It’s hit and miss. If you’re coming to Victoria, you’ll find that there is a lot of politics and a lot of turf wars. There are five minor associations in greater Victoria - and two more each a half hour’s drive away.
There are good coaches in each, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of cohesion in any of the associations so kids will move up an age group and find they’re playing an entirely different brand of hockey.
The island has just gone to the zone model for its rep hockey, meaning that kids will be trying out for teams across associations. There will be three Tier 1 teams in Victoria starting this year, and one in each of the mid and north island regions. Check out Viaha.org for more info.
If you have the money there are two academies for players starting at the bantam level playing in the CSSHL.
It’s a great place to live and there is a lot of hockey played here, but there are challenges to the game on the rock.
