A Message from the BC Hockey Office | | |
We know that the very idea of a hockey “off-season” seems quaint to some of you, as we know that many hockey programs run through the warm summer months. Yet, there is something special about September and October. It is truly a time for the excitement and optimism of the new season, whether you’re suiting up for senior hockey, lacing up the skates of a five-year-old, or anything in between. For most of us, it feels great to be in the rink again, and for BC Hockey’s member associations it is finally time for all the planning to switch over to action.
The 2026-27 season is a big one for all of us. It will be the 108th hockey season for BC Hockey, with registration numbers the highest in history for players, coaches, and officials. Challenges abound, from determining how to fairly allocate increasingly scarce ice in some communities to encouraging our excellent volunteers, coaches, and officials to return and deliver this great game. We’re here, ready to help in every way. We have refreshed the BC Hockey Strategic Plan, with a continued emphasis on engaging and enriching all of our members in our collective goals. You’ll find it on our website, and a link to it in this newsletter.
Okay, here we go! See you at the rink!
Cameron Hope
Chief Executive Officer
BC Hockey
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| It's That Time of the Year! | |
Now that the calendar has hit September, it’s time to grab the skates, and to officially kickoff the 2026-27 hockey season! Just a friendly reminder to all our members that www.bchockey.net has many resources that will be helpful as we move into the new season.
We've put together some helpful information and resources to help you get your season started.
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| BC Hockey has launched a refreshed Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, building on the success of its 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. The refreshed Plan carries that strong foundation forward, reflects how hockey continues to evolve across our region, and establishes a clear direction for BC Hockey’s work moving forward. | |
| Are Your Qualifications Up To Date? | | Hockey season is back as we step into September! Whether you're gearing up to coach or stepping on the ice as an official, now is the time to make sure you’ve got everything in place to meet the requirements for your position. Use the links below to check your qualifications and get ready for the season ahead. | | |
Coaches
Coaches requiring Development 1 or High Performance 1 must be trained or certified by December 1, 2026, and coaches who require Coach 1 or Coach 2 must be trained by December 15, 2026. A reminder that coaches at all levels need to complete the following:
If you have any questions related to any of our BC Hockey clinics, reach out to clinics@bchockey.net.
Click the buttons below for all required qualifications.
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Officials
Interested in becoming an official or returning for the 2026-27 season? Visit our Certification webpage to review the required steps and clinic registration information.
Officiating recertification clinics are underway and will continue through the first week of December. Returning officials must complete the online recertification course before registering for an in-person clinic. Make sure you complete the process before clinics conclude, as certification must be renewed to officiate beyond December 31, 2026. For questions about clinics, email clinics@bchockey.net.
Criminal Record Checks (CRC): Officials who will be 18 or older as of December 31, 2026, must have a valid CRC before registering for an in-person clinic. Check your status through your SPORDLE account or visit our Criminal Record Check webpage for instructions.
For questions about Criminal Record Checks, contact crc@bchockey.net.
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| Meet Your 2026-27 Board of Directors | | |
During BC Hockey's 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), five new members were elected to the Board of Directors. BC Hockey is excited to have them as part of the team, and we look forward to collaborating with them.
New board members elected at the 2026 BC Hockey AGM:
- Jeremy Coupal (Director) - Three-Year Term
- Tina McComb (Director) - Three-Year Term
- Andy Van Neutegem (Director) - Three-Year Term
- TJ Babey (Director) - Two-Year Term
- Brian Cairo (Director) - Two-Year Term
They will be joined by the following returning board members:
- Stephanie White (Chair of the Board)
- Haleigh Callison (Director)
- Anita Cote (Director)
- Cole Evans (Director)
| | BC Hockey's Annual General Meeting | | BC Hockey’s 107th Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place virtually on June 24.
Minutes from the AGM are available at the link below. A recording of the AGM can also be found through the link provided below. All resolutions that were carried will be incorporated in the next printing of the BC Hockey Constitution, Bylaws and Regulations. | | Women's and Girls' Events! | | Looking to make a difference this fall? Support women's and girls' hockey by hosting an Esso Fun Day or an event for World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend (WGIHW) to help grow the game in a fun and inclusive way. | | | | WORLD GIRLS' ICE HOCKEY WEEKEND | | |
Applications are open for minor hockey associations to host an Esso Fun Day in their community during the 2026-27 season. The goal of these events is to introduce beginners to the game of hockey in a fun, positive, and welcoming environment at NO COST!
All Esso Fun Day applications and registrations must be submitted through the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR). This provides a streamlined and efficient experience for associations.
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The IIHF's World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend is back! Submit an application to host an event as applications close on September 25, 2026!
Aligning with other Hockey Canada programs such as First Shift and Pathway to Hockey, the WGIHW program will continue the same process for application, registration, and event management for the 2026-27 season. All WGIHW events must go through the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) to ensure a streamlined
process.
| | The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture | |
Hockey Canada has introduced a new national education and training program called The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture. In British Columbia and Yukon, the program will replace Respect in Sport as part of Hockey Canada’s continued commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants.
The Shift Forward is Hockey Canada’s new training platform for coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and guardians. The program features age-appropriate and role-specific content designed to support positive experiences in hockey while addressing unhealthy behaviours both on and off the ice.
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Celebrating our Award Winners! | | |
The 2026 BC Hockey Awards were presented online and through social media during May and June. We celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals across the BC Hockey community. You can read about each award winner by clicking on their name below.
Congratulations to all the award winners, and thank you for your dedication to hockey in B.C. and Yukon!
The 2026 BC Hockey Award winners were:
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Buddy Check for Jesse, founded in memory of Jesse Short-Gershman by his father Dr. Stu Gershman, aims to foster meaningful conversations about mental health among youth hockey players. The program can help provide coaches with resources to facilitate supportive team environments, reducing mental health stigma in the hockey community.
Over the past seven years, numerous associations and coaches have participated in organizing Buddy Check events, which typically include Coaches' Chats designed to help athletes discuss mental health in a safe space. Players also receive green Buddy Check swag as a symbol of solidarity, making the initiative both impactful and a way to promote well-being in the sport.
For more information or to start planning your event, please contact events@buddycheckforjesse.com and check out their website and social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
#BuddyCheckForJesse
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With the upcoming hockey season just around the corner, it's a great opportunity to take a look back at some of the news and events that happened over the offseason!
Check out some Quick Hits below:
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BioSteel
BC Hockey x BioSteel
The team management app that gives back to your team.
BC Hockey and BioSteel have teamed up in a new partnership designed to support players, coaches, and teams at every level.
Introducing the BioSteel Teams App — a 100% free team-management app with the Sports Network built in, plus access to BioSteel team sponsorship.
• Manage your team.
• Connect and share.
• Earn team sponsorship.
One app. Your whole team. More benefits.
Download the App
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Sandman Hotel Group
Stay More, Save More With Sandman
Stay a little longer and save a little more with Sandman Hotels. Book three or more nights at participating Sandman and Sandman Signature locations and save up to 35% off the Standard Rate– just by joining RSVP Rewards for free.
Settle in with spacious suites, famously comfy beds, pet-friendly accommodations, pools for all ages and great on-site dining. With extra room to relax, it’s easy to make yourself at home—and make more of your getaway.
REMINDER: Use code BCAHAFAM when booking to receive up to 20% off your stay at Sandman Hotel and Sutton Place Properties year-round!
Book Now
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belairdirect
Enter the belairdirect Living Large Contest. You could win car payments for a year, a home appliance package with extended warranty, or a $10K travel voucher—plus 10 x $1,000 Jiffy gift cards are up for grabs. Ends Dec 31, 2026.
Visit https://cloud.information.belairdirect.com/livinglargecontest to enter and for more details.
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The Wilson's Group
BACK TO SCHOOL. BACK TO HOCKEY!
New school year, new hockey season and we’re ready to get your team where they need to go!
- Team transportation to rinks, games & tournaments
- School field trips & team outings
- Group adventures to Mount Washington Alpine Resort
And when the only snow left isn’t in the Zamboni pile…you know where to find us! Contact sales@gowilsonsgroup.com for charter bookings.
MT Washington Ski Bus - COMING SOON!
Skip the drive and enjoy the ride on the MT Washington Ski Bus, servicing Victoria to Mount Washington Alpine Resort with 11 convenient pickup locations. Single tickets and family 6-packs are coming in early October.
For more information, visit www.mtwskibus.com.
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BC HOCKEY
6671 Oldfield Rd.
Saanichton, BC V8M 2A1
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