Burnaby Wildcats
Female Ice Hockey Programs
We offer programs for all skill levels focusing on development, teamwork, and fun.
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
Female Ice Hockey in Burnaby
Hockey with the Burnaby Wildcats is all about skill development, teamwork, and fun! 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!
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.
Female Rep Hockey Details
For players in the U13 division and older who are looking for a more competitive experience, the Burnaby Female Ice Hockey Association’s Rep teams offer a higher level of play that requires full dedication from both players and their families. Teams are selected through evaluations to ensure the highest quality of players represent the association.
The objectives of Rep Hockey are:
- To provide an environment where elite-level players can reach their full potential
- To foster growth in physical, social, and personal development
- To enhance overall fitness, coordination, and health
- To promote teamwork and collaboration in a competitive setting
- To build positive relationships among players, coaches, parents, and the hockey community
- To teach responsibility, commitment, and work ethic as life skills
- To instill self-discipline and resilience in a competitive environment
- To cultivate leadership skills and independence for personal growth
Rep hockey is a competitive program aimed at reaching the highest level of play. It requires full commitment and dedication from both players and their families. By signing up for Rep team try-outs, you agree to follow the Burnaby Female Ice Hockey Association’s Rep Hockey – Player/Family Commitment & Expectation Agreement.
It is the responsibility of players registered for rep tryouts to regularly check the website for updates on session dates and times, as schedules and groupings may change. Please ensure you review the schedule prior to your first ice time. Players are expected to attend all scheduled tryout sessions.
Groupings for tryouts will be available in early to mid-August.
Each player selected for a Rep team will be required to pay a rep fee to cover the costs of additional practice and game times, on-ice development, and coaching. It is important to understand the difference between Rep Fees (which apply only to Rep teams) and Team Fees (collected for all teams). Team Fees may vary depending on team activities throughout the season, such as tournaments or social events. Players on a Rep team are required to pay both the Rep Fee and the Team Fee. Team Fees are generally managed at the team level, while Rep Fees are submitted directly to the Burnaby Female Ice Hockey Association and may vary by team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teams in PCAHA female hockey compete against other female teams in their age division from different associations, including:
- North Shore Avalanche
- North Shore Winter Club
- Surrey Falcons
- Richmond Ravens
- Vancouver Angels
- Tri-Cities Predators
- And many other female hockey associations within PCAHA
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.