We are excited to announce the details of the partnership between the Seattle Junior Hockey Association (SJHA) and the Western Washington Female Hockey Association (WWFHA).

The partnership between SJHA and WWFHA will expand the opportunities for female hockey players in Washington under one organizational umbrella. Our shared commitment to girls’ hockey and compatible cultures make this an ideal match, and we are thrilled to join forces to make a positive impact on the female hockey community. We are #BetterTogether.

Below is an overview of how our two organizations will partner for the ultimate goal of building a strong ice hockey program for our girls. There is a slide deck layout of all of these summary items in more detail below. 

Girls' Beginner Hockey:

• The purpose of this program is to provide a safe, inclusive, low-stakes environment for young girls to explore their interest in ice hockey
• The program will run alongside SJHA’s Beginner program schedule: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. 
• Girls will have their own 50-minute ice slot at Olympic View Arena on Saturday mornings.
• Program curriculum will be the same as SJHA’s Beginner program. 

Rec Hockey Programming for 8U, 10U, and 12U female players: 

• The purpose of this program is to provide a safe, inclusive, low-stakes environment for young girls to explore their interest in a full season ice hockey experience.
• All Girls’ Rec players will register with SJHA.
• The Girls’ Rec teams will practice with all SJHA Rec teams of their same age division in ADM style practices. The focus of practices will be skill development and small area games.
• All SJHA Rec teams (save 8U Mitey Mites) practice twice a week (OVA) and play once per weekend (OVA or LIC).
• The Girls’ Rec teams will play in the MHL Girls’ league as the SJHA Wild.
• U14/U19 house teams will remain at KCI for this upcoming season.

Rep Hockey Programming for 12U, 14U, 16U, and 19U female players: 

Together, WWFHA and SJHA will be forming 12U, 14U, 16U, and 19U rep teams. The purpose of this program is to provide a highly competitive hockey experience close to home. These teams will play in the Pacific Coast Hockey League (PCAHA). Teams will practice three times a week. Practices will be in the Seattle area (OVA, LIC, and KCI) and most games will be in the Bellingham/greater Vancouver area. Tryouts, coaching decisions, team building, player development, coach development, and volunteer support will be provided by both associations, but overseen by SJHA's Hockey Director. For age and skill level specific plans, please see our slide deck below. 

We acknowledge that this is quite a bit of movement. Both associations are wholeheartedly working towards what is in the best interest of the girls in our community. This partnership will provide a higher level of play, more individual and team play development, and a strong base to continue the growth of girls' hockey in the western Washington area.

We thank you for your continued support. This is a very exciting time and we look forward to tryouts over the next two weeks.