Burnaby Wildcats
All-Girls Ice Hockey for New Westminster Players
The Burnaby Wildcats welcome Female Players from New Westminster to our All-Girls Hockey Programs.
Welcome to the Burnaby Wildcats!
Girls from Burnaby and New Westminster are invited to join the Burnaby Wildcats, the ice hockey team of the Burnaby Female Ice Hockey Association (BFIHA). We offer a fun, inclusive, and development-focused hockey experience for female players of all ages and skill levels. Whether your child is just learning to skate or striving for high-level competition, there’s a place for them at BFIHA!
Registration Info
- Returning Players: Registration opens on May 15 2025 at 12:01 AM.
- New Players: Registration opens on May 31 2025 at 12:01 AM.
- Deadline: Registration closes August 15 2025 (space permitting).
Early Bird Discount
- Early Bird Discount: Save $100 by registering online between May 15 and June 30
- Regular Fee: Applies to returning players registering after June 30
First Come First Serve
- Priority by Order: Registration is processed on a first come, first serve basis
- No Guaranteed Spots: Returning players must register early to secure placement
Girls Hockey for New West Players
Girls in New Westminster currently have access to integrated (co-ed) hockey through their local association (NWMHA). Players seeking to join girls-only teams can register with an adjacent association, and many have found a home with the Burnaby Wildcats. We’ve proudly welcomed New West players for over 20 years, offering fun, competitive, and supportive female hockey programs for all skill levels. Hockey with the Burnaby Wildcats is all about skill development, teamwork, and fun! New players are always welcome!
Here’s what you need to know about our programs:
- Programs start at age 4 (Players must turn 4 by December 31st).
- Suitable for all skill levels – from beginners to our Rep 'A' program for advanced players.
- Season runs from September to March.
- No body checking – a safe and supportive environment for all players.
- Quality coaching focused on skill development.
- Building confidence, hockey skills, and lifelong friendships—while having fun!
Why Join the Burnaby Wildcats
A True Home Base for New West Players
Girls from New Westminster are invited to join BFIHA, an established, inclusive association where they can create lasting bonds, build pride, and truly feel a part of the community.
A Welcoming, All-Female Environment
No need for girls to be the only female on an integrated team—at BFIHA, they join a team where they are seen, supported, and empowered to excel in a positive, all-female space.
Better Retention, Greater Potential
When girls feel valued and supported, they stay in the sport longer, unlocking their full potential and enjoying the camaraderie of hockey both on and off the ice.
Long-Term Certainty for Families
With BFIHA, families can plan with peace of mind, knowing their daughters have a consistent, nurturing environment to grow and develop year after year.
Our Programs by Age Group
Our U7 program is a fun, beginner-friendly introduction to hockey for girls aged 5–6. No skating experience is needed to join. Players develop basic skills like skating, turning, stopping, puck handling, and teamwork through fun practices and games.
Season Info:
- Runs September to early March
- 1–2 practices per week
- Games start later in the season
- Home games in Burnaby; away games in the Lower Mainland
It’s all about learning, friendship, and building a lifelong love for the game!
Our U9 program is perfect for beginners and those moving up from U7. Girls aged 7–8 continue developing core hockey skills while building confidence, teamwork, and a deeper love for the game. No skating experience or previous hockey is required.
Skills Focus:
- Skating, turning, stopping
- Puck handling, shooting, passing
- Intro to hockey rules and strategy
- Teamwork, fun, and friendship
Season Info:
- Runs September to early March
- 1–2 practices per week
- Games begin later in the season
- Home games in Burnaby; away games in the Lower Mainland
Whether new to the sport or returning, U9 is a fun, supportive step forward!
U11 builds on foundational skills and introduces more advanced play, including full-ice games and scorekeeping. This is the first level with tiered teams (recreational and competitive “rep”), with evaluations or tryouts held at the start of the season for team placement. Beginners are welcome and placed based on experience and skill level.
Skills Focus:
- Advanced skating (speed, endurance, edge control)
- Puck handling, shooting, passing
- Hockey rules and strategies
- Fitness, teamwork, and friendship
Season Info:
- September to early March, including playoffs
- 1–2 practices per week
- Weekly games
- Rep teams may have additional ice times
- Home games in Burnaby; away games in the Lower Mainland
- Tournaments throughout the season
U11 is where players grow their game, gain confidence, and enjoy the fun and challenge of competitive hockey.
U13 offers both recreational and competitive play for girls aged 11–12. The program continues to build hockey skills and introduces more advanced strategies and fitness. Evaluations or tryouts are held at the start of the season to place players on appropriate teams. Beginners are welcome and placed based on experience and skill level.
Skills Focus:
- Advanced skating (speed, endurance, edge control)
- Puck handling, shooting, passing
- Game rules, strategies, and plays
- Strength, conditioning, and teamwork
Season Info:
- Runs September to early March, ending with playoffs
- 1–2 practices per week; rep teams may have more
- Regular season games and tournaments
- Home games in Burnaby; away games in the Lower Mainland
- Rep teams may qualify for BC Hockey Provincials in March
U13 is where players continue to grow, compete, and strengthen their love for the game.
It’s important to note that players can switch pathways at the start of each season. For example, a player in the U13 House program one year can choose to try out for the Rep ‘A’ team the next season, and vice versa.
U15 is designed to further develop both individual and team hockey skills for girls aged 13–14. The program supports both recreational and competitive play, with evaluations or tryouts at the start of the season to determine team placement. Beginners are welcome and placed based on skill and experience.
Skills Focus:
- Advanced skating (speed, endurance, edge control)
- Puck handling, shooting, passing
- Game rules, strategies, and plays
- Strength, conditioning, teamwork, and leadership
Season Info:
- Runs September to early March, ending with playoffs
- 1–2 practices per week; rep teams may have more
- Regular season games and tournaments
- Home games in Burnaby; away games in the Lower Mainland
- Rep teams may qualify for BC Hockey Provincials in March
U15 is a great opportunity for early teens to compete, grow their game, and enjoy the Wildcats team experience.
It’s important to note that players can switch pathways at the start of each season. For example, a player in the U15 House program one year can choose to try out for the Rep ‘A’ team the next season, and vice versa.
U18 is for players aged 15–17 who want to continue developing their hockey skills in a fun, team-focused environment. Both recreational and competitive options are available, with evaluations or tryouts held at the start of the season to determine team placement. New players are welcome and placed based on experience and skill.
Skills Focus:
- Advanced skating (speed, endurance, edge control)
- Puck handling, shooting, passing
- Game rules, strategies, and plays
- Strength, conditioning, teamwork, and leadership
Season Info:
- Runs September to early March, ending with playoffs
- 1–2 practices per week; rep teams may have more
- Regular season games and tournaments
- Home games in Burnaby; away games in the Lower Mainland
- Rep teams may qualify for BC Hockey Provincials in March
U18 is a great way for older players to stay active, competitive, and connected through hockey.
It’s important to note that players can switch pathways at the start of each season. For example, a player in the U18 House program one year can choose to try out for the Rep ‘A’ team the next season, and vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Girls often thrive in an all-female environment where they feel supported and included. It helps build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging—especially as physical contact becomes part of boys’ hockey at U15. Our program is designed for girls to support their development and love for the game.
All players are required to have full hockey gear, including:
- CSA-approved helmet with full cage
- Mouthguard (if required by the association)
- Shoulder pads
- Elbow pads
- Hockey gloves
- Hockey pants
- Shin guards
- Jersey and socks (provided by the team for games)
- Neck guard (mandatory)
- Hockey skates
- Hockey stick
- Athletic supporter (jill)
The time commitment varies by age division and level of play.
- U7 & U9: Typically 2-3 sessions per week, including practices and games. These are designed to focus on fun, skill development, and small-area play.
- U11 & U13 (House & Rep ‘A’): Usually 2-4 ice times per week, including practices, games, and optional development sessions. Rep ‘A’ teams may have additional training commitments.
- U15 & U18 (House & Rep ‘A’): Generally 3-5 ice times per week, depending on the level. Rep ‘A’ teams will have a more intensive schedule with additional practices, games, tournaments, and possible travel.
- Tournaments & Travel: Teams typically participate in local tournaments, and Rep ‘A’ teams may have additional travel commitments.
Schedules vary slightly between associations and teams, so your coach or team manager will provide specific details at the start of the season.
No experience is needed at the younger levels. Our U7 and U9 programs focus on skating, fun, and skill-building in a supportive environment. As players grow, we offer structured development at both recreational and competitive levels.
Absolutely! Since there’s no all-girls hockey program in New Westminster, players from the city are encouraged to join BFIHA. We’ve proudly welcomed New West players for over 20 years.
Girls can start as young as 4 years old in our U7 division. We offer programs for players from U7 through U18, so your daughter can grow with the sport through all stages of development.
You can find step by step information about the registration process for girls from New Westminster on our registration page. If additional questions come up please simply reach out to us through our contact form, and we will get in touch with you quickly to answer any questions!
Great question—whether it’s better for girls to play integrated (co-ed) or girls-only hockey depends on the individual player, her goals, personality, and local opportunities. Here’s a comparison to help parents make an informed decision:
- Comfort & Belonging: Girls often feel more included and confident in an all-girls environment, especially as they get older.
- Change Room Dynamics: Shared change rooms in integrated hockey can become awkward by U11, and even more so by U15 when body awareness increases.
- Non-Contact Option: Girls hockey is non-bodychecking all the way to the highest levels, which some players and parents prefer.
- Stronger Peer Bonds: Playing with other girls can foster friendships, mentorship, and a lasting sense of team identity.
- Female Role Models: Female hockey associations like BFIHA often include experienced women coaches and volunteers who inspire younger players.
- Early Development: Younger girls (U7–U9) can thrive in integrated hockey where the focus is on fun and fundamentals.
- Challenging Competition: In some areas, integrated hockey may offer more competitive levels or deeper player pools.
- Local Convenience: If a female association isn't nearby, integrated hockey may be the more accessible option.
What Often Happens
Many girls start in integrated hockey but transition to girls-only teams around U11 due to:
- Being one of the only girls on a team
- Lack of same-gender peers
- Change room challenges
- Full-contact rules for boys hockey at U15+
At Burnaby Wildcats (BFIHA)
We provide a welcoming, competitive, and empowering environment where girls thrive both on and off the ice. Our focus is on developing confident athletes, creating community, and growing the future of female hockey.