University of Victoria Vikes men’s and women’s basketball returns to the CARSA gym this week with both teams taking on Winnipeg at home.
Starting Friday, Feb. 10, the women play at 6 p.m. before the men take the court at 8 p.m.
Come Saturday, Feb. 11, the women will play at 5 p.m. and the men at 7 p.m.
The Vikes swimmers are also in action this weekend competing in the Blue-Gold Dual Meet at Commonwealth Place on Sunday, Feb. 12.
Oak Bay rugby fans have another chance to catch the Canadian men in action as the 2017 Americas Rugby Championship returns to Westhills stadium Saturday, Feb. 11, to take on Chile. Find tickets to the local matches at events.rugbycanada.ca.
Turning to the soccer pitch, women’s play returns with the Div. 1 Bays United FC hosting the Castaways FC on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 4:30 p.m. at the Oak Bay High school turf. The Div. 2 Bays United FC also plays Sunday, taking on the Gorge FC at 12 p.m. at Hampton field.
Starting the hockey week on a high note, the Victoria Cougars play the Saanich Braves tonight, Friday, Feb. 10 in the Braves’ annual charity game. Come support the Cougars and help support a great cause at the same time – 6:30 p.m. at Pearkes Rec Centre.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, the Cougs host the Comox Valley Glacier Kings at 7 p.m. at Archie Browning Arena.
BC Junior Hockey brings two home games to the Q Centre this weekend when the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies welcome Merritt for a 7 p.m. start Saturday, Feb. 11. The Grizz host a matinee game Sunday, Feb. 12, when Salmon Arm comes to town.
The boys high school basketball regular season comes to a close Friday, Feb. 10 with the Oak Bay senior boys hosting Lambrick Park at 7:30 p.m.
Playoffs open next week, with the Wednesday, Feb. 15 semi-finals featuring the third and second-seed teams at 5:30 p.m. and the first- and fourth-seed teams tipping off at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 features the consolation game at 5:30 p.m. and the finals at 7:15 p.m. Stay tuned to lowerislandschoolsports.ca for updates.
Oak Bay lacrosse fans take note: Victoria Shamrocks host their annual spring break lacrosse camp with Rhys Duch March 20 to 22, giving kids age 7 to 14 the opportunity to hone their skills, have fun and play with Victoria Shamrocks players, including Duch, Corey Small and Cody Hagedorn in this three-day camp. Registration is open for the camp, to be held at Eagle Ridge arena and divided into two age groups – seven to 10 years from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 11 to 14 years from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Call 250-478-7625 or visit victoriashamrocks.com.
The Bear Mountain Bike Festival, March 4 and 5 at Bear Mountain Resort, brings a host of exciting cycling events for enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
Take in elite-level XC and Enduro racing, challenge events for enthusiasts and kids’ activities, plus the highlight event, the UCI Bear Mountain Canada Cup MTB Race March 4, featuring Canada’s finest athletes, including Olympic bronze medallist Catharine Pendrel.
A bike expo will also showcase the top mountain bike brands in the industry. Learn more and register at bearmountain.ca.
Colin Gall is a local athlete and a Grade 12 student at Mt. Doug Secondary. Send your coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net.
