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
Vancouver Rise FC Transfer Holly Ward to NWSL Side Seattle Reign FC
Vancouver Rise FC has made a major statement about its player development pathway. The club announced Friday that winger Holly Ward has been transferred to Seattle Reign FC of the National Women’s Soccer League for an undisclosed fee.
The move marks the first time a Rise FC Academy graduate has been transferred out of the club, setting a new benchmark for the organization and the broader Northern Super League.
Sporting director Stephanie Labbé called the transfer a defining moment. She pointed to Ward’s rise through the system as proof that the league is doing what it set out to do—create real opportunities for Canadian players.
Ward’s journey with the club began in 2018 when she joined the Rise FC Academy, then known as the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Academy. Seven years later, she returned home to sign her first professional deal ahead of the 2025 season.
The 22-year-old from North Vancouver wasted no time making an impact. She started 27 of 28 matches in her rookie campaign, scoring eight goals and adding five assists. Her biggest moment came in the league’s inaugural final, where she scored the winner in a 2–1 victory over AFC Toronto to secure the Diana B. Matheson Cup.
Speaking about the move, Ward described her time in Vancouver as a dream realized. Playing professionally in her hometown and helping deliver a championship made the experience hard to leave behind, though she expressed excitement about the next step in her career.
Her breakout season didn’t go unnoticed at the international level. Ward earned her first senior call-up to the Canadian women’s national team and made history on June 3 by becoming the first NSL player to score for Canada in a match against Haiti.
Head coach Anja Heiner-Møller praised Ward’s growth and character, highlighting her attacking ability, work ethic, and presence in the locker room. She noted that Ward’s development—from academy prospect to national team contributor—reflects the strength of the club’s environment.
The transfer is a significant step for Rise FC as it begins to participate in the global player market, something the club sees as key to long-term growth. It also reinforces the idea that young Canadian players can develop at home and still reach top leagues abroad.
Rise FC now turns its focus to the upcoming season. The club will open its 2026 campaign with a championship rematch against AFC Toronto on April 24 at Swangard Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT.
Fans can purchase single-match tickets or explore package options, including season memberships that cover all 13 home games and flexible ticket bundles built around the home opener.