JOCK TALK: Hockey playoff runs heating up on West Shore

Colin Gall talks about sports in and around the West Shore

The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League’s Westshore Wolves return to the ice this week with their final two games of the regular season.

On Friday (Feb. 12), the Wolves head to Panorama Rec Centre to take on the Peninsula Panthers for a 7:30 p.m. game. On Wednesday, Feb. 17, the Wolves hit home ice to welcome the Saanich Braves to The Q Centre. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.

And with only a few weeks left in their B.C. Hockey League schedule, the Victoria Grizzlies continue Junior A play this week. On Saturday, Feb. 13, the Grizzlies host the Merritt Centennials at The Q Centre with a 7 p.m. puck drop, before hosting Chilliwack on Sunday, Feb 14 for a 2 p.m. Valentine’s Day tilt.

Heading out on the road, the Grizzlies head up to Cowichan on Tuesday, Feb. 16, taking on the Capitals at 7 p.m.

In Lower Island Women’s Soccer Association Division 2 play, Juan de Fuca FC heads across town on Feb. 14 to face the Victoria Athletics at the University of Victoria’s field 2 starting at 9 a.m.

In high school hoops action, Belmont secondary hosts the senior girls AAA basketball city playoffs starting today (Feb. 11) and running through Saturday; with the Island tournament hosted this year by Claremont from Feb. 18 to 20.

Head to Bear Mountain with your sweetheart Feb. 13 for the inaugural Diamond Dash 5K and 1.5K Family Fun Run/Walk, part of the Bear Mountain Run Series. Start time is 11 a.m. and every participant will be entered to win one of the three grand draw prizes donated by Lugaro Jewellers.

Race day registration is $40/youth; $45/student; and $50/adult and charity partners are Santas Anonymous and the BC Cancer Foundation’s Ride to Conquer Cancer. Coming up in the series, mark your calendars for the St. Patrick’s Day 5K/1.5K March 13 on the mountain.

And for those of you who are more competitive runners or just want to test your stamina, the Vancouver Island Race Series stages the Hatley Castle 8K on Feb. 21 around the grounds of Royal Roads University.

In West Shore lacrosse action, the Juan de Fuca Whalers welcomes registration for children of all ages. Full price registration is available until March 31. For information and to register visit jdflacrosse.com.

Eagle Ridge Roller Hockey also offers registration for its youth and adult leagues. Visit eagleridgerollerhockey.com for details.

Looking forward, rugby is back on the West Shore with the B.C. Women’s Premier Division’s Westshore RFC Valkyries taking on the University of British Columbia on Saturday, Feb. 20 with an 11:30 a.m. kick-off at Westshore Velodrome.

The Americas Rugby Championship also returns Saturday, Feb. 20, with Canada‘s men’s 15s facing Brazil at Westhills Stadium at 4 p.m. Tickets are available in advance from events.rugbycanada.ca at the door.

Colin Gall is a local athlete and  Grade 11 students at Mt. Doug Secondary School. Send him details of your coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net.

Goldstream News Gazette