PCEHL U13 Hockey
Join the inaugural year
Why Change?
- Provide greater access and opportunity for a wider range of players from all associations at the highest level
- Aligns with a “Player First Focus.”
- Better define the overall Rep player pathway
- Retain players at all levels
- Improve player and coach development opportunities
- Promotes our strengths as PCAHA associations
- Already seeing the positive impact of similar programs around the province (OMAHA & Vancouver Island)
Program Information
Evaluations
- Oversight by the joint committee of associations plus PCEHL Committee
- Must attend evaluations in your designated region
- Merit-based selection – no quotas
- Targeting Mid May to Mid June
- Evaluation cost projected at $300-$400 per player and goalies.
- Released players returned to MHA, and will proceed with MHA evaluation processes
- Separate goalie-specific evaluation
* Winter Club based teams may have a separate process
Roster Composition
- Open to 2015 and 2014 players for 2026-2027 season
- Target 15 skaters and 2 goalies – teams will be permitted to carry more players per PCAHA and BC Hockey regulations
- Affiliation from MHA teams in the region
* Winter Club based teams may differ
Collaborative Approach
- Host MHA’s or collaborative hosting
- Easier player movement
- 10-11 teams
Team Budget
- Oversight by the joint committee of associations plus PCEHL Committee
- Aiming for a team fee range of $4500-$6000
- Variables related to ice costs, optional tournament travel
- Paid coaches included in the budget
- Paid League coordinator
- Contain costs while providing value for money and trasparency
* Winter Club based teams may have different fees
2026/2027 Season Overview
- Home game ice
- 2 practices plus 1 skills session each week
- Professional certified coach
- Weekly dryland training
- Goalie coaching
- Uniforms/equipment/apparel
- Budget & program oversight by PCAHA
Upcoming Dates/Next Steps
Coaching Applications NOW OPEN
*Note* all applications will be vetted and approved by PCAHA
- April 2026 – Open registration process
- April 2026 – Parent Information Sessions – Hub Teams
- May/June 2026 – Spring Tryouts & Evaluations (date to be determined)
- June/July 2026 – Schedule drafts circulated
- August 2026 – Confirm schedule
- September 2026 – Pre-season start
- Mid September – October 2026 – Regular season start
Common Questions About PCEHL U13
What is the rationale for a program like PCEHL U13 within the PCAHA?
The initiative seeks to provide broader access and opportunities for a wider range of players across all associations, aligning with a “Player First Focus.” It aims to better define the Rep player pathway, retain players at all levels, and improve development opportunities for both players and coaches.
What other districts in the Province have this type of U13 program model?
The PCEHL U13 program draws inspiration from successful models in the Okanagan Mainline Amateur Hockey Association (OMAHA) and the Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association (VIAHA).
What is the "Hub" concept & hosting standard
The PCEHL U13 program will feature collaborative hosting by multiple Minor Hockey Associations (MHAs), sharing resources and allowing for fewer restrictions on player movement and competitive balance. Hosting standards include: 1 home game, 2 practices per week, skills program, dryland, professional coaching, and budget and program oversight by PCAHA and hub team committees.
How many teams will participate in the program?
The proposed plan is to have 10 or 11 PCEHL U13 teams through collaboration among existing MHAs
When will the season begin?
The pre-season will begin in September 2026, and the regular season will start mid-September to early-October.
How long will the program run?
A minimum of two years is proposed to properly evaluate the program.
Will the new program replace U13A1 hockey?
No, the implementation of the PCEHL U13 program is not intended to displace any component of the existing U13 rep hockey structure.
How are the PCEHL U13 hub determined?
The data that was used to develop the proposed hub teams includes overall association size, number of U13 rep teams in 25/26, number of flight 1 teams, number of U11A teams, and at which level the U11 ‘A’ teams are currently competing. Geography, existing partnerships, and the impact of NSLs were all major drivers for the proposed hub areas.
Will the PCEHL U13 teams represent Tier 1 at provincials?
We are working with PCAHA and BC Hockey on the designation of the hub teams. It is anticipated that they will compete in a separate playoff format with other similar programs in the OMAHA and VIAHA.
What will be the roster sizes?
The target roster size is 15 players and 2 goalies – teams will be permitted to carry more players in accordance with PCAHA and BC Hockey regulations, as approved by the hub team committee. *Winter Club-based teams may differ.
Who will administer and govern the program?
The overall program will be administered by the PCAHA committee, and it is anticipated that a paid program coordinator will be appointed to oversee the evaluations and league, the cost for which will be included in the PCEHL U13 team’s budgets. Each PCEHL hub team will also have its own committee made up of representatives from its member associations.
How will coaches be selected?
Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Skill Providers (Dryland, Skills Coach, Goalie Coach, etc.) will be selected by each PCEHL team committee and approved by the program committee.