Vancouver TBirds

Vancouver Thunderbirds

Box 170 - 4438 W. 10th Avenue
Vancouver V6R 4R8
British Columbia
Canada
Tel 604-224-5891
Fax 604-224-5892
Email Us

About the Association

Q. How does VTMHA Work?

VTMHA is a non-profit society under the BC Society’s Act. Our objectives are to provide an opportunity for youngsters aged 5 to 20 to play hockey, and through their involvement in the sport, develop good sportsmanship practices. VTMHA is a member of the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association (PCAHA), the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association (BCAHA) and the Canadian Hockey Association (CHA). These senior bodies provide the rules, policies and guidance required to play the game and to organize minor hockey. Aside from our Director of Hockey Operations, Executive Director and Administrator, we are a volunteer organization.

Q. Do I need to volunteer?

The quality of hockey that we provide to our players is directly dependent upon the dedication of our volunteers and the countless hours they give of their time. “Hockey parents” are expected to volunteer in some capacity such as fundraising IN ADDITION to scorekeeping, timekeeping. and possibly 50/50.

Q. What rinks does VTMHA use?

For the last season we had 57 teams playing out of the following Vancouver Parks Board ice rinks: Kerrisdale, Kitsilano, Riley Park and Sunset. Ice was also rented at the UBC Winter Sports Centre. A few of our teams used Great Pacific Forum in Delta and Burnaby 8 rinks as well. We anticipate having at least the same number of teams for the upcoming season.

Q. How often will my child play?

From Atom onwards our teams generally have 1 or 2 practice(s) and 2 games a week. Practice times for players 8 and under are usually on a weekday afternoon after school or on weekends. Older players can expect to have an early morning practice either on a weekday or weekend. Games are usually on the weekends for our younger players, whereas the older players may have their games on a weekday evening or anytime on the weekend. VTMHA can not confirm ice times until after the start of the season due to fluctuation in registration numbers and ice alottment from the City of Vancouver.

Registration

Q. How do I register?

A. Go to our registration page for instructions on how to register.

Q. Where do I need to live to play for VTMHA?

A. In order to play for VTMHA, you must live within the following      boundaries:

     Northern Boundaries
     Burrard Inlet (Burrard Street to Stanley Park)
     Broadway (Burrard Street to Kingsway)
     Kingsway (Broadway to Fraser Street)
     41st Avenue (Fraser Street to Argyle Street)

     Eastern Boundaries
     Burrard Street (Burrard Inlet to Broadway)
     Fraser Street (Kingsway to 41st Avenue)
     Argyle Street (41st Avenue to North Arm Fraser River)

     Western Boundaries
     English Bay, Georgia Strait

     Southern Boundaries
     North Arm Fraser River (Georgia Strait to Argyle Street)

     These boundaries are strictly enforced by Pacific Coast League and VTMHA. Proof of residence is required for all players.

About the Game

Q. What is the difference between body checking and body contact? (applies only to Peewee and above)

A. There is a subtle difference between Body Checking and Body Contact. NBC stands for No Body Checking. Many parents believe this means no body contact...sort of like soccer. However this is not the case, a lot of contact and hitting is allowed, and always has been, at all levels from Novice to Midget.

The basic difference is:
In Body Checking the defending player is allowed to initiate the hit; by stepping forward or sideways into the attacking (puck carrying) player.

In Body Contact the attacking player must initiate the hit by colliding or running into the defending player, the defending player is allowed to position himself to block the attacking player, they are not obligated to get out of the way, thereby causing the attacking player to run into the defending player. Confusing...well most of the referees get confused as well.

A couple of examples

1. An attacking player trying to split the defence:
In Body Checking one or both of the defending players can step forward and knock the attacker down or step sideways to check the attacker shoulder to shoulder to squeeze him/her out of the play.
In Body Contact, one or both of the defending players can step sideways in front of the attacking player, and let the attacking player run into them. The key is, the defending player cannot step sideways and hit the attacker shoulder to shoulder

2. An attacking player going down the boards, trying to get by the defence on the outside, against the boards.
In Body Checking the defending player can step forward and knock the attacker down, or step sideways to check the attacker shoulder to shoulder. (If they are facing each other). If they are going the same direction, the defending player can also step sideways to hit the attacker shoulder to shoulder into the boards.
In Body Contact, if they are facing each other, the defending player can step sideways in front of the attacking player and stand his ground while the attacking player runs into him (usually because the attacker has his head down). The key for the defending player is to keep their elbows and forearms down so the attacker hits the defender's shoulder. If they are going the same direction, the defending player cannot shoulder to shoulder knock the attacker down, he must angle him to the boards and pin him....without obviously "hitting" the attacker.

Equipment

Q. What equipment will my child need?

All players must be fully equipped and properly fitted before being allowed onto the ice. VTMHA supplies only game jerseys and goalie equipment. See recommended list of equipment.

It is mandatory for all VTMHA teams to wear the uniforms that are issued by the Association in any and all games and tournaments, within the boundaries of PCAHA. However, Game jerseys may NOT be worn during practices.

Q. Are there any equipment recommendations other than regular hockey gear?

A. We urge you to consider the added protection available for players’ spines and backs by having them wear lacrosse kidney guards, as well as adding forearm protectors to their protective gear, which should be available at better sporting goods stores.

Q. Why Helmet STOP! decals?

A. We have heard your concerns about attempting to reduce the risk of injuries for our players. The Board has agreed to an initiative designed to discourage hits to players’ heads. The Stop Decals that our Risk Manager has been affixing to players’ helmets at assessments have been provided by Bauer, and are made of the material approved by Itech and CCM for after market helmet decals; thus they will not void helmet warranties from these manufacturers. They are CAHA sanctioned and the PCAHA League rules have been changed to permit their application.

Q. Where can I find Thunderbirds apparel?

A. T-BIRD VESTS, TRACKSUITS and JACKETS: Action Athletic Sportswear - 604-873-1801 or 220 West 6th Ave. has opened a T-bird merchandise showroom which allows you to look and try on items for sizing. They have developed a number of new products including mock turtlenecks, sweat pants, Cobra jackets, hoodies, toques, hats, blankets and more. Action Athletic is the official supplier for the T-birds. Please remember that 10% of each sale comes back to our association.