Sports
Northern Super League Announces WestJet As Official Airline
The Northern Super League is proud to welcome WestJet as the Official Airline of Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league and its six clubs. This milestone marks WestJet’s first sponsorship of a women’s professional sports league and underscores its commitment to empowering women in sports and inspiring future generations.
“For nearly two decades, WestJet has championed women in sports through our Caring for Our Community and Airport Community Giving programs,” said Jeff Hagen, Vice-President of Commercial Development & Strategic Partnerships at WestJet. “Becoming the Official Airline of the Northern Super League takes this commitment to new heights. This partnership represents more than just travel—it’s an investment in the future of women’s sports in Canada. We’re proud to connect fans and players to the game while contributing to the league’s success.”
Through this multiyear agreement, WestJet will provide essential transportation for all six clubs, playing a key role in connecting players, fans, and communities nationwide. The partnership is designed to support the league’s sustainable growth while enhancing the athlete experience with team booking policies that offer flexibility for players travelling with their families.
Fans attending games in person or tuning in via TSN, RDS, and CBC Sports will see WestJet’s branding prominently featured in stadiums across the country. The airline will also engage fans through digital activations and social contests, giving them opportunities to fly and experience the matches firsthand.
“The Northern Super League is thrilled to partner with WestJet, a company that shares our vision for building strong communities, growing the beautiful game, and advancing women’s professional sports,” said Christina Litz, President of the Northern Super League. “WestJet’s investment in our league is a testament to their belief in the power of sports to inspire and unite. Their support ensures that we can bring world-class women’s soccer to fans across Canada while creating a sustainable future for the league.”
The Northern Super League officially kicks off on April 16, 2025, with six dynamic clubs representing key Canadian markets: Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto, Calgary Wild FC, and Vancouver Rise FC. Season ticket packages are available now at NSL.ca.
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.