Sports
Northern Super League 2025 Regular Season Schedule Released
The wait is over. The inaugural season of the Northern Super League is set to make history, bringing professional women’s soccer coast to coast in Canada. With six clubs ready to take the pitch, fans can expect an electric first season filled with high-stakes matchups, star-studded rosters, and unforgettable moments.
From landmark stadium debuts to rivalry clashes and must-see marquee signings, let’s break down the key dates, player duels, and can’t-miss moments of the 2025 campaign.
Opening Weekend: A Grand Kickoff in Iconic Venues
The first-ever NSL match sets the stage in Vancouver on April 16, where Vancouver takes on Calgary at BC Place in front of what is sure to be a massive, history-making crowd. Calgary, featuring Meikayla Moore, Grace Stordy, and Sonia O’Neill, will be looking to spoil Vancouver’s home debut. The hosts will counter with a star-studded lineup featuring Quinn, Shannon Woeller, and Jessica DeFillippo—expect a battle between Vancouver’s dynamic midfield and Calgary’s aggressive attacking play.
Just three days later, BMO Field hosts the first-ever NSL match in The 6 as AFC Toronto faces the Montreal Roses on April 19. With Emma Regan, Victoria Pickett, and Mya Jones leading Toronto’s midfield and Jade Kovacevic and Leah Pais in the attack, they’ll have to break through a tough Montreal squad featuring Latifah Abdu, Tanya Boychuk, and Mégane Sauvé. Expect a fierce, physical battle every time these two meet.
The Rivalries Begin: Who Will Claim Early Supremacy?
Toronto vs. Montreal – The Battle of the 401
These two powerhouses meet three times this season, including the April 19 showdown at BMO Field. Toronto’s goal-scoring duo of Kovacevic and Pais will need to find a way past Montreal’s defensive unit, led by Gabrielle Lambert and Noémi Paquin. Keep an eye on Toronto’s Croix Soto and Aoi Kizaki to be key defensive figures in containing Montreal’s attack.
Vancouver vs. Calgary – Western Canada Showdown
Vancouver and Calgary will be pushing for dominance in the West, with their second meeting on June 8 in Calgary potentially shaping playoff positioning. Calgary’s Farkhunda Muhtaj and Jaclyn Sawicki will go toe-to-toe with Vancouver’s technical and speedy attack, featuring Nikki Stanton, Samantha Chang, and Jessica Wulf.
Ottawa vs. Halifax – The East Coast Energy Clash
With a Canada Day weekend showdown on June 30, this battle will showcase some of the league’s biggest stars. Ottawa’s Julia Benati, Desiree Scott, and Susanne Haaland will have to break through Halifax’s defensive unit, led by Kiley Norkus and Anika Tóth. Meanwhile, Gunny Jónsdóttir and Milly Clegg will look to spark Halifax’s attack.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
Jade Kovacevic (Toronto) vs. Charlotte Bilbault (Montreal)
A high-profile battle between an elite striker and a world-class defensive midfielder, this duel will be crucial in determining which club comes out on top in the Toronto-Montreal rivalry.
Erin McLeod (Halifax) vs. Sofia Manner (Toronto)
A matchup between two elite goalkeepers who will be pivotal for their teams. McLeod’s experience and leadership will be tested against Toronto’s rising star Manner, who is set to make her mark in the NSL.
Grace Stordy (Calgary) vs. Jasmyne Spencer (Vancouver)
A clash of physicality and skill—Stordy’s defensive acumen will be crucial in stopping Vancouver’s attacking speedster, Spencer, who thrives on taking on defenders one-on-one.
Emma Regan (Toronto) vs. Quinn (Vancouver)
Two of Canada’s brightest midfield talents go head-to-head in a battle of vision, control, and physicality. Regan’s ability to dictate play for Toronto will be tested by Quinn’s defensive presence and quick transitions for Vancouver.
Gunny Jónsdóttir (Halifax) vs. Desiree Scott (Ottawa)
A clash between two veteran midfielders known for their leadership and defensive capabilities. Expect hard challenges and smart positioning as they battle for control in the center of the pitch.
Season Breakdown
Each Northern Super League club will play 25 regular season matches. For the inaugural season:
- Ottawa, Calgary, and Halifax will play 13 home and 12 away matches.
- Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver will each play 12 home and 13 away matches.
- All six clubs will compete in a single-table format with the standard point system: three points for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss.
At the end of the season, the top four teams will compete in a home-and-away semifinal format. The higher-seeded club will host the second leg. The two clubs with the higher aggregate score will advance to the championship match on November 15.
Where to Watch the NSL in 2025
All 75 Northern Super League regular season matches will be available nationally across multiple platforms. TSN will air 20 regular season games, while CBC will broadcast eight.
French-language coverage will be available for all Montreal Roses matches. RDS will broadcast 21 matches, while Radio-Canada will air four matches live on ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV.
In addition to linear broadcasts, a ‘Game of the Week’ will stream on CBC Gem and NSL.ca, while 24 additional matches will stream on TSN+ and NSL.ca.
Get Ready: The 2025 Season Starts Now
With an elite mix of domestic and international talent, six passionate clubs, and a new era of Canadian women’s soccer, the 2025 Northern Super League season is set to be an unmissable ride.
DOWNLOAD the 2025 NSL Regular Season 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.