Sports
BC Lions Dominate Edmonton Elks For A Season Opening Game To Remember
The BC Lions opened their CFL season with a bang, though it came fashionably late. Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg lit up BC Place with a high-energy set that transformed the stadium into a full-blown West Coast celebration, launching the night into unforgettable territory.
Originally scheduled for 5:45 p.m., the Doggfather didn’t take the stage until 6:25pm, leaving thousands of fans to wait outside in heavy entry lines. Criticism quickly flooded social media, pointing fingers at BC Place for what many called disorganized crowd control. In response, a stadium spokesperson issued a statement advising fans to arrive earlier for sold out events, noting that “a large influx of people” had arrived just 30 minutes before the advertised start.
The statement also acknowledged wait times of 10 to 20 minutes at certain gates and encouraged future attendees to use multiple access points rather than relying solely on Terry Fox Plaza. “By the time Snoop Dogg went on stage, 95 percent of attendees were in the building,” the spokesperson added, thanking fans for their patience.
Despite the logistical hiccups, once Snoop hit the stage, the mood shifted instantly. His 35-minute performance, filled with hits and charisma, quickly overshadowed any lingering frustration. A crowd of 53,977 roared in approval, setting a raucous tone for the game ahead.
That energy carried into the kickoff, as the Lions delivered a commanding 31 to 14 win over the Edmonton Elks. Leading the charge was Victoria native Nathan Rourke, who made a statement of his own. The quarterback went 27 for 36, throwing three touchdowns and rushing for 54 yards on five carries.
Rourke’s return from the CFL midway through last season was met with high hopes and some early stumbles. But his performance on opening night showed clear signs of growth and potential for a strong season ahead.
Between Snoop’s unforgettable set and the Lions‘ decisive victory, the night marked more than just a season opener. It was a moment of pride, promise, and pure entertainment for BC fans.
The Lions return to BC Place on Saturday June 21st to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and July 19th against the Saskatchewan Riders. To find more game dates, visit BC Lions Schedule.
Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Reveal 2026 “After Dark” Home Kit
Vancouver Rise FC has revealed its new “After Dark” home kit for the 2026 Northern Super League season, pulling inspiration straight from the natural setting that surrounds its home at Swangard Stadium.
The design pays tribute to Central Park in Burnaby, with visuals that reflect the quiet, layered beauty of the park at night. Tree silhouettes stretch across the kit, creating a sense of depth and movement—meant to mirror the experience of looking up through the canopy after dark.
The club says the concept ties closely to its motto, “Stronger by Nature,” grounding the team’s identity in the environment that surrounds it. The design blends all crest colours with added tones that bring warmth and balance, giving the kit a look that feels both rooted and refined. Paired with classic shorts and socks, it leans into tradition while still telling a clear local story.
A key detail returns on both the After Dark kit and the club’s secondary “Sunshine Kit” for 2026. A Gold Pointed Star sits on the left sleeve, marking Vancouver Rise FC as the inaugural champions of the Northern Super League. The patch represents the league’s top honour and signals the club’s early place in its history.
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley praised the design and its connection to the community, pointing to the pride residents have in their parks and green spaces. He added that seeing Central Park reflected in the team’s identity makes the return to Swangard Stadium for the new season feel even more meaningful.
The After Dark kit leans heavily into place and atmosphere. It’s less about flash and more about identity—something that feels tied to where the team plays and who shows up for them.
Pre-orders for both the After Dark and Sunshine kits are now available through the club’s official store, with options for delivery or in-stadium pickup.
Sports
2026 Stars On Ice Announces Olympic Bronze Medallists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirierat in Vancouver
Canadian figure skating fans are getting a rare post-Olympic victory lap moment this spring.
Fresh off the 2026 Winter Olympics, the country’s top skaters are heading out on the 2026 edition of Stars on Ice, with a stop in Vancouver set for May 12 at Rogers Arena.
Leading the lineup are Olympic bronze medallists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier. Their free dance this season, inspired by The Starry Night, helped secure their first Olympic podium and quickly became one of the most talked-about programs of the Games.
They’ll be joined by a stacked group of Canadian talent, including world champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps. Also on the bill: four-time national champion Madeline Schizas, and rising pair team Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, who recently picked up medals on the world stage.
The tour leans heavily into nostalgia too. Canadian icon Elvis Stojko returns as a central figure, still known for the kind of power and speed that made him a standout in the ’90s. Kaetlyn Osmond, one of the country’s most decorated skaters with Olympic gold, silver, and bronze to her name, is back as well.
Rounding out the cast are fan favourites Keegan Messing and Roman Sadovsky, with Sadovsky making his Stars on Ice debut. For the Vancouver show, guest performers Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac will join the lineup.
Behind the scenes, Kurt Browning returns as director and choreographer. His work has shaped the tour for years, blending technical skating with a more theatrical style that plays well in an arena setting.
The Vancouver stop is set for 7:00 p.m., with tickets already on sale through the usual outlets. Prices start at $35, with premium on-ice seating and group options available. More information on the Stars On Ice website.