Despite a 5-2 loss to the Peninsula Panthers during the Saanich Junior Braves’ annual Pink in the Rink event, local breast cancer programs were winners, with close to $1,200 raised by Braves and their fans. The Junior Braves hit the ice four times this coming week, starting with road trips to Campbell River (Storm) and Kerry Park (Islanders), Friday and Sunday respectively. The Braves return home to Pearkes Arena to host the Islanders Wednesday, Dec. 17 (puck drops at 7:30 p.m.), before looking for revenge against the visiting Panthers Friday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Saanich Minor Hockey Association’s top midget Braves team netted three of a possible four points this past weekend, leading into the final weekend of league play before the Christmas break. In a back-and-forth tilt Saturday against the league-leading Juan de Fuca AAA Grizzlies, Braves forward James Scott scored on a breakaway with just two seconds left to tie the game 4-4. The local boys were on the road in Campbell River Sunday, beating the Tyees 5-2, and return to face the JDF Grizzlies’ home turf, 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Q Centre. Come lend your support to the visitors!
SMHA’s annual coaches game in support of the association’s “No. 1 Brave Award” is coming up Saturday, Dec. 20 on Pearkes Arena’s Gold rink. The puck drops at 7 p.m. and admission is by $2 donation – which also includes a chance at a variety of door prizes and raffles for fans in the stands. SMHA coaches and managers interested in joining the fun should email ian.g.fleetwood@gmail.com with your position, highest level of play and current SMHA team. The No. 1 Brave Award is presented each spring to a player who has faced adversity, challenge, illness or injury.
A handful of Saanich high school basketball teams hit the hardwood Dec. 16. The Claremont Spartans face a strong Lambrick Park Lions squad on their home court, while St. Michaels University School Blue Jaguars travels to Spectrum for more senior boys action. All games start at 7:30 p.m. Three Saanich senior girls teams are also in action, with the Mount Douglas Rams visiting the Reynolds Roadrunners and Claremont Spartans hosting the Esquimalt Dockers for their 5:45 p.m. start.
Reynolds seniors boys’ squad continues the action Friday, Dec. 18 when they visit the Vic High Totems for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.
In Vancouver Island Premier League action, the Saanich/Prospect Lake U17 and U18 boys’ squads face off in the last match before the Christmas break.
Girls interested in lacing up for the coming box lacrosse season are invited to a free session in the Pearkes Fieldhouse Saturday, Dec 13. Registration for the spring 2015 season will open in the new year. Girls who will be PeeWee and younger (born in or since 2004) will play from 6 to 7:30 p.m., while older girls (born before 2004) will play from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For details, contact Linda at cretney@gmail.com.
The UVic Vikes announced the endowment of the Joey Weisbrodt Memorial Basketball award in remembrance of coach Joseph Weisbrodt, who passed away 10 years ago, and issued a call for nominations for the UVic Sports Hall of Fame Hall in all categories – athlete, team, coach, builder or administrator. Awards are presented each spring at the Celebration of Champions banque in the spring.
Four Vikes swimmers qualified for the CIS nationals at last weekend’s
Christmas Cracker Invitational at Saanich Commonwealth Place.
Rookie Rosie Moulton, senior Craig Dagnall and third years Richard Bourgeois and Aidan Thirkell join first year Ryan Howe as new CIS qualifiers this weekend for the CIS championships scheduled for Feb. 19 to 21.
– Devon Gall is an avid sports fan and athlete attending Grade 12 at Mount Douglas secondary.
