Minor Hockey in General Hockey is governed nationally by the Canadian Hockey Association, provincially by the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association and locally by the Nelson Minor Hockey Association. Every player starts out as a beginner and must be initiated to hockey.
Beginners come in all ages, but, they usually range from four to ten years of age.
They progress at different rates. When players acquire enough skills and on-ice experience that they can no longer be termed beginners, they need a different type of hockey program. Most will go to a recreational program, although some of the more skilled players could go directly to a competitive program. The Recreational Program Recreational hockey is the type of hockey played by the majority of amateur players. The expansion of recreational hockey is seen as an important means of prolonging the average playing career.