2026-2027 FAQs

   
Our team is hard at work behind the scenes preparing for an exciting season ahead. To help answer some of the questions we receive most often, we've put together the FAQ section below to help you learn more about Metro West Force.


Thank you for your support— season updates coming soon!

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DIVISIONS DOES MWF OFFER?

  • U7
  • U9 Development and Intermediate
  • U11: C, A, AA
  • U13: C, A, AA, AAA
  • U15: C*, A, AA, AAA
  • U18: C*, A, AA

*Discussions are currently underway regarding the creation of U15C and U18C recreational leagues. These opportunities will depend on player registration numbers within MWF, as well as participation and interest from other female hockey associations. 

**If a U15C recreational division is not feasible due to registration numbers or league availability, players may be offered the opportunity to play on a U13C team.


WHERE ARE MWF PLAYERS FROM?

MWF boundaries include those of the five minor hockey associations TASA, Bedford Blues, Sackville Flyers, Chebucto, and the Halifax Hawks.


WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PLAYING FEMALE HOCKEY IN NS?

Playing in an all-female league provides a supportive and inclusive environment where athletes can build confidence, develop their skills, and form strong connections. It creates more opportunities for growth, leadership, and a positive hockey experience both on and off the ice.

It is important to understand that female hockey operates differently than co-ed hockey. Competitive teams (A, AA, AAA)  play within a provincial league, with games taking place across Nova Scotia—from Yarmouth to Sydney. Games are typically scheduled on weekends, and travel is expected.

As our players come from across HRM, practices are held at rinks throughout HRM and may not always be close to a player’s home community. As the game continues to grow, MWF is constantly evolving to meet the increasing demand and provide the best possible experience for our players.


WHEN DOES REGISTRATION FOR THE 2026/2027 SEASON OPEN?

Our team is working to open registration by the end of July. All information regarding registration will be shared on our website and posted on our Facebook page.

If you are considering joining the MWF family and would like to be notified when registration information becomes available, please complete our Request for More Information form.


DOES MWF OFFER PRE-SEASON CONDITIONING CAMPS?

Yes, MWF offers pre-evaluation conditioning camps for players registering for U11, U13, U15 and U18. These sessions typically begin in early September and registration usually opens in late July or early August.

MWF also offers pre-season sessions later in September for players registered in U9 and our recreational programs. 

These sessions are optional and at an additional cost separate from regular registration fees.

All details regarding pre-season programming will be shared on our website and posted on our MWF Facebook page.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPETITIVE AND RECREATIONAL LEAGUES?

The three main differences between competitive (Rep) and recreational hockey are cost, travel, and commitment:

  • Cost: Registration fees and team expenses are generally higher for competitive hockey due to increased practice ice time, tournaments, and additional programming.

  • Travel: Competitive teams play in a provincial league, with games taking place across Nova Scotia—from Yarmouth to Sydney and many locations in between. Recreational leagues aim to minimize travel to help reduce both cost and time commitments for families by having conference play.  MWF C level teams generally play in the Western half of Nova Scotia.

  • Commitment: Competitive hockey requires a significant commitment. Players are expected to prioritize hockey and attend all team activities, including practices, games, off-ice training, and team events. Recreational hockey offers a more flexible option, allowing players to stay involved in the game with a lower overall time commitment while still being part of a team.

We encourage all families to review our Rec vs. Rep (Competitive) document to better understand the differences and choose the option that best fits your player and family.


WHAT RINKS DOES MWF USE FOR PRACTICES AND GAMES?

MWF uses a variety of rinks throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) for both practices and games, including:

  • Sackville Sports Stadium

  • LeBrun Arena

  • RBC Centre

  • Greenfoot Energy Centre

  • Halifax Civic Centre / Forum

  • Saint Mary’s University (Dauphinee Centre)

Ice assignments vary depending on team schedules and availability. Practice and game schedules are not finalized until teams have been formed.

DO TEAMS HAVE SET HOME GAME SCHEDULES?

No, due to the nature of female hockey—and taking into account the provincial league structure, other associations’ team matrices, travel requirements, and ice availability—teams do not have a designated home game time.


WHEN ARE GAMES USUALLY SCHEDULED?

The majority of games are scheduled on weekends, and travel is often required. For example, a team may travel to Pictou for a game on Saturday and then play within HRM on Sunday.

Most weekends, teams can expect to play one or two games.

For competitive hockey, it is expected that families will travel for regular season games, which may include overnight trips during the season. Game schedules are determined by the Nova Scotia Female Hockey League Scheduling Committee.


DOES MY DAUGHTER HAVE TO DO EVALUATIONS?

If she is interested in playing competitive hockey (A, AA, or AAA), yes evaluations are necessary. Evaluations are held in September, and all players must go through the evaluation process before being placed in AAA, AA, A, or C.

Please note: Participating in evaluations does not guarantee placement on a competitive team.

Players who register directly for recreational hockey are not required to participate in competitive evaluations. However, balancing sessions will be held to help ensure recreational teams are evenly matched and provide a positive experience for all players.


MY DAUGHTER IS CURRENTLY PLAYING WITH A CO-ED ASSOCIATION, CAN I TRANSFER TO MWF?

If your daughter is playing with a co-ed association within our catchment area (TASA, Bedford, Halifax, Chebucto, Sackville), you can transfer to MWF. Please contact our registrar, Shawn Young, registrar@metrowestforce.com for more information.