Minor hockey surges among non-traditional groups in B.C.

Revival of Hockey Participation in British Columbia

The year 2021 was a challenging time for hockey participation in British Columbia. The pandemic had taken a toll on player registrations, exacerbating an existing decline in numbers.

Melanie Earland, president of the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association, which oversees minor hockey in B.C.’s Lower Mainland, expressed, “I think there were a lot of families that were impacted at that time. The world changed.”

Prior to the pandemic, player participation had been declining, with a peak of over 62,000 registrations in 2016-2017 dropping to under 58,000 before plummeting to 39,056 during the pandemic season.

Factors contributing to the decline included rising costs and increasing competition from other sports. However, a positive shift is now underway, with registrations for the current season surpassing 63,000. This rebound follows a concerted effort to make hockey more accessible, particularly to groups historically underrepresented in the sport, such as new Canadians and Indigenous communities.

Tom Oberti, president of the West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association, reported record registrations this year, attributing the growth to outreach efforts targeting non-traditional hockey demographics. Initiatives like ball hockey programs in schools and engagement with Mandarin-speaking communities have been instrumental in attracting new players.

The Richmond Jets Minor Hockey Association has also seen a resurgence in registrations, with a significant portion coming from non-traditional communities. Vice-president Trent Gustafson highlighted the enthusiasm of new hockey parents in volunteering, a crucial support system for the minor hockey ecosystem.

Efforts to promote inclusivity and affordability in hockey include programs like try-hockey-for-free for Indigenous youth and equipment assistance initiatives. The goal is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the joys of hockey.

Lee McCaw, president of the Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association, emphasized the importance of inclusivity for all communities, noting the diverse population in British Columbia. While specific programs may not target newcomer groups, the welcoming environment of hockey serves as a unifying force.

Nathan Bosa, president of the Kamloops Minor Hockey Association, highlighted the potential of sports like hockey to support newcomers and foster community integration. The visibility of hockey in diverse communities, including the South Asian population, has contributed to attracting new players.

The resurgence in hockey participation aligns with broader efforts by Hockey Canada to drive growth and inclusivity in the sport. Initiatives like the Professional Women’s Hockey League have boosted female player registrations, while a focus on diversity has led to increased participation from black, Indigenous, and people of color communities.

The positive trend in B.C. reflects a shift towards a more inclusive and accessible hockey landscape. As Scott Furman, Hockey Canada’s vice-president of growth and retention, emphasized, continued work is needed to sustain this progress and ensure that hockey remains a welcoming and diverse sport for all.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Dec. 28, 2024.