Sports
PWHL Vancouver and Seattle Reveal Team Names: Goldeneyes, and Torrent
When Vancouver’s new PWHL team hits the ice against Seattle on November 21, their name will already be etched at centre ice inside the Pacific Coliseum: the Vancouver Goldeneyes. The matchup will mark the debut of both west coast expansion teams: the Goldeneyes and the Seattle Torrent, as the league grows from six to eight teams.
The Goldeneyes’ identity draws straight from the natural world. Inspired by the common goldeneye, a sleek aquatic bird native to B.C., the name symbolizes protection, precision, and power — traits that define both the bird and the team. The logo’s “sunset gold” and “sky blue” accents pair with the primary palette of Pacific blue, coastal cream, and earthy bronze.
“It’s a perfect reflection of who we are,” said Goldeneyes forward Jenn Gardiner of Surrey, B.C. “When I think of the Goldeneyes, I think of the landscape of British Columbia — the mountains, the ocean, and the grit that comes with growing up here.”
Kanan Bhatt-Shah, the PWHL’s vice president of brand and marketing, said nature was the common thread connecting both new franchises. “Nature is ever-present on the west coast — it shapes identity here. We wanted to capture that beauty, strength, and authenticity,” she told CBC Sports.
South of the border, Seattle’s team took a water-based approach. The Seattle Torrent’s branding channels the city’s waterways and constant rainfall, with a stylized “S” logo that suggests both the city name and the motion of rushing water. “Torrent really communicates strength, motion, and a cascade of energy,” Bhatt-Shah said.
Fans can already grab Goldeneyes and Torrent gear, though the official logos won’t appear on jerseys this season — those will feature city names across the chest, a tradition carried over from the league’s inaugural teams.
The PWHL’s new season begins November 21, with Toronto visiting defending Walter Cup champions Minnesota and the Torrent crossing the border to face the Goldeneyes. Vancouver’s home debut will be a celebration of women’s hockey finally planting roots on the Pacific coast.
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.