Sports
Christine Sinclair Will Join Vancouver Rise FC Ownership Group
Vancouver Rise FC announced on Monday that global soccer icon Christine Sinclair will join the club’s ownership group ahead of the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) season. The hometown hero will join majority owner Greg Kerfoot on the Vancouver Rise FC ownership team.
The Canadian superstar is expected to visit BC Place, likely her last professional game in Canada, on Tuesday, October 15 when the Vancouver Whitecaps FC League1 BC women’s team hosts National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Portland Thorns in the Concacaf W Champions Cup. Tickets remain available at ticketmaster.ca/whitecaps.
“Growing up in Burnaby, I would have never imagined becoming an owner of a professional women’s soccer club in my hometown,” said Sinclair. “I want every little girl in British Columbia and Canada to be inspired to play or coach or manage – see the opportunity for women in sport. I’m so excited to be a part of this movement, and to be able to share my passion to help this club grow.”
On the international level, Sinclair is the highest scoring player in history, male or female, with an incredible 190 international goals. Her 23 years playing for Canada included 331 matches, six FIFA World Cups and four Summer Olympic Games, winning the gold medal in 2021 and the bronze medal in 2012 and 2016.
“There are few names in the history of Canadian sport, and the history of soccer, as big as Christine Sinclair,” added Stephanie Labbé, Vancouver Rise FC sporting director. “She has made an unmatched impact on the sporting landscape in Canada, inspiring millions of people across the country. We are thrilled that she has taken an ownership role with our club to make an equally large impact on the future of the game. We have won gold together and now we are both excited to take this next journey together in Canada with Vancouver Rise FC.”
Sinclair recently announced that she would retire from playing at the end of her current season with Portland Thorns. She has been pivotal in each of the Thorns six trophies, including NWSL Championships in 2013, 2017, and 2022.
“We are thrilled to have Christine officially join our club,” said Sinead King, Vancouver Rise FC president. “Her unparalleled experience as a professional player, combined with a deep connection to our community, makes this partnership truly special. This collaboration underscores our commitment to elevating women’s soccer and solidifying Vancouver Rise FC as a key player on both the national and international stage.”
Prior to playing in the NWSL, Sinclair was a force for the Vancouver Whitecaps in the former USL W-League, recording 23 goals and 10 assists in 21 appearances. This included the 2006 season, where she led the team with 12 goals and four assists during an undefeated season that culminated with winning the W-League championship at Swangard Stadium.
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.