Sports
Brian Idalski Named First Head Coach of PWHL Vancouver
PWHL Vancouver announced today that Brian Idalski has been appointed the first head coach in franchise history ahead of the 2025-26 season. Idalski brings more than two decades of coaching experience, most recently spending three seasons behind the bench at St. Cloud State University.
“Brian is a proven winner who knows our sport, the players, and has coached at the highest levels,” said General Manager Cara Gardner Morey. “What stands out in Brian’s experience is his ability to build and transform the programs he is a part of, from his work in professional leagues, at the Olympics, and turning collegiate teams into nationally ranked contenders. I’m excited that he will lead our incredible group in Vancouver and can’t wait to see his vision and influence shape our foundation.”
Idalski made an immediate impact at St. Cloud State, earning 2022-23 USCHO Coach of the Year honors in his first season while setting a new program record with 36 conference points and tying the program’s best-ever 18-win season. Over 18 seasons in college hockey, he’s racked up more than 325 wins, coaching at St. Cloud State, the University of North Dakota, and the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. He’s led teams to five NCAA Tournament appearances and has built a reputation for developing talent that feeds directly into the PWHL and international competition.
“I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to join an organization and city like Vancouver and want to thank Cara and the league for their trust and belief in me,” said Idalski. “The PWHL has had a huge impact on the global game, and to be a part of that – with expansion helping push it even further forward – is an unbelievable feeling. I’ve been associated with a lot of players across the PWHL, either coaching them personally or against them over the years, so this role brings me full circle with an eagerness to work with the league’s world-class talent. The team that Cara has assembled is fantastic and I embrace the challenge that comes with our high expectations.”
Before joining St. Cloud, the Warren, Michigan native led the KRS Vanke Rays to two ZhHL championships between 2019 and 2022, coaching current PWHL Vancouver players Michela Cava and Hannah Miller. He also served as head coach of the Chinese Women’s National Team at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Next up for PWHL Vancouver is the 2025 PWHL Draft, presented by Upper Deck, happening Tuesday, June 24 at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET. The team holds six picks, including the seventh overall. The first three rounds will air live on TSN, with the full draft available on TSN+ and the league’s YouTube channel.
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.