Since its inception, CARHA Hockey, formerly known as the Canadian Oldtimers Hockey Association (COHA), has undergone significant changes. However, over the past 50 years, one thing has remained constant: CARHA Hockey’s commitment to providing top-tier hockey services and programs for its members.
Founded in 1975, CARHA Hockey has continually evolved, offering innovative programs and services to meet the needs of its growing membership. Originally focused on organizing and supporting provincial and major sanctioned tournaments—participating in up to 25 tournaments annually—COHA’s core business was driven by these events, with on-ice insurance playing a supporting role. In the 1990s, reflecting the changing landscape of recreational hockey, COHA rebranded as the Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association (CARHA Hockey) as its membership expanded to include players aged 19 and older. This rebranding ensured that all adult recreational players had access to insurance coverage, services, and programs.
Today, CARHA Hockey’s mission is clear: to be the leading resource and service provider for recreational hockey communities across Canada by offering affordable, comprehensive insurance coverage, valuable member benefits, and enhancing the hockey experience for all involved.
The early 2000s marked a significant shift in CARHA Hockey’s operations, driven by advancements in technology and evolving member needs. New benefits such as team website development, and a newsletter were introduced to enhance the player experience. Today, our innovative online capabilities continue to streamline processes and improve our services to better support our members.
The growth of women’s hockey in recent years has been remarkable, marking a significant milestone in CARHA Hockey’s evolution. The increasing participation of women in our programs is a testament to the dedication and passion of female athletes across Canada. As one of the fastest-growing demographics within CARHA Hockey, the rise of women’s hockey highlights the importance of providing inclusive and accessible opportunities for players of all backgrounds and skill levels. We are proud to be at the forefront of fostering the growth and development of women’s hockey and remain committed to supporting and empowering female athletes in their pursuit of the game they love.
The power of sport and recreation became even more evident during the 2020 pandemic. While hockey paused, CARHA Hockey did not. We launched The Next Stride, a community-driven platform designed to connect with a broader audience. The Listening Booth was also introduced, offering a direct, personal connection with municipalities to actively listen, learn about their recreational needs and challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration. These initiatives led to the creation of two annual campaigns: the Outdoor Rink (ODR) Contest, celebrating outdoor rinks and the individuals who maintain them, and Game Changers, which highlights those advancing gender equity in recreation and sport through action and allyship.
CARHA Hockey remains dedicated to serving Canada’s adult recreational hockey community, continually providing programs that benefit our members. With a strong and growing membership base, our impact is expanding nationally. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members for their continued trust and support.