The 2023-2024 season marks the start of a new era for girls' hockey in and around the Seattle area. SJHA and WWFHA have joined forces to address the two biggest barriers to entry and growth for girls' hockey: ice time and cost. Over the past few months, the two associations have collaborated to create a program with the primary goal of enhancing hockey for all girls interested in the sport. 

Uniting the two associations had its challenges, and concessions were made, but in the end, we have built a strong partnership that puts the best interests of the girls at the core. Each association will maintain separate recreational girls' hockey programs but are united for the Rep girls' hockey program. 

The new Rep program brings positive changes to the girls who played in SJHA and WWFHA Rep programs last season. Players will get more ice time this season, along with better coordinated off-ice training, and all players will now be able to participate in PCAHA, the competitive Canadian girls' hockey league. These are significant benefits for the girls and their gameplay. 

More important than those improvements are the coming together of girls from both associations to launch the new and improved Rep program. These Rep girls' teams will be named the Seattle Red Hawks, with the logo representing the strength and competitive drive of the girls. 

Rep hockey stands for representative Hockey And rec hockey stands for recreational hockey or house

Rep hockey is chosen by players who are looking to improve their skills to participate in the most elite forms of hockey available. For our female players, this is NCAA Division 1, the US Women's National Team, and the National Women's Hockey League.

More Competition MEANS More Commitment

Commitment for players on rep hockey teams means serious time invested. In practices, in dryland training, in nutritional skills dedicated for an athlete, and more. Rep teams practice multiple times per week and play multiple games per week on average. Out of town rep tournaments and events are expected each season.

On the road, again

Playing at the highest level means finding the best competition.  Most locations in the US are able to field multiple recreational teams for players to compete against, but the higher in rep tiers you go, the thinner the competition. It's considered normal to travel to different states, and even different countries to play the hockey the tier is looking for. Travel means costs increase, especially for lodging, meals out, and transportation. Parents should be prepared to pay significantly more for their child to play rep hockey than rec hockey.