Sports
Warriors March to NLL Semifinals After Win Against Rochester Knighthawks
The Vancouver Warriors are heading to the NLL semifinals after a dominant 15-10 win over the Rochester Knighthawks at Rogers Arena.
Vancouver came out swinging with a five-goal burst early in the game, building a strong 9-3 lead by halftime. Rochester made it interesting with a three-goal push to open the fourth quarter, but the Warriors didn’t flinch. They answered fast and closed the door.
This one was all about grit. The Warriors stayed composed when the pressure was on, sticking to their plan and refusing to let the momentum slip. That “bend but don’t break” mindset held firm through every run Rochester threw at them.
The defence showed up in a big way. The Warriors killed off all three penalties, and added goals from defenders Jeff Cornwall and Ryan Dilks on transition plays. Owen Grant chipped in with a shorthanded goal. Between the pipes, Christian Del Bianco was rock solid, stopping 47 shots.
Keegan Bal led the charge on offense with a monster 11-point night, scoring five and setting up six more. It was his first NLL playoff game, and he looked locked in from the first draw. When Rochester threatened late, it was Bal who slammed the brakes on their run with a long-range goal to make it 12-8.
Vancouver’s aggressive start set the tone. They didn’t wait around, they attacked early and often. And while there were a few bumps in the second half, they never lost their grip on the game.
Now it’s on to Buffalo. The Warriors will face the top-seeded Bandits in Game 1 of the semifinals on Friday, May 2 at 4:00 p.m. PT. They’ll hit the road, but their focus stays the same: prep hard, recover well, and trust the system that’s gotten them this far.
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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.