Advocating for a New Ice & Recreation Complex

As our community continues to grow, so too does the demand for ice time. One of SMHA’s primary goals over the next 3 to 5 years is to advocate for the development of a new multi-sport recreation complex in Squamish, including additional ice sheets to support our current and future members.

While SMHA continues to advocate for a new multi-sport complex, current sponsorship funds are allocated directly to player programming, development, and reducing costs for families.

Operating with only one municipal rink, SMHA faces serious challenges: limited practice slots, irregular scheduling, long waitlists, and — most critically — children being turned away from the sport entirely. Some players, including those as young as six, are unable to access programs due to lack of available ice. Despite our best efforts to maximize every available hour, it simply isn’t enough.

Neighbouring communities have access to significantly more ice. For example, Langley supports around 1,000 minor hockey players across 12 rinks — a combination of municipal and subsidized private facilities.

The lack of comparable infrastructure in Squamish restricts both player development opportunities and entry-level programming while increasing travel demands and costs for local families.

SMHA is actively working with local leaders and community stakeholders to ensure this long-standing need is prioritized. A new facility would not only benefit hockey players but also serve the broader community through fitness, recreation, and wellness programming.

If you would like to support, please contact SMHA President Leah Hodges at president@squamishminorhockey.com.

Let’s build a future where all children in Squamish who want to play hockey — can.

This message is supported by the full SMHA Board of Directors. If you have questions or concerns about the broader issue of ice availability in Squamish, we encourage you to share them with the District of Squamish. Long-term solutions will require collective advocacy for additional recreational infrastructure.

— SMHA Board of Directors