Hockey is a popular and growing sport in Sooke with the Sooke Minor Hockey Association experiencing a significant increase in registration in recent years.
Key Stats & League Info
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The Association: The Sooke & District Minor Hockey Association (SDMHA), known as the Sooke Thunderbirds, is a Tier 3 association under BC Hockey and VIAHA (Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association).
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2025–2026 Season Footprint: SDMHA currently fields approximately 12–14 teams ranging from U6 (Initiation) to U18 (Midget), including a dedicated U13 Female team.
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Competitiveness: As of March 2026, the U15 A1 and U18 A1 teams are among the most active, with the U15 squad recently posting a strong season record in the VIHL Division 2.
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Primary Links:
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Official Site: sookeminorhockey.ca
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Live Schedule (RAMP): SDMHA Master Calendar
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Standings & Rankings: MYHockey Rankings – Sooke
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The Hockey Academy (SD62)
The EMCS Hockey Canada Skills Academy is a massive draw for local students. It allows players to earn school credits while getting on-ice training during the school day.
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Registration Peak: Registration for the 2026–2027 school year officially opens February 25, 2026.
Facility: SEAPARC Arena
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Rink Specs: NHL regulation-sized (200′ x 85′) with spectator seating for 500.
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Dry Floor Season: The ice is typically removed at the end of March to make way for the Sooke Fine Arts Show and spring dry-floor sports like ball hockey and lacrosse.
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Public Hockey: SEAPARC runs “Family & Friends Hockey” and “Adult Drop-in” sessions throughout the winter.
Annual Highlights
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Tournaments: SDMHA typically hosts major tournaments in March. For 2026, a high-profile U15A and U18A Tournament is scheduled for March 21–23, 2026.
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Scholarships: Sooke players are eligible for the VIAHA South Island Scholarships ($1,000 each), with applications due by March 31, 2026.
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Source: VIAHA Scholarship Info