About the Orcas
A hockey team for Autistic players, at home at Britannia in East Vancouver.
Started in 2014. Still growing.
The Orcas were the first team in the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) hockey program. Today we're one of three CAN junior teams, along with the Surrey Stingrays and the Coquitlam Sharks.
The idea is simple. Autistic kids and teens should get to play real hockey, on a real team, with the support they need to love it.
- Started
- 2014
- Home ice
- Britannia, East Vancouver
- Players
- Ages 8 to 18, up to 21 players
- Season
- October to April, 20 weekly practices
- Cost
- $600, eligible for Autism Funding
- Program
- Canucks Autism Network
Four things we play by.
Players are athletes
We coach real hockey skills and celebrate real progress.
Support fits the player
Coaches adjust drills, pace and breaks to suit each player.
One team
Same jersey, same bench, same cheers for every goal.
Autistic role models
Many of our coaches and volunteers are Autistic or neurodivergent too.
The Orcas so far.
- 2014
CAN starts its hockey program with the Vancouver Orcas. The Surrey Stingrays start the same year.
- 2018
The Orcas take the ice at intermission during a Canucks home game on autism awareness night.
- 2019
The Coquitlam Sharks join, making three CAN junior teams.
- 2026
The CAN Adapted Hockey Tournament grows to 14 teams and 200+ athletes.
- Now
A new season at Britannia.
Who's on the ice with you.
Every practice has trained CAN staff and volunteers.
Runs the drills and leads the group.
Makes sure the whole practice runs smoothly and safely.
Adapt each drill to the player, one on one when needed.
Extra hands for skates, helmets and high fives.
Britannia, East Vancouver.
We practise at the Britannia rink, 1661 Napier Street in East Vancouver.
New to the rink? The first practice guide walks you through arriving, checking in and getting on the ice.
Part of Canucks Autism Network.
The Orcas are a program of Canucks Autism Network, a BC charity founded in 2008 that runs sports, recreation and social programs for Autistic people of all ages.
CAN handles registration, staff training and safety, so the team can focus on hockey.
Visit canucksautism.ca (opens in a new tab)
Thanks to the people who keep us on the ice
Want to support the team? Get in touch or donate.
Want to join the team?
New players start with a skate assessment in September.