“Canada’s Most Challenging 10K” returns to the trails at Bear Mountain this Saturday, along with a half-marathon and relay option. Registration is available through race day – see bearmountain10k.ca for details.
The BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies start a busy, four-game week Friday night (Nov. 18) when they host the Alberni Valley Bulldogs at 7 p.m. at The Q Centre. Saturday brings the Powell River Kings to town for a 7 p.m. game, then on Sunday Trail rolls in for a 2 p.m. start. After a few days’ rest, the Grizz hit the road next Friday, Nov. 25 to take on the Nanaimo Clippers. In a home-and-home, the Grizzlies host the Clippers at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26.
In junior B hockey, the Westshore Wolves, fresh off a 5-3 home loss to Victoria, face cross-town rivals the Saanich Braves on Friday, with the puck dropping at 6:30 p.m. at Pearkes Arena. The Wolves have a rematch against the Braves next Wednesday (Nov. 23) when they host Saanich at 7 p.m. at The Q Centre.
Also in hockey, the WHL Victoria Royals continue their eight-game home stand Saturday (Nov. 19) when they welcome nationally No. 1-ranked Regina Pats at 7:05 p.m. at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. The Royals continue Sunday and Tuesday, when the Kelowna Rockets are in town for a two game set, both at 7:05 p.m.
In West Shore minor hockey, coming off the 14th annual Greater Victoria Midget Hockey Classic, the Midget Tier 1 Juan de Fuca Grizzlies hit the road Saturday to play the Saanich Braves at Pearkes at 6 p.m., then on Sunday the Grizz head to Panorama Rec. in North Saanich to play the Peninsula Eagles at 2 p.m. Come cheer on your local boys!
Div. 1 women’s soccer has Juan de Fuca United hosting SFFC United at 8 p.m. Friday at a field still to be determined at press time. Sunday has the Juan de Fuca FC Div. 1 women visiting Bays United at noon, also at a field to be determined.
In VISL men’s soccer play, Westcastle United Div. 2 team heads north Saturday to play Nanaimo United FC, while the Juan de Fuca 3A men take on Castaways FC at 2:15 p.m. Sunday at Topaz Park. JdF 4A hosts Castaways Invicta at 2:15 Sunday at the Juan de Fuca field and the 4A JdF Pilgrims have a bye. The Div. 4B JdF Bombers host Fernwood United at 8 p.m. tonight at Juan de Fuca.
Turning to the rugby pitch, Barnard Cup play has Westshore playing the Castaway Wanderers at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at Windsor Park.
For rugby action on the home turf, the Westshore premier women Valkyries take on Capilano this Saturday at the Juan de Fuca field with kick-off at 11:30 a.m. Following the women, the Div. 1 men’s squad welcomes Cowichan for a 12:45 p.m. start.
The Victoria Shamrocks lacrosse team has teamed up with Santas Anonymous to give a Shamrocks fan and a guest an opportunity to ride in the Victoria Santa Claus parade. Purchase an entry form for the chance to win a ride in the Shamrocks truck and/or walk with Shamrocks players during the annual Santa Claus parade on Nov. 26.
Additional prizes include a Shamrocks player jacket, and gift cards from Country Grocer, Butchart Gardens, Browns Socialhouse and Beacon Drive-in. Purchase tickets at the Shamrocks office, 120–967 Langford Pkwy., or at 250-478-7625. The winner will be drawn Nov. 24 and proceeds benefit Santas Anonymous. Learn more at cfaxsantas.com or victoriashamrocks.com.
This week in high school sports, senior girls volleyball brings the 2016 Island championships to town with the 4A matches held at Mount Douglas Secondary, and the AAA games held at St. Michaels University School, both Nov. 18 and 19.
Returning from games at Edmonton’s MacEwan University this weekend, the University of Victoria men’s and women’s Vikes basketball teams host the University of B.C. next Friday, Nov. 25. The women play first at 6 p.m. at CARSA before the men play at 8 p.m.
CARSA is also home to the second annual Squash Open starting Friday and running through Sunday. Participants will showcase their squash skills in a tournament format to see how they fare against Vikes and the local squash community. The tourney is open to all levels of play and will include a $2,000 open event featuring some of the top players from B.C. Register online or at the CARSA membership services desk.
Colin Gall is a local athlete and Grade 12 student at Mt. Doug Secondary. Send your coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net.
