Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Sign New Zealand Defender Rebecca Lake
Vancouver Rise FC announced on Thursday that the club has signed New Zealand defender Rebecca Lake as their final signing of the transfer window.
We’re excited to welcome Rebecca Lake to our roster” said Interim Sporting Director Robyn Gale. “Rebecca brings an ambitious mindset with strong leadership qualities, adding valuable depth at the center back position.”
Lake, 26, joins from A-League side Wellington Phoenix FC. The Kiwi joined New Zealand-based Phoenix FC in 2023, playing 19 times across two seasons where she was vice-captain.
“I’m already loving the environment here at Vancouver Rise—great players, but even better people” said Lake on her signing. “Everyone’s got a winning mindset, and I can’t wait to get involved.”
Prior to joining Phoenix, Lake played for Northern Tigers FC in 2023 in the New South Wales National Premier Leagues (NPL), Australia’s third division for Women’s football. She played 18 times and made 14 starts for Tigers FC, helping them finish fifth in the table out of 14 teams. In New Zealand, Lake was an integral part of New Zealand National Women’s National League side Canterbury United Pride, having played there from 2014 until 2022. The defender was captain of The Pride for three seasons, including when they won the historic three-peat league championship in 2020, scoring three goals on the way to the title.
“We are very happy to have Rebecca at Vancouver Rise FC.” said Rise FC Head Coach Anja Heiner-Møller. “Rebecca comes in with great experience and leadership skills as a centerback. She has only been with us for a few days, but her willingness to impact the ball and positive mindset has been noticed already.”
Internationally, Lake has represented New Zealand at both the U-17 and U-20 level, going to two youth FIFA World Cups in 2016 (U-17 in Jordan) and 2018 (U-20 in France). She was also called up to the senior national team in January of 2023 in their friendlies against the United States. Lake also captained the New Zealand futsal team in the 2022 World University Championship in Portugal. In her youth, she played for Waimakariri United in New Zealand.
Rebecca Lake
Pronunciation: Re-BECK-ka LAYKE
Position: Defender
Height: 5-09
Date of Birth: May 13, 1999 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Hometown: Christchurch, New Zealand
Citizenship: New Zealand
Status: International
Previous Clubs: Wellington Phoenix FC (Australia), Northern Tigers FC (Australia), Canterbury United Pride (New Zealand).
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.