Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Claim Historic First Playoff Win with 2–1 Victory Over Ottawa Rapid FC
It was a big night at Swangard Stadium on Tuesday as Vancouver Rise FC made club history, earning their first-ever playoff win with a 2–1 victory over Ottawa Rapid FC in the first leg of the NSL Playoff Semifinals presented by Toyota.
Rise came out flying from kickoff. Samantha Chang and Jessica De Filippo each tested Ottawa’s backline early, while Holly Ward nearly struck first after breaking through on the left, but her shot slipped under goalkeeper Melissa Dagenais and rolled just wide. At the other end, Jasmyne Spencer came up with a huge defensive stop, throwing herself into a tackle to block a dangerous chance in the 11th minute.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Latifah Abdu pounced on a loose pass from the Rapid FC defense and slotted home to make it 1–0. She doubled the lead just six minutes later, finishing off a perfect early cross from De Filippo with a sharp turn and strike inside the box. With a 2–0 cushion, Rise settled in and dictated the pace, looking confident in possession.
Spencer nearly added another before halftime with a long-range effort that forced Dagenais into a diving save, and Ward came close again with a diving attempt that sailed just over the bar.
The second half saw more of the same as Rise continued to press for a third. Abdu almost completed her hat trick after another crafty run from De Filippo through midfield, but her left-footed shot went just wide. Ward kept testing Ottawa’s keeper, driving low efforts toward goal, but Dagenais stood tall.
Ottawa pulled one back in the 68th minute when D.B. Pridham cut inside from the right and fired a shot inside the near post to make it 2–1. The goal gave Rapid FC a late spark, but Rise’s defense held strong under pressure. Spencer again came up clutch with a last-ditch tackle to deny a breakaway, helping preserve the lead.
In the final minutes, Rise cleared everything that came their way and saw out the win — a gritty, historic result that puts them in control heading into the second leg in Ottawa on Saturday, November 8 at 12 p.m. PT.
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.