NOMHA offers hockey programming for players from age 4 through 17. Each level is designed to help players grow in skill, confidence, and love for the game. Our programs follow the official Hockey Canada development model and offer both recreational and competitive streams as players get older.
| Age on December 31st (mid-season) | Recreational Hockey (House League) | Competitive Hockey (Development/Representative League) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Timbits U5 | – |
| 5 to 6 | Timbits U7 | – |
| 7 to 8 | U9 | – |
| 9 to 10 | atoMc U11 Recreational | atoMc U11 Development |
| 11 to 12 | U13 Recreational | U13 Representative * |
| 13 to 14 | U15 Recreational | U15 Representative * |
| 15 to 17 | U18 Recreational | U18 Representative * U18 Novas (Female) |
* Representative teams are run by OMAHA.
In addition to the regular season programs above, NOMHA also typically runs Conditioning Camps in the summertime for U11 and older.
Timbits U5 (Under 5)
The Timbits U5 program is for children age 4. This low-cost introduction to hockey for new players includes one hour of ice time per week. The program runs from mid-September to late February. Full hockey equipment is required. Players can start with U5 and switch to U7 in October if desired by paying the difference in fees.
Timbits U7 (Under 7)
The Timbits U7 program is for children ages 5 to 6. This program typically runs two practices per week from mid-September to late February, with half-ice weekend games beginning in early December. The focus is on fun, confidence, and early skill development. More information on the Timbits U7 is available in the NOMHA U7 & U9 Parent Handbook.
U9 (Under 9)
The U9 program is for ages 7 and 8. This is a key development stage where kids build their foundational hockey skills while having fun. The season starts in the fall and includes practices and small-area games, which research shows helps players get more puck touches, make more passes, and improve faster. Games typically begin in early November. More information on the U9 program is available in the NOMHA U7 & U9 Parent Handbook.
ATOMC U11 (Under 11)
The atoMc U11 program is for ages 9 and 10. This level builds on the U9 skills and prepares players for U13 hockey. The U11 pathway introduces more structured phases of skill development, including skating, passing, puck control, and shooting. NOMHA offers two streams at U11: Recreational and Development (Dev).
The Dev program is for players ready for more challenge and competition. Dev players try out for the team, and those not selected can still participate in the Rec stream. Players interested in Dev should consider attending optional skills sessions throughout the year to prepare.
U13 (Under 13)
The U13 program is for ages 11 and 12 and continues building on previous levels with increased speed, skill expectations, and team play. NOMHA offers both Recreational and Representative (Rep) hockey at this level, depending on numbers.
Rep hockey is run through OMAHA and requires tryouts. Rep hockey includes a higher level of competition and commitment.
U15 (Under 15)
The U15 program is for players aged 13 and 14. NOMHA offers both Recreational and Representative (Rep) hockey at this level, depending on numbers.
At the Rep level, body checking is introduced. Players must attend a hitting clinic before participating in any contact games. Recreational U15 remains non-contact.
Rep hockey is run through OMAHA and requires tryouts. Rep hockey includes a higher level of competition and commitment.
U18 (Under 18)
The U18 program is for players ages 15 through 17. The level of play and structure is similar to U15, with both Recreational and Rep opportunities.
Rep tryouts are required, and those not selected can play on a Rec team if space allows. Rep hockey is run through OMAHA.
OMAHA Rep-Level Hockey
Rep-level hockey at the U13, U15, and U18 levels is run through OMAHA’s North Zone and Upper North Zone programs.
North Zone includes players from across the region, including Vernon, North Okanagan, Sicamous, Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Golden, Kamloops, and surrounding communities. Players may try out for AAA and AA Rep levels.
Those not selected at those levels can try out for A-level Rep through the Upper North Zone Pilot Project coordinated by OMAHA. This new program provides more opportunity for local Rep-level play.
Rep tryout registration is available annually on the OMAHA website. If a player is not selected at any level or chooses not to pursue Rep, they return to their home association for Recreational hockey. Please note that players cannot transfer to another association’s Rec team unless waitlisted by their home association or with special approval.
Conditioning Camps
NOMHA offers summer Conditioning Camps for players in age divisions U11 and older to help players gear up for the season with high-energy, skills-focused sessions. Camps are available by age division and include a specialized goalie camp. Registration typically opens in mid-late July, with camps occuring in late August to early September. Spaces are limited, so register early to secure your spot.
Questions about NOMHA Programs
For questions about which program is the right fit or to get help registering, please reach out to our Association Registrar at register@nomha.com. Our goal is to help every player find the right path and have a fun, rewarding season.