Message from the President

Welcome to our 10th year of Recreational Hockey Association of Calgary (RHC).  RHC is a city wide hockey association that operates under the umbrella of Hockey Calgary.  We offer players from the ages of 11-20 an opportunity to play safe, no body checking and less time commitment hockey for a full season.  RHC is not ‘a learn’ to skate program but we do teach hockey and have fun!

Again enrollment is expected to be high with possibly more goalies than teams in the Midget and Junior Divisions.  In the past two years, RHC has had to form a wait list for the higher levels as there are not enough spots to meet demand.  More and more players and parents are seeing the value in what recreational hockey has to offer.

Registration for players enrolled in RHC last year will commence on May 1^st. Registration for new players will start on May 16.  The Hockey Canada Registration system will switch on at 12:01 am local time.  Further details concerning the registration process are outlined on this web site under the Registration button.

The season will run from October to March. There will be about the same number of games as in past years which is 30 league games. The weekly schedule (Pee Wee –Tuesday; Bantam- Monday; Junior – Wednesday and Midget – Thursday with all divisions playing on Saturday) will hopefully remain consistent. Generally, there will be 2 games a week and no practices. This excludes the Pee Wee Division which will receive 5 hockey development ice sessions during the season at one per month. All players will simply get an opportunity to get out there and play hockey, on a regular basis. Please note there have been some changes to our Discipline Policy regarding penalties and suspensions which should be reviewed with your son/daughter prior to the season.

RHC teams participate in ESSO Minor Hockey Week in January.  There will also be a year end tournament for RHC teams. 

Parents will be asked on the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) registration form if they would like volunteer for the positions of Coach, Assistant Coach, Scorekeeper and Timekeeper. We hope to get a strong show of commitment as the continued success of the RHC Hockey Program hinges entirely on volunteer commitment. A volunteer orientation meeting is scheduled for Sunday September 19 at the Atco Centre at COP. After the meeting all Security Check paperwork (good for 3 years) should be completed and handed in. As well, coaches will be able to pickup their team equipment and jerseys at that time.

Please be advised that RHC does not have an office or paid staff to handle your enquiries.  We are run by a Volunteer Board and the President can be reached at the email link below. 

The AGM Minutes ( held April 21^st in the Max Bell Bronze Room at the Max Bell Arena) can be found on this website under Association.

The RHC is now a Hockey Association that exists under the umbrella of Calgary Minor Hockey.  This means RHC follows the rules and regulations of Calgary Minor Hockey with a few exceptions. For instance, suspensions for certain penalties may be more severe in RHC.

Fees for this year will remain at $500.  This covers the cost of: referees; ice times; jersey and equipment purchases and replacement; and on-line merchant fees.  Player’s jerseys are expected to be returned at the end of the season.  RHC does not fund raise.

Respect in Sports, an online program, has been made mandatory by Hockey Calgary for all players in the Hockey Calgary system. At least 1 family member must have completed the program by October 15. This 1 hour online program is designed to reinforce a parent’s role in a child’s activities, encouraging positive sport behaviors, and empowers parents to ensure the safety of their children, encourage positive and effective communication, and to enhance a child's fun and camaraderie of the activity.

If you have any concerns or input about this program please do not contact RHC but contact Hockey Calgary: General Manager Kirk Reynolds (403) 245-5773 x201 Kirk@hockeycalgary.com.

All RHC work is carried out by volunteers.  The Board values the time, effort and good will that people extend to making our league successful.  Please be patient and supportive of those who contribute. 

After registration, parents will not hear from RHC until after Sept 19. By that time coaches will be receiving their team roster. Only after team formation has been completed, will coaches will be contacting their players with details. RHC will receive the season schedule from Hockey Calgary some time after Sept 19 as well.

 Let’s have a great season, Al Bishop rhc@hockeycalgary.com