Author Archives: Niko Liapis

Why is Tofino the Best Place to Surf in Canada?

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Tofino B.C. has long been know as one of if not the best places to surf in the country. What makes Tofino stand out from the rest of the places in Canada? Lets get into it!

Why Is Tofino Famous for Surfing?

Tofino is known for its great surfing and awesome vibes in the town, but why? Tofino has around 35km of coastline that is able to be surfed on. There is also no specific season that is better than another. Tofino has waves all year round that brings tourism from all over the world. Because of its direct location facing the pacific ocean its in the perfect spot as it is given direct exposure to swells, also known as smaller waves.

Best Season to Surf?

Best times for surfing is surprisingly in the fall and winter months from October and onward when the swells tend to be the biggest. Although if you are still learning, the summer months usually have the smaller swells and are ideal for those who are learning. The water tends to be relatively cold and a wet suit is required since the water temperatures can reach from as low as 8-12 degrees celsius.

Surfing Culture In Tofino

Tofino has been the surf hub of Canada since the 60’s, and due to the cold Pacific ocean has brought in a lot of dare devils to try and face the harsh conditions. Those who surf in Tofino all have an un spoken understanding of how difficult the conditions can be and how it takes resilience and strength to surf in those parts, especially during the fall and winter months. Tofino is also home to many surf shops and schools that have been there for many years and have helped shape the community into what it is today. Many locals are even heavily involved in conservation and participating in efforts in order to keep surfing environmentally sustainable. All in all Tofinos surfing culture gives people the opportunity to connect with nature in a different way than they are used to. It allows you to experience living slightly out of the cities noise for a while, and try something new in one of the best surfing locations in the country.

Would you ever go surfing in Tofino?

 

Rock Climbing Boom in Vancouver

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Rock climbing has hit an all time high in Vancouver being one of the most popular indoor and outdoor activities for people to take part in 2025. Why the sudden interest in something so niche? Lets get into it!

The Growth of Rock Climbing/ Boldering in Vancouver

Vancouver has seen a huge spike in bouldering over the past few years with most gyms seeing a massive influx of new members with gaining popularity. But why? As you know, Vancouver is a city that loves jumping on the latest trends and doing what ever they can do to be in on all the latest things. And right now Rock climbing is one of those things. Climbing culture has also began to be a huge part as to why its become so big. There is a huge sense of community in the space which allows for people to meet others with the similar interests. Universities have been very quick to the new trend with many campuses around the lower mainland adding climbing rooms into their recreation centres.

Best Places To Rock Climb In The City

Vancouver is home to some over the very best indoor and outdoor climbing there is in Canada. Places like “the Hive” have been instrumental in the revival of the sport and have been amazing at bringing people to try out this up and coming hobby. Outdoor places like the Squamish Chief has been know for years as one of the best places to rock climb, and you can even see people with there harnesses hanging from the side of the mountain as you drive on the sea to sky highway.

Future Of Climbing In Vancouver

I think in the future we will see a lot more hybrid places in the rock climbing industry. We have already seen places like “Progression Bouldering and Cafe” open up in Mount Pleasant which has become a gym, cafe, physiotherapy clinic, and a retail gear shop. What a Vancouver esc facility. This new infrastructure is soon to become a lot more common as multi purpose facilities seem to do really well in bustling cities such as Vancouver. Along with schools also pushing the new sport in their curriculums, i’m sure we can see rock climbing take an even bigger leap in the next few years.

What do you think of this new rock climbing craze?

 

BC Lions Beat the Stampeders 38-24 as They Clinch a Playoff Spot

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The BC Lions clinched a playoff spot in yesterdays 38-24 win over the Calgary Stampeders. What were the main focal points in the game and who were the top performers? Lets get into it!

Game Recap

Quarterback Nathan Rourke came to play in this one as he threw 414 yards, four touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He has continued to be a standout player for this Lions team this season and seems to be improving every time he steps onto the field. The Lions had a dominating lead going into the fourth quarter leading 31-9. Even though they slightly lost control over the lead as the Stampeders brought it back to 31-24, Robert Carter Jr closed out the show as he intercepted two Calgary passes which lead to Zander Horvath running in a 33 yard touchdown with less than a minute to play and end the game 38-24 in favour of the BC Lions.

Key Takeaways

Nathan Rourke continued his phenomenal passing consistency as has continually been able to spread the field with Keon Hatcher and other receivers making big plays down the stretch of the game. Carter being a huge defensive juggernaut in this game practically saved the Lions from the Stampeders being able to complete the comeback as he successfully intercepted 2 passes to close out the show under pressure and be the hero for the Lions.

What To Watch Next

Due to this win, the Lions have now successfully secured a spot in the playoffs four years running. This game showed that when the Lions are firing on all cylinders and especially when Nathan Rourke is on his A game, they can beat any team in the CFL. Going into the post season it is very important that the Lions learn to close out their big leads seamlessly without letting teams back into the games due to silly mistakes. With their next game being against the Western conference leading Saskatchewan Roughriders. it will be an amazing test for this group going into the post season to see if they are truly able to compete and defeat the very best of the best in the CFL.

How do you think the BC Lions will perform come the post season in November?

 

 

Whitecaps Beat San Jose 4-1 in an Epic Clash at BC Place

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The Whitecaps are back in the MLS win column as they defeat the Earthquakes in a west coast rivalry. Who were the standouts for the Caps and who scored the goals? Lets get into it!

First Half

In the first 6 minutes, San Jose earned a corner kick that was whipped into the box and headed on goal by Martinez, luckily Priso got back and made a goal line clearance to keep the game tied at 0-0. In the 38th minute the Caps earned a free kick on the left wing, Berhalter stepped over the ball. He whips it into the back post and Ryan Elloumi is there to help it home and score his second MLS goal. 1-0 Whitecaps. That would be all the action in the first half.

Second Half

The second half kicked off and the Whitecaps kept their foot on the gas. in the 56th minute the ball found its way to Thomas Muller from Ali Ahmed, he takes a touch at the top of the box, and rifles it into the bottom corner of the San Jose keeper. 2-0 Caps. The Caps weren’t done quite yet, Sebastian Berhalter picks up the ball from about 35 yards out and smashes one home into the cop corner, leaving absolutely no chance for Daniel to make a save. 3-0 Whitecaps. In the 88th minute the ball skips out to Leroux off of a San Jose Corner kick, he takes a touch and blasts one past Takaoka to make it 3-1. Clearly Berhalter put on his shooting boots today, because in the 90th minute Berhalter received the ball just outside the box and had a crack one again from distance, and he once again beats Daniel to seal the deal for the Caps 4-1.

2 Games Left

The Whitecaps have two games left in the season with Orlando and Dallas. These game are both must wins if the Caps still have aspirations of finishing at the top of the MLS, and securing the supporters shield. How do you think the Whitecaps will do in their last 2 games of the season?

Vancouver Canadians 2025 Season Breakdown

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Last season the Canadians had a record of 75-57 and for the first time since 2021 they failed to make the playoffs. What was their downfall last season and what do they need to improve on next year to get back into the playoffs in 2026? Lets get into it!

2025 Season

The 2025 season was a difficult one for the Canadians. They started off the season very well with a 20-2 record, but as the season went on they began to struggle more and more. They set a franchise record in May and went on an 8 game losing streak. Additionally one thing they struggled with was losing games that were very close which can be the deciding factor of whether you qualify for the playoffs or not. Although there were some lows in the season, there were also some good points. They set a franchise record for most wins with 11 straight, just shortly after setting the record for most consecutive losses.

Roster Changes/ Prospects

Some players who were standouts for the Canadians were Fernando Perez, who is a Blue Jays prospect pitcher ranked in the top 10. Arjun Nimmala, who is the Blue Jays number 1 prospect who had unbelievable performances down the stretch for the Canadians. And number 2 Blue Jays prospect Trey Yesavage.

2026 Expectations

Next season the Canadians are hoping to bounce back to their usual form as a contending team in the North West league. Last season they ran into many problems that prevented them from truly finding their form to propel them forward. In the upcoming season they will hope that in closer games the team can find ways to pull out the victories when their backs are against the wall. And of course the 5 time Northwest league champions are hoping to get right back to being one of the contending teams to win a championship in the upcoming seasons.

How do you think the Vancouver Canadians will bounce back next year?

The Vancouver Warriors Expectation Coming Into the 2025/26 Season.

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The Vancouver Warriors had a historic season last year, making the playoffs for the first time, and had a very clean home record at Rogers arena only losing 2 games at home. With the new season starting soon, what are the expectations for the warriors going into the new season. Lets get into it!

2024/25 Season

Last season the Warriors ended the season with a record of 11-7 and were fairly proficient in scoring with a season total of 196 goals. Keegan Bal was their main offensive juggernaut contributing 43 goals and 68 assists. They made it to the playoffs and hosted their first ever playoff game at Rogers Arena where they hosted Rochester in the quarter finals and won. Sadly their season ended in the semi finals when they took on the Buffalo Bandits who easily got the job done against the warriors.

What Worked and What Didn’t Work?

Last year the away record really hurt the Warriors as they had a record of 4-5. this really hurt their opportunities to climb further in the standings last season and be able to compete for the top seed. Scoring depth was also lacking with the majority of the scoring coming from Keegan Bal. In order to further compete especially in the playoffs its crucial for the team to be able to rely on others to provide in the goals department. Lastly, the goaltending. Acquiring Del Bianco last season had a big impact on the team, but last season he was overplayed due to the lack of backup depth in their rotation. It is key that next year they have the mean to backup goaltenders who are able to fill in for Del Bianco so that he is healthy and fresh when needed.

2025/26 Season Ambitions

In the upcoming season, the Warriors are looked at as being legitimate contenders in the west. The coaching staff and management were not happy with last seasons results and are looking to build off of the season. If they are able to be consistent in pacific rivalry games within their division, this will be a game changer for the team. The team also have an abundance of young players. If they start growing into the potential they have been set to fill, that could also give the warrior a huge push throughout the stretch.

How do you think the Vancouver Warriors will do in the 2025/26 season?

Garland Scores in OT to Win it For the Canucks Against the Oilers

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The Canucks get the job done at Rogers Arena in their final pre season game as the regular season starts later next week. Conor Garland scored in overtime to win it for Vancouver 3-2. Who scored the goals and What players stood out? Lets get into it

First Period

The first period had a lot of back and forth action as both teams remained defensively sound and created a lot of great opportunities, but to no avail. Thatcher Demko was in goal again and has continued his good form making great saves in tight and stopping all 7 shots in the first period. What looked like a period that was going to end 0-0, in the last 10 seconds the puck took a weird bounce off the end board and landed on Cootes’s stick, he played it to Lekkermaki who was open at the left circle, as he one timed it past the glove of Pickard. 1-0 Canucks going into the first intermission.

Second Period

The second period was a continuation of the first. A lot of back and forth play by both teams with ice to ice action. In the later half of the period the Canucks got the puck in the Oiler zone and got a shot off that was fought off by Pickard, the Oilers started up the other way, Tomasek laid the puck off to Kapenan as he winded up a slap shot that got past Demko. 1-1 game. With 3 minutes left in the period, the Oilers got onto the power play. Evan Bouchard got the puck at the left point as he wristed it towards goal, the puck deflects off of Demkos left pad and onto the stick of the last person you want to have the puck, Leon Draisaitl who slots it home to make it 2-1 Oilers.

Third Period

This game continued to have that regular season intensity as they went tit for tat, with great saves being made on both sides. 6 minutes in and the Canucks were on the power play. Quinn Hughes got the puck out of the right corner and made a cross ice pass to Lekkermaki who slapped it home for his second of the game to make it 2-2. This one needed overtime as they were locked at a stalemate at the end of the second period. Only a minute and 30 seconds into OT Garland picked up the puck on the left wing sliced through the Oilers defence, went back hand to forehand and wrapped the puck right around Pickards left pad to win it for Vancouver.

Who was your standout player for the Canucks?

4 Canadians to Pay Attention to at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver

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With the UFC returning to Vancouver in just 2 weeks, its time to look at some of the Canadian fighters on the card and how I anticipate their fights going. Lets get into it!

Number 4. Kyle Nelson

Kyle Nelson will be taking on Matt Frevola in a lightweight bout that will surely be his toughest test to date. This will be his second time fighting in Vancouver as he prepares to take a huge step up in competition in Frevola. Nelson possesses a full mixed martial arts arsenal, with fantastic jiujitsu and great striking abilities he can end the fight in several ways. Frevola has a very heavy grappling approach to his game and applies high pressure throughout his fights. This will be a great match up where both guys have a similar style and approach they bring to the octagon. My prediction, Kyle Nelson gets the job done by unanimous decision.

Number 3. Jasmine Jasudavicius

Jasmine Jasudavicius will take on Manon Fiorot, which will be a massive leap into the title picture since her last win against where she choked out Jessica Andrade. Fiorot recently fought for the title in Montreal in May against Valentina Shevchenko where she fell short. Even though she lost, don’t let that confuse you of the fact that she is still one of the very best in the division and has beat almost everyone on the way to the top. Jasmine will have to be on her A game in every way possible on October 18th if she wants to win and be propelled to the number one contender spot in the flyweight division. My prediction, Jasudavicius by decision.

Number 2. Aiemenn Zahabi

Zahabi came off a phenomenal victory over legend Jose Aldo in May which has now lead him to the opportunity to fight the number 7 ranked guy in Marlon Vera. Aiemenn came into the game late, but is making a surge through the Bantamweight division as he pushes closer and closer to a title shot. Chito Vera is a former title contender and has beat some of the best guys in the division. He has great striking and has the power to end fights with one punch. On the other hand, Zahabi is very well rounded and mixes his striking and grappling very well. My prediction, Zahabi by Decision.

Number 1. Mike Malott

Coming in at number 1, who other than Mike Malott. In his last fight he ended it phenomenally, knocking out Charles Radke in the second round. This time around Malott will also be taking a step up in competition to face Kevin Holland. “The Trailblazer” is very talented in every aspect of martial arts. He has an amazing Karate style of striking, and also has very high level jiujitsu when he choses to grapple. Malott is mainly a grappler, but has shown time after time how good his striking really is. My prediction, Malott by 2nd round TKO.

What do you think of my picks?

The Canucks Annihilate The Flames 8-1 at the Saddledomb

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There is truly no better feeling than embarrassing a division rival, even if it is just a pre season game. The Canucks were firing on all cylinders last night as the made the flames look like an AHL team. Who scored, and what players stood out? Lets get into it!

First Period

The Canucks started off hot having 2 odd man rushes early, and on the second one Brock Boeser capitalized making it 1-0 Canucks. In the later stages of the period the Canucks went onto the power play. Hughes got the puck on the blue line and fed Pettersson as he one timed it past the Calgary net minder. Less than 22 seconds later the Canucks strike again, this time goalscorer being Tyler Myers having his shot deflected home to make it 3-0. Now you are not gonna believe me. Less than a minute after the Canucks are now short handed, they win the puck in their zone as Conor Garland skates up the right wing, centres it to Forbot as he wrists it past Prosvetov to make it 4-0.

Second Period

Early in the third the Flames come out heavily pressuring. Farabee gets a rebound and puts it past Lankinen. A few minutes later Sasson picks up the puck in the Canucks end, he’s skating coast to coast, plays a give and go with DeBrusk who lays it back to him as he snipes it past the glove of Prosvetov to give the Canucks their 5th. Calgary decided it was time for a goaltender change so they put in Cooley as the replacement. On his first shot he had to face, Aatu Raty snuck it past him glove side to make it 6-1. Difficult night for Calgarys goaltending.

3rd Period

Similar to the last 2 periods the Canucks continued to dominate play. Eventually they would get an opportunity 3 v 1, Boeser would carry the puck up the right wing, centring it to Hughes as he would dangle it to his backhand and put it 5 hole on Cooley. 7-1 Canucks. But wait, the Canucks still weren’t done quite yet. Bains and Sasson would break on another short handed opportunity 2 v 1 as the flames were caught op on the attack. Bains would centre it to Sasson and he tapped it in for an easy second goal of the game to make it 8-1.

What did you think of the Canucks performance? Are they looking like they will bounce back this season?

 

The Whitecaps Comfortably Win 4-2 In the 604 Derby

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Last night the Whitecaps comfortably won 4-2 against Vancouver FC to once again lift the Canadian championship for the 4th year in a row. The Whitecaps did not hold back and played all their big guns who were all playing to win. Lets get into the breakdown!

First Half

The Caps wasted absolutely no time with Thomas Muller whipping in a ball to Ali Ahmed who slots in the bottom corner to put the caps up one. 5 minutes later Thomas Muller begins causing problems again as he receives the ball in the box and gets taken down and wins a penalty. Muller steps up, does a couple pitter patter steps and shelfs the ball in the top right corner to score his 300th career goal, and to put the Whitecaps up 2-0. In the 35th Vancouver FC broke on the attack as Bah was all alone on a break away as he slotted it in to make it 2-1. Not even a minute later the Whitecaps came back the other way, Berhalter sends a ball into the mix and it bounces onto Ahmeds foot as he tucks in his second goal of the night to make it 3-1 Whitecaps. What a half.

Second Half

The second half featured the Whitecaps continuing to keep up the pressure, and in the 80th minute captain Ryan Gauld came on to make his first appearance since March. 3 minutes later Nelson would get the ball on the left hand side, take on a few defenders and centre it to the wide open Gauld who put it home with the right peg to make it 4-1 Whitecaps. What a dream return for skipper. As BC place was still celebrating Gaulds goal, Vancouver FC quickly came back the other way as a ball was cut back to former Whitecap Nicolas Mezquida who turned it in to salvage one more goal for the CPL team.

Confidence Going Into The End Of Season

With that Canadian championship victory in the books, the Whitecaps can now look ahead to their last few games of the season and onto the playoffs. This championship will have definitely given them the extra push of confidence they are looking for going into the post season. This is a very talented squad, as they have proven it time after time that they deserve to be contending with the very best, and have a real chance of winning an MLS championship come December.