While the NHLers might still be angling for position, it’s playoff time in the local hockey world.
Continuing their best-of-five Island junior B league playoff series that started Thursday (Feb. 23) against South Division winner Victoria Cougars, the fourth-place Westshore Wolves are no doubt hoping for a long series.
Game 2 goes tonight (Friday, Feb. 24) when the Wolves host the Cougars at 6:30 p.m. at The Q Centre. The teams head back to Esquimalt’s Archie Browning Sports Centre this Sunday for a 3:30 p.m. game, then Game 4 returns to The Q Centre on Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. If needed Game 5 would go at 7 p.m. March 2 in Esquimalt. Stay up to date with all the action at vijhl.com.
In B.C. Hockey League action, the Victoria Grizzlies play their final weekend of the regular season with home-and-home games in Nanaimo tonight and back home Saturday against the Clippers at The Q Centre at 7 p.m. Saturday also marks fan appreciation night and lots of prizes will be up for grabs, so head on down to Colwood.
Kick off the exciting BCHL playoff season with a Grizzlies’ Playoff Pep Rally with the players next Monday (Feb. 27), 7 p.m. at the banquet hall at Olympic View Golf Course. Cheer the players on as they start their journey on the road to the Fred Page Cup. All are welcome to join the fun and attendance is free. Olympic View is at 643 Latoria Rd. Light snacks will be served and a cash bar will be available. Watch victoriagrizzlies.com for the first round of playoffs.
Turning to the rugby pitch, the Westshore Premier women are back in action this Saturday when the Valkyries host Cowichan at 11:30 a.m. at the Juan de Fuca field. The Island Div. 1 men follow there at 1 p.m. as Westshore 1 kicks off against Cowichan.
Vancouver Island Soccer League Div. 2 men’s soccer returns to the West Shore this weekend when Westcastle United hosts Powell River for a 5 p.m. match Saturday at Westhills Stadium. The squad hits the road Sunday taking on Vic West at Blanshard field at noon.
South Island women’s soccer returns Sunday when Juan de Fuca FC 2 kicks off against Castaways United in Div. 1 action at 2 p.m. at Carnarvon Field in Oak Bay. Come cheer on the local team on the road.
The Bear Mountain Bike Festival is fast approaching, with cycling events for enthusiasts of all ages and abilities March 4 and 5. Take in elite-level XC and Enduro racing, challenge events for enthusiasts and kids’ activities, plus a bike expo and the highlight event, the UCI Bear Mountain Canada Cup MTB Race March 4, featuring Canada’s top athletes. Learn more and register at bearmountain.ca.
Colin Gall is a local athlete and Grade12 student at Mt. Doug Secondary School. Send your coming sports news to jocktalk@telus.net.