Britannia’s Women’s Hockey Program Calls for More Ice Amid Canucks Facility Plans

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Minor hockey needs more ice, but so do community programs like the one for women at Britannia Rink. No one should be battling for any ice time in a city like this

Published Aug 21, 2026  •  Last updated 3 hours ago  •  3 minute read

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Since the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Canucks discussed adding a training facility to Britannia Rink—a plan that would provide off‑ice space but no additional ice—questions have arisen about the impact on existing users.

Britannia is far more than a minor‑hockey venue. It serves a wide range of community groups, including parent‑and‑tot skates, lunchtime drop‑in hockey, and the women’s hockey program.

The women’s program deserves particular attention. After hearing concerns from Vancouver Minor Hockey president Levi Higgs about the city’s ice shortage and the need for more sheets to expand youth opportunities, I heard from Sand Northrup, a participant in Britannia’s women’s community hockey league for three decades, now known as the Women and Gender Diverse Hockey League.

The issue extends beyond youth ice time; Britannia functions as a hub for players of all ages and genders.

As Sand Northrup observed, “It is striking that media coverage of a potential Canucks takeover overlooks the unique, historic, and community‑backed women’s hockey program. Britannia remains the only city rink offering such a program, a distinction it has held for over thirty years.”

Northrup, a retired circus performer and children’s entertainer, grew up in Quebec skating on outdoor rinks, first on hand‑me‑down figure skates while tending goal for her brother. She did not acquire proper hockey skates until her thirties, and her first organized game took place at Britannia in 1997.

Thanks to Britannia’s affordable ice program, she has continued playing ever since. Her involvement has led to participation in the B.C. Seniors’ Games for the past decade, helping to introduce the 55‑plus, 60‑plus, and this year the 65‑plus divisions.

She emphasized, “Britannia women’s hockey welcomes players of any experience level and is especially encouraging for newcomers. The culture here promotes inclusive, safe play—more experienced teammates often let beginners carry or pass the puck rather than challenging them, as is common in competitive settings. You’ll frequently hear opposing players shout encouragements like ‘keep going, you have room’ or ‘take a shot,’ while defenders step back to create space.”

Over the years the league has attracted a diverse mix, from former hockey moms returning to the ice after raising children to newcomers from countries where hockey was unfamiliar, eager to experience a quintessentially Canadian pastime.

While other rinks host thriving women’s leagues—such as the well‑known Wednesday night games at Burnaby’s Scotia Barn—Britannia’s community program has maintained low costs. Northrup notes that she and her teammates still pay less than \$10 per ice session at Britannia, compared with upwards of \$30 per session at venues like Scotia Barn.

Preserving programs like this one is essential. They provide a safe, inclusive, affordable, and community‑focused environment for women, beginners, and seasoned players alike.

Ultimately, the conversation must broaden beyond the short‑term interests of the Canucks to address the city’s long‑term needs. Every resident who wishes to play hockey should have the opportunity, and that goal becomes more challenging as long as Vancouver relies on the same number of ice sheets it has had since 1977.

pjohnston@postmedia.com

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