on both Saturay and Sunday, between 2 and 7pm at various arenas.
U16 (Majors) - Practices only when requested by the coach (usually one or two over the season). Two games per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays between 6 and 8:30pm or Sundays between 5 and 8pm.
U19 (Juniors) - Schedule will depend on how many teams we have. If we have three teams then each team will play on the same two days a week (either Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday). If we have four teams then each team will play on Sunday and Thursday evenings. Games are usually played between 8 and 9:30pm.
Do families need to volunteer?
YES, this is a volunteer run organization with over 500 hundred participants. We need coaches, team managers, scorekeepers and timekeepers for your player's team. There is always someone to lend a hand and show you how it all works.
Where are games and practices located?
Games and practices are played at arenas around Greater Victoria - Archie Browning Arena, Eagle Ridge Community Centre, Juan de Fuca, Naden, Panorama Recreation Centre and Pearkes Recreation Centre.
Can I request my child to play with a friend?
Sorry, no friend requests at this time as we have moved to a DRAFT system to form balanced teams. We cannot accept requests to place players on specific teams with specific players or for carpooling purposes. Thank you for your understanding.
What equipment does my child need?
All equipment items are "mandatory" unless otherwise noted:
- CSA approved helmet with full face protection (cage) & chin strap
- Hockey gloves (no lacrosse gloves)
- Protective cup (jack/jill)
- Soccer-style shin pads with long socks or pants covering shin pads (soft or hard plastic material). OR player can use "D-Gels" which is an all-in-one piece soft shin guard and knew pad.
- Supportive running shoes (no skater shoes)
- Hockey stick with wooden or composite blade (no plastic blade)
Highly recommended equipment:
- Soft elbow pads (if worn then pads must by covered up by long-sleeved jersey or long-sleeved t-shirt; no ice hockey elbow pads)
- Soft knee pads (no ice hockey shin pads)
Will my player receive a jersey?
For all divisions, your player will receive a team jersey to use during the Spring. All clean jerseys are returned to your team manager or head coach at the end of the Spring season.
