Author Archives: Shane Taylor

Five BC Athletes You Should Know

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BC has always been a breeding ground for great athletes, but not every star gets the spotlight. From local hockey heroes to Olympic hopefuls, these five athletes are putting in the work, repping their communities, and proving that BC sports have serious depth

2023 – AP/Bernat Armangue

At just 23, Ethan Katzberg has already made global headlines but somehow still flies under the radar at home. The Nanaimo-born hammer thrower became the youngest world champion in history last year and followed it up with another gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. What makes his rise even cooler? Katzberg trains right here in BC and still describes himself as “just a kid who liked throwing heavy things.

2022 -@Emma_Spence13

Emma Spence has quietly become one of Canada’s best all-around gymnasts. She represented Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics and earned a bronze medal at the 2023 Pan Am Games. Born and raised in Vancouver, Spence is known for her focus and composure under pressure — and she’s already mentoring younger gymnasts across the Lower Mainland. Expect her name to pop up again as we get closer to the 2028 Games.

Vancouver Giants' Ty Thorpe, foreground.

2023 – Photo by Allen Douglas

He may not be from BC originally, but Ty Thorpe has become a fan favourite in the Lower Mainland. The captain of the Vancouver Giants (WHL), Thorpe’s mix of leadership and scoring ability has earned him praise across junior hockey, now playing for UBC Thunderbirds . That’s exactly the kind of player Vancouver hockey fans love.

2024 – OLIVIER MORIN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Sophia Jensen has quietly dominated the canoe sprint world. The Maple Ridge native has already earned multiple world championship medals and competed for Canada at the Paris Olympics. Her work ethic and humility have made her a standout in a sport that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Off the water, she’s an advocate for women in paddling, helping the next generation chase their Olympic dreams.

2021 – University of Utah Athletics

Forget the PGA spotlight Tristan Mandur from Mill Bay is proving that BC golfers can compete with the best. A former University of Utah standout, Mandur has been climbing through the ranks on the PGA Tour Americas. His sharp short game and calm approach have turned heads, and he’s representing Vancouver Island proudly every time he tees off. Mandur might not be a household name yet, but his game speaks volumes.

From the hammer throw to hockey, these five athletes are proof that BC’s next generation of talent is thriving even if they’re not household names yet. Keep an eye out, because the next big Canadian sports story might be happening right in your backyard.

Canucks Shine in Preseason Finale, Confidence High Heading Into 2025–26 Season

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2025 – @Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks wrapped up their 2025 preseason with a 4–2–0 record, leaving fans optimistic as the regular season approaches. The team showed a strong mix of structure, discipline, and glimpses of skill that highlight the direction of the franchise. While the preseason opener against Seattle resulted in a 5–3 loss, the team quickly found its footing in subsequent games, displaying cohesion and the ability to respond to adversity. The final preseason matchup, a 3–2 overtime victory against Edmonton, served as a showcase for the team’s resilience. Vancouver rallied late in regulation, tying the game, and then secured the win in overtime, demonstrating composure and confidence in close contests.

Veteran leadership was crucial throughout the preseason, with Elias Pettersson continuing to impress with his creativity and ability to generate scoring opportunities. Pettersson’s vision on the ice and quick decision-making have remained a cornerstone of Vancouver’s offense, and his play during preseason games highlighted his role as a central figure in the team’s attack. Quinn Hughes, as captain, anchored the defense and displayed strong two-way play. Hughes’ ability to control the puck, transition from defense to offense, and communicate effectively with teammates helped stabilize the team’s back end during challenging stretches of play. In net, Thatcher Demko served as a reliable presence, starting multiple games and demonstrating consistency and focus. His performances provided confidence to the defensive corps and allowed the team to maintain composure in tight situations. Backup goaltenders also received opportunities during preseason, but Demko’s play clearly signaled that he remains the backbone of the team moving into the regular season.

Under the guidance of head coach Adam Foote, the Canucks emphasized a structured approach, combining disciplined defensive positioning with an opportunistic offensive strategy. The preseason allowed Foote and his coaching staff to experiment with line combinations and defensive pairings while also providing young players and depth options the chance to showcase their skills. These games offered insights into which players are ready for regular-season responsibilities and how the team’s identity will manifest in competitive matchups. The Canucks’ preseason performance, marked by a balance of veterans leading the way and younger players contributing effectively, sets a positive tone for the season. With the roster finding chemistry, the core leaders performing at a high level, and Demko holding the crease securely, Vancouver enters the regular season with a sense of purpose and expectation. Fans can look forward to seeing how the team builds on these early performances as the 2025–26 campaign begins in earnest.

 

Roaring Into October, BC Lions Clinch Playoff Spot in Dramatic Fashion

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2025 @BCLions

 

The BC Lions officially punched their ticket to the 2025 CFL playoffs with a 38–24 victory over the Calgary Stampeders, powered by explosive offense, clutch defense, and a roaring home crowd that brought playoff energy weeks early. The Lions came out sharp, controlling the tempo from the opening kickoff. Quarterback Nathan Rourke set the tone with pinpoint throws and confident leadership, spreading the ball between receivers like Keon Hatcher, Alexander Hollins, and Justin McInnis. By halftime, the Lions held a comfortable 21–6 lead, thanks to Rourke’s accuracy and the defense’s ability to limit Calgary’s run game.

Things tightened up in the fourth quarter. Calgary clawed back into the contest with a pair of quick touchdowns off B.C. turnovers, cutting the lead to just one possession. The tension inside BC Place was electric you could feel the nervous energy buzzing through the crowd.

That’s when Rourke and the offense responded. On a crucial late drive, Rourke found Hatcher down the sideline for a 36-yard completion, setting up Zander Horvath’s game-sealing 33-yard touchdown run. The stadium erupted, and so did the playoff celebrations. Defensively, Robert Carter Jr. delivered two timely interceptions, both

2025 – @BCLions

coming at pivotal moments that stopped Calgary drives before they could gather momentum. It wasn’t a perfect night but it was a gritty, confident performance that screamed postseason readiness. First-year head coach Buck Pierce, who took over after the departure of Rick Campbell, has successfully guided this team through ups and downs, transforming them into one of the CFL’s most balanced squads. His mix of creativity on offense and discipline on defense is paying off when it matters most.

The Lions have now won four straight and six of their last eight. That kind of momentum heading into November is something every playoff team craves. The chemistry between Rourke and his receivers is peaking, and the defense anchored by a strong secondary continues to create turnovers when the lights shine brightest. With a playoff spot locked, the next goal is home-field advantage. If the Lions can win out, they could host a playoff game in front of their fans something the team hasn’t done since before the pandemic. The Lions are back, and they’re not sneaking into the playoffs they’re roaring in.