With the University of Victoria men’s basketball season coming to a close, the women are still going strong, competing in the Canada West Play-In Series.
Today through Sunday (Feb. 26 to 28), the Vikes play the Trinity Western Spartans at CARSA Performance Gym, with a 7 p.m. tip-off Friday and Saturday before a 2 p.m. start Sunday.
The Vikes men’s rugby team hosts the Castaway Wanderers Sunday, Feb. 27 at 2:30 p.m. at Wallace Field before heading to the Mainland Saturday, March 5 to face the University of BC Old Boys Ravens squad.
In Vikes field hockey, the men’s team hosts the United Brothers FHC on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 12:30 p.m. at the UVic field hockey turf, before welcoming the India Club Sunday, March 6, also at the UVic turf.
Looking ahead in UVic events, the return of the soccer season starts with the Keg Spring Cup on March 19 and 20, March 30 brings the Celebration of Champions and UVic Sports Hall of Fame, and it’s been announced that UVic will host the fourth annual International Youth Sevens Rugby Tournament July 11 and 12.
Playoff action continues to heat up local hockey rinks.
The Saanich Braves Midget Tier 1 team, which also includes players from Oak Bay, Victoria and Esquimalt, faces Juan de Fuca Grizzlies Tier 1 for the final game of the Island championship series this coming Saturday, Feb. 27.
The two teams are tied 1-1 in the best-of-three match-up. The puck drops at 4 p.m. at Pearkes Rec Centre, with the winner representing the Island at the provincials next month.
In Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League play, after the first game of the Island Junior B series Thursday (after the News’ press deadline), the Victoria Cougars head to Kerry Park for game two of their seven-game series Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. The Cougars return to the Archie Browning Arena, Sunday, Feb. 28, for a 3:30 p.m. start before returning to Kerry Park Tuesday, March 1. If more games are needed, the Cougs will next host the Islanders Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m.
Can’t wait for baseball season? The Oak Bay-based Victoria Mariners announced their preseason schedule and have their first game against Nanaimo on Saturday, March 5 at Layritz Field. For details and the rest of the Mariners preseason schedule visit victoriamariners.pointstreaksites.com.
Lend your support to the local organization this weekend with the Premier Mariners’ bottle drive Saturday, Feb. 27. Bring your returnables to the Glanford Bottle Depot, 4261 Glanford Ave.
Oak Bay lacrosse players have until March 11 to register for the coming Victoria Esquimalt Lacrosse Association season. For details visit velacrosse.com.
Colin Gall is a local athlete and Grade 11 student at Mt. Douglas Secondary. Send your coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net.