Programs

Competitive Travel Hockey

Our programs strive to instill a tradition of passion for the great sport of ice hockey, and the strength of our programs lies in the belief that the family is the center of every great hockey program. Hockey is about families coming together every week to support the children and the community. Our parents and their children are the keys to a successful season, and future seasons.


Capital Thunder Youth Hockey and the Capital Flames AA Tier Program operate with membership in the California Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA), which is the USA Hockey state affiliate:

  • Capital Flames participate in the Tier Program operated directly by CAHA, as well as in the NAPHL and the NWAHL
  • Non-tier Capital Thunder teams (8U, 10U, 12U and 14U) operate within the Northern California Youth Hockey Association (NORCAL) travel league, which consists of teams from South Lake Tahoe, Stockton, Vacaville, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Fresno, Cupertino, San Jose, Santa Clara and more
  • High School League participates in the Sharks High School Hockey League, which is based out of the Bay Area, and provides an opportunity for both Varsity and Jr Varsity teams to participate.


The travel hockey season begins with tryouts in early June and ends with playoffs for qualifying teams in March. Most teams average 14-16 players with a minimum of 12 and maximum of 20. Practices are typically twice a week, with an average of 20 league games depending upon the age division, division of play, and how a particular league is scheduled.


In addition to league games, most teams participate in 2-3 tournaments per season. Tournaments are held on holidays (Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas-New Years break, Martin Luther King, President's Day), and can be as close as San Jose and as far as another state—sometimes even Canada.


All of our teams are regulated by USA Hockey, CAHA (California Amateur Hockey Association) and NORCAL Youth Hockey. Full equipment/gear is required to participate. This includes all pads, helmet and mouth guard every time you step on the ice.