HOCKEY IN CANADA

Hockey's birthplace and powerhouse

Ice Rinks

311

Teams

Leagues

Players

IIHF Men's

IIHF Women's

1917

First NHL Player

full

IIHF Member

Top Division

Ranked #5 in division

IIHF Division (2025)

Hockey ecosystem in Canada

Hockey Canada oversees the national program. Most children start through the Canadian Tire First Shift program, which provides free equipment for first-time players.

National Teams in Canada

IIHF Full Member

Men's

Canada Men's

World #4

Men's U18

Canada Men's U18

World #1 (Gold)

Men's U20

Canada Men's U20

World #5

Women's

Canada Women's

World #2 (Silver)

Women's U18

Canada Women's U18

World #1 (Gold)

Hockey Leagues in Canada

All leagues →

Western Hockey League

junior

Ontario Hockey League

junior

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

junior

Professional Women's Hockey League

Hockey Teams in Canada

All 311 teams →

Acadie-Bathurst Titan

Ice Rinks in Canada

Browse all 64 →

Abbotsford Centre

Abbotsford, Canada

📍 2390 Faculty Way, Abbotsford, BC V2S 2M8

Arena Glencore

Rouyn-Noranda

Art Hauser Centre

Prince Albert

Avenir Centre

Moncton

Bell Centre

Montreal, Canada

📍 1909 Ave des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC H3B 5E8

Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens

North Bay

Brandt Centre

Regina

Brantford Civic Centre

Brantford

CAA Arena

Belleville, Canada

📍 265 Canniff St, Belleville, ON K8N 0B9

CAA Centre

Brampton

See all on directory →

Featured Hockey Players from Canada

How to Play Hockey in Canada

A practical guide for beginners, newcomers to Canada, and parents looking to get their child into the sport.

1
Learn to skate first
Most hockey players in Canada start with skating lessons. Many rinks run learn-to-skate programs for ages 3+ that teach the basics of balance, edges, and stopping — the foundations of hockey.
2
Try a learn-to-play clinic
Most local rinks and clubs run learn-to-play programs for beginners. These typically run 6–8 weeks, provide loaner equipment, and cost between $50–$300. Browse rinks above and contact one directly to ask about upcoming sessions.
3
Join a youth or adult recreational team
After learn-to-play, most players in Canada join a house league or recreational team. These run weekly practices and games at the local rink and are the most common entry point to organized hockey.
4
Register with the national federation
Hockey's birthplace and powerhouse In the US this is USA Hockey, in Canada it's Hockey Canada, and in Europe each country has its own federation. Registration is typically annual and includes insurance.
5
Progress through the development pathway
Talented players in Canada typically progress through age-group teams (U8, U10, U12...) into travel or select teams, then junior leagues, and eventually professional or collegiate hockey. The pathway differs by country but generally follows the IIHF development model.

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Help us keep the Canada hockey directory accurate. Add or update a rink, team, or league →

Frequently Asked Questions About Hockey in Canada

How many ice rinks are in Canada?+

RinkStop currently lists 64 ice rinks in Canada. The directory covers public arenas, private clubs, and training facilities.

What is the main hockey league in Canada?+

The top professional hockey league in Canada is the NHL.

How do I start playing hockey in Canada?+

Most players in Canada start with a learn-to-skate program, then progress to a learn-to-play clinic through a local rink or club. The "How to play" section below has a step-by-step pathway.

Is there women's hockey in Canada?+

Yes. Professional Women's Hockey League is a women's hockey league in Canada. Many local rinks also run women-only recreational leagues.

Is hockey popular in Canada?+

Hockey in Canada: Hockey's birthplace and powerhouse. IIHF ranking: #1.

How many registered hockey teams are in Canada?+

RinkStop's directory lists 311 active hockey teams in Canada across all levels and age groups.

What is the IIHF ranking of Canada?+

Canada is ranked #4 in the IIHF Men's World Ranking (as of 2025-05-26).

Does Canada have an ice hockey national team?+

Yes. Canada fields 5 national teams through the IIHF, including Canada Men's National Ice Hockey Team and Canada Men's U18 National Ice Hockey Team.

Can my child start hockey at any age in Canada?+

Yes. Most programs in Canada accept beginners from age 5–6, and many rinks offer adult learn-to-play programs for any age above 18.