Should I submit a question to FAQ or direct it to an individual?
Only submit a question to FAQ if it is a general question relevant to everyone.
If you have a specific question about programs or your child, please write Director@burnabyminor.com and he will direct your email to the appropriate person. Thanks!
Who do I contact to learn more about your programs?
Your first point of contact should be our Executive Director, Larry Hayes. He can be reached by email at director@burnabyminor.com.
How old can a player be to enroll for hockey?
The minimum age is 5 years.
How much experience do I need to play hockey?
At minimum, you should know how to skate and be able to stop unassisted.
What are the different levels of hockey (by age)?
Hockey 1 (5), Hockey 2 (6), Hockey 3 (7), Hockey 4 (8), Atom (9, 10),
Peewee (11, 12), Bantam (13, 14), Midget (15, 16, 17), Juvenile (18, 19)
What is REP Hockey?
Generally, for more experienced players in Atom and higher divisions, playing at
a higher caliber with more of a time commitment.
Can females play in Burnaby Minor Hockey?
Yes, we have some girls who play on Boy’s teams. Additionally, we have Female only teams, usually in each division.
What rinks do BMHA players use?
Generally, all HOME games and practices take place in one of the following rinks:
(a) Kensington, (b) Burnaby Lake, (c) Bill Copeland Arena.
Additionally, AWAY games may be played at other rinks across the Lower Mainland.
How much time is involved?
Generally, each team has one practice, one home game and one away game each week.
Depending on the division, the ice time may vary from 1 to 1 ½ hours. So count on about
3 to 4 ½ hours per week. Some coaches may hold extra practice, if they can arrange them.
Do I have to buy my own jersey?
For a deposit, your game jersey will be provided to you for the season. At the end of the season, you must return it to receive your deposit back. For PRACTICES, you are expected to use your own jerseys.
How much does it cost?
In 2009,depending on the age of the player, the Registration fees vary from $250 - $750. We anticipate increases in fees next year due to funding cuts. Equipment
costs are extra.
Who can play in BMHA?
Generally, only players that reside in the City of Burnaby - with proof of residency, and subject to approval by
Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association (PCAHA)
How long is the season?
The regular season begins in September and ends at the end of February. Playoffs can go until
the end of March.
When are the practices?
Generally, Hockey 1– 4 teams have weekend practices. Most Atom and Peewee teams have weekdays 6:30 or 7:00 am practice times. For Bantam, Midget, and Juvenile teams, the practices are late evenings. Available ice times are limited to what the city offers us.
When can I register?
If you have played for Burnaby Minor in the preceding year, you are considered a returning
player. You can begin registration by April 1st and register up to June 30 for a guaranteed spot.
After that, new registrants will have the same priority as returning players. New registrants
may begin registration on June 1
Where do I register?
Registration instructions will be posted on the website by April 1st.
Are the team game schedules available online?
If your Team has opted to enter their schedule on this site, you will find it on your Team Page, or you can start a Family Account (see the home page). Once you do that, you will have a full schedule you can print out at any time.
You can also go to www.teamlink.ca and follow the "Schedule" link there.
Can i register this late (November)?
Registration will only be possible if we have space left in the division your child's age determines. Please contact our Executive Director: director@burnabyminor.com
How is it determined what team a child will play on within a division?
Evaluations are done at the start of the year and children are roughly divided into teams that are felt to be "balanced". Those teams are then evaluated for a couple of months and some movement may take place to ensure they are indeed "balanced". Balancing is a requirement by the Pacific Coach Hockey Association.
Please write to director@burnabyminor.com for specific questions. Thank you!
What are the costs of registration?
Please go to the "REGISTRATION" Tab at the top of the page. See "2009/2010 Fees". Fees for next season have not yet been determined, however, due to a significant reduction in our Direct Access Grant we anticipate increases to all fees.
How do file a complaint about a BMHA official?
If you are concerned about the behaviour of any BMHA official, please contact the head of our Disciplinary Committee, Derek Roulston, at refereeinchief@burnabyminor.com.
Does BMHA have a clear equal ice-time policy for the Recreational “C” (House) Level?
Yes, our Policy Manual (found under "Documents and Forms" on this website) states that from H2 through Atom C, equal ice-time is mandatory. From Peewee on, it is not.
This is a follow up on the above question related to the equal ice time policy. I analyzed the Policy Manual which on the page 17 states that for ALL "Recreational “C” (House) Levels, one of the objectives is "To allow players equal ice time".In my view, this objective is in conflict with the statement that from Pewee on, the equal ice-time policy is not mandatory. Please clarify. Thank you!
You are correct in your representation of this issue as stated in the policy manual. While for Atom and below it is mandatory; Peewee and above may have equal ice time as an objective, however, the coach is allowed some discretion. If you have an issue, it should be taken up directly with the coach first; if you don't feel it has been satisfactorly resolved please contact Rick Darocha at headcoach@burnabyminor.com for further direction. Please note that the Executive is in the process of clarifying our policies and this work will be reflected in an updated Policy Manual in the near future.
I would my son to play hockey in September 2010 when do I have to register him by?
Due to impending changes to our registration system we don't a firm date, however, check our website for an update on May 1st. If he is new to BMHA, it will most likely be after June 1st. In the meantime, please be sure to read our Policy Manual and Constitution under "Forms and Documents".
If my child moves up to peewee hitting and doesn't adjust to it can he switch during the season to non hitting?
We have not found that this is a difficult adjustment for most kids, however, if your child does not like the change, we will do our best to accomodate him in contact. However, bear in mind that once teams are declared balanced by PCAHA a move may not be possible. Space would also need to be available in contact in order to transfer him.
Where do ATOM's practice?
While we can not confirm exactly where practices will be for Atoms before our schedule is completed, the rinks used by the BMHA are Kensington, Copeland Complex and 8 Rinks in Burnaby.
We are changing associations this year due to a move in residence, how do I go about having my child released from BMHA and how long does the process take?
For all questions related to transfers, please contact our Registrar at registrar@burnabyminor.com. It can take a few weeks to complete transfers, so please do so as early as possible.
My son turns 5 at the end of October 2010. Is he eligible to play this year or does he have to be 5 by September 1, 2010.
The PCAHA rule governing this is for the Tyke (years 1 and 2) division "open to players 6 years old and younger on December 31 of the current playing season."
Do you have to have experience to play at the bantam level? can beginners play as goalie?
This year at the PCAHA AGM, it was voted that the Introduction to Hockey program for first time players would have no age limit. BMHA is introducing this program in our fall season 2010. Please contact headcoach@burnabyminor.com for details.
Is there a limit on the # new players for Tyke Division.
Not at this time, and it is not anticipated. Simply register at the earliest possible date to ensure placement.
Please explain how the rep teams are evaluated and are what basis they are chosen??Will any feedback be given to the players during the evaluation process to update how the child is doing and what more would be expected of them in order to get chosen for the team. ?? Feedback would be helpful since the players would be able to work on his development to improve his skills to become a better contributor to the association
Our updated Rep Policy is in our Policy Manual located under the Documents tab. It starts on page 19. Please read it in full and if you still have questions contact Riaz Noorani at vicepresident1@burnabyminor.com or Rick Darocha at headcoach@burnabyminor.com for clarification.
what are the times for rep evaluations 2010
General division times are on our website now under our Rep tab above. Specific teams will be posted by Wednesday, August 18th.
What level of skating skills should a child have to register in Hockey 2 (6 years olds)?
No previous experience is necessary. We will have an "Introduction to Hockey" program this year that will fit every skill level need.
What if you can't afford hockey gear?
While we do have some sets of goalie gear available, we do not have regular skater gear. Please check out our classifieds for less expensive used gear as well as Sports Junkies, Scoffs and others who carry used equipment.
When is the Introduction to Hockey program for Hockey 2?
Hockey 1 to 4 are considered introduction programs. If a child is having difficulties matching the skills of his age group the coach will discuss options with the parents, including having in play one group below the one he is currently in.
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