The Hockey program focuses on teaching basic hockey skills to children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum in a safe and supportive environment. Participants are introduced to stick handling, passing and shooting, as well as non-competitive scrimmaging.
Hockey is a unique CAN program that provides participants with an entire season of play (20 sessions) that ends with a fun, non-competitive tournament alongside other adaptive teams from around the province. Hockey has a $500 program fee and requires a commitment from parents/guardians to volunteer throughout the hockey season.
Experience the joy of hockey
Program Structure
The hockey programs runs for 55 minutes, once per week, from October to March (6 month commitment).
- In each lesson, there are up to 21 participants who are supported by coaches, support workers, and volunteers.
- Lessons include individual and small group skill practice, group games, and scrimmages.
- This program is specifically designed and adapted for individuals on the autism spectrum. We kindly ask that parents and siblings remain on the side.
Teams can also engage in optional ‘club-level’ activities, such as additional practices, personalized jerseys and participation in the annual adapted tournament, when available.
These must be funded separately by each team, with fundraising efforts led by a Club Manager (parent volunteer) and supported by a parent/family committee. Registered participants and families will receive more info on the distinction between the CAN hockey program and optional club-level activities at the beginning of each season
Supports Provided
At Canucks Autism Network, we strive to meet the needs of each participant through parent collaboration.
Please do not hesitate to speak with coaches and on-site staff about support strategies that work for your child (e.g., visual schedules, first-then boards, token systems, social stories, etc.).
Please email [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Program Criteria
- Child and Youth: 8-18yrs (Locations: Coquitlam, Surrey & Vancouver)
Adult: 19yrs+ (Location: Vancouver)*
Participants must be of correct age when starting the program.
For individuals who are over 13 years of age, CAN is no longer requiring a formal autism diagnosis to access the hockey program. Learn more >>
- Have an active CAN Membership
- Commit to attend session on a weekly basis for the duration of the program (6 months) – See Attendance Policy
- Pay a subsidized program registration fee of $500
Hockey fees are eligible to be paid through a participant’s Autism Funding. A fee assistance program is also available for those in need. See Payment Options. - Must attend mandatory Skate Assessment before enrolment
- Must provide own equipment – a full equipment list, along with information on stores that may offer a reduced price for CAN participants, will be emailed out to all confirmed hockey participants.
- Parents/guardians must sign the Hockey Parent Agreement Form in order for their child to participate in the program.
*Adults (19yrs+) do not need skating expertise to participate in the program. If you’d like to join or drop-in, please contact: [email protected]
Skating pre-requisites
Hockey participants must be able to independently demonstrate the following skating skills:
- Fall down and get up
- Balance on one foot on the spot (right foot-left foot)
- One foot push glide sequence around circle (right foot-left foot)
- Snow plow full stop
- Step and plant (intro to crossover)
- Forward skating perimeter of ice space with stride
These skills are assessed on CAN Skate program report cards.
Registration opens in August
Registration for CAN members opens 6-8 weeks before the start of each Fall to Spring season (ie. mid-August).
Don’t miss a registration date!
All important dates are communicated in the monthly member newsletter.
Questions?
Email: [email protected]