Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Book Spot in NSL Final After Wild Penalty Shootout Win Over Ottawa
It was a thriller at TD Place on Saturday night, as Vancouver Rise FC edged Ottawa Rapid FC 5–4 on penalties after a 3–3 draw on aggregate to advance to the NSL Final presented by Toyota.
Rise came out swinging. Holly Ward nearly opened the scoring inside ten minutes, cutting in from the left and forcing Ottawa keeper Melissa Dagenais into an early save. Samantha Chang hit the post moments later off a clever corner routine, and Jessica De Filippo’s rebound was smothered by Dagenais. Ward stayed active, creating another chance shortly after, but her low shot skimmed just wide.
At the back, Jasmyne Spencer made a crucial sliding block in the 27th minute, but from the ensuing corner, Ottawa took the lead through D.B. Pridham’s header. Rise pushed for a quick reply — De Filippo and Spencer both had decent looks — but couldn’t find the target. Ward kept pressing with dangerous runs down the left, yet the equalizer didn’t come before halftime.
Down on aggregate, Rise came out determined in the second half. Latifah Abdu almost leveled early after a clever flick from De Filippo, but her shot went straight at Dagenais. Ottawa then struck again in the 51st minute through Melanie Forbes, swinging the tie in their favor. Dagenais stayed busy, denying De Filippo on a deflected shot and later stopping Abdu’s free-kick effort that was ruled offside anyway.
Rise kept pushing and were finally rewarded in the 85th minute. Mariah Lee whipped in a perfect cross from the right, and Ward rose above the defense to head home the crucial equalizer, making it 3–3 on aggregate. She nearly gave Rise the lead again minutes later, but Dagenais was there to stop her once more.
With the score level after 90 minutes, the match headed into extra time. Ward came close again with a curling effort that missed by inches, while Pridham rattled the crossbar for Ottawa. Both sides traded chances — De Filippo was denied by another big Dagenais save — but neither could find the winner.
It all came down to penalties. After Rise missed their opening kick, goalkeeper Morgan McAslan turned hero, making two huge saves to swing momentum back Vancouver’s way. Sofia Hagman then stepped up and buried the decisive spot kick, sealing Rise FC’s dramatic win and sending them to the NSL Final.
Vancouver Rise FC now move on to face their next challenge in the NSL Finals presented by Toyota next Saturday, November 15, in Toronto. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET.
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.