Support & accommodations
How practice is set up around your player, what other families say, and answers to the questions we hear most.
A big team behind every player.
Every practice has a high ratio of trained staff and volunteers to players.
Onsite supervisor
Makes sure the whole practice runs smoothly and safely.
Coaches
Run the drills, teach skills and lead the group.
Support workers
Adapt each drill to the player, one on one when needed.
Volunteers
Extra hands on the ice and at the bench.
Tell us what works.
Share your player's strengths and support needs in your CAN account. During the season, talk with coaches and onsite staff about the strategies you use at home and school.
- Visual schedules
- First-then boards
- Token systems
- Social stories
Personal support workers are welcome at practice. Email info@canucksautism.ca first.
What families say.
CAN hockey is about 20 kids, desperate to belong, who have found a second home wearing the same jersey.
No matter the age or ability, they're all having a great time and finding their joy in hockey.
Mitch started CAN hockey when he was 9. Today, he is competing with Chilliwack MHA at the U18 level.
Who can join the Orcas?
Players ages 8 to 18 with an autism diagnosis and a CAN account. Players need to be the right age when the season starts in October.
Does my child need to skate already?
Yes. Players need to be able to skate on their own. New players do a skate assessment in September.
What does it cost?
$600 for the full season, October to April. It's eligible for Autism Funding (AFU), and CAN Fee Assistance is available if the fee is a barrier. Fill out the AFU or Fee Assistance form before registering.
What gear do we need?
Full hockey gear. See the gear checklist.
Can my child take breaks?
Yes. Players can head to the bench whenever they need, and a staff member or volunteer can stay with them.
What are club-level activities?
Optional extras like more practices, personalized jerseys and the tournament, funded by the team and run by a parent or caregiver Club Manager. See Season & tournament.
How do I register?
Create a free CAN account, book a skate assessment for September, then fill in the four-step registration form. It takes about ten minutes.
Where do the Orcas practise?
At the Britannia Community Centre rink, 1661 Napier Street in East Vancouver. Practices are on the same day and time every week. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early.
What happens at a practice?
One hour on the ice: a warm-up, skills in small groups, games and a friendly scrimmage. There are 20 practices in the season. See Your first practice for what to expect.
Can a support worker come?
Yes. Email info@canucksautism.ca first so the coaches know who is coming.
Is there hockey for older teens and adults?
The Orcas are for ages 8 to 18. CAN also runs senior groups for ages 16 and up in Vancouver and Surrey. Contact us to find the right fit.
What if my child has a hard day?
That's OK. Players can watch from the bench, take breaks and bring comfort items like headphones. Tell the coaches what works at home, such as visual schedules or first-then boards.
Still have questions?
Send us a message and the team will get back to you.