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Victoria HarbourCats | Cheering on the return of sports

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Island’s WCL teams go all kooky for hockey, glad to see it back

March 31, 2021

NANAIMO and VICTORIA, B.C. — The two West Coast League teams on Vancouver Island found a special way to celebrate, together, the return of one sport we’ve all missed — hockey.

With the WHL now having returned to the ice, and the BCHL set to begin this week, both without fans, the Victoria HarbourCats and Nanaimo NightOwls decided to team up and welcome back teams such as the Victoria Royals and Grizzlies, Nanaimo Clippers, Port Alberni Bulldogs and Cowichan Valley Capitals.

There was only one way to do it right — with special edition HarbourCats and NightOwls/Bars hockey jerseys, teaming with SP Apparel to produce sublimated, laced, truly-one-of-a-kind hockey jerseys, specially designed by social media/design guru Chris Beveridge.

The HarbourCats stayed true to the blues of team colours, while the NightOwls brand and ‘novelty name’ Bars brand are unique to those looks.

“Why not, right? We’re in Canada, might as well play along — and show support how we can for our hockey friends,” said Jim Swanson, GM/Managing Partner of the HarbourCats and NightOwls/Bars.

“Watching hockey come back, and watching MLB stadiums welcome back fans, is a good indicator for us all that measures are working and we can see the end of this challenging time soon. With these hockey jerseys, we can help celebrate that with the Royals, Grizzlies and Clippers in particular.”

The jerseys are available in limited quantities and available on the team websites, shop sections (see detailed links below).

Both the HarbourCats and NightOwls are scheduled to begin their 2021 West Coast League season on June 1, playing a Canada only schedule against league rivals and newcomers the Edmonton Riverhawks and Kamloops NorthPaws.  The detailed schedule is yet to be announced.

Details and updates on both teams will be available at their respective websites at www.harbourcats.com and www.nanamionightowls.com.

Store Links for Hockey Jersey Purchase

HarbourCats: https://victoria-harbourcats-official.myshopify.com/products/limited-edition-victoria-harbourcats-hockey-jersey

NightOwls: https://nanaimonightowls.com/product/nanaimo-nightowls-custom-hockey-jersey/

Nanaimo Bars: https://nanaimonightowls.com/product/nanaimo-bars-custom-hockey-jersey/

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – HarbourCats comeback late, win opener 6-4

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May 30, 2025

For immediate release

KELOWNA, B.C. – Familiar faces led the way for the Victoria HarbourCats as they began the 2025 season with a 6-4 win over the Kelowna Falcons. Three local Victoria players started the game, while five returning Cats featured throughout, all contributing to the opening night victory.

After a quick first two innings, Curtis McKay (Niagara) drove in Jai Berezowski (Golden Tide) with an RBI single in the top of the third to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The Cats doubled that lead in the fourth when Tanner Beltowski (Westmont College) grounded out with the bases loaded, allowing Jordan Bond (Doane University) to score.

Thomas Bridges (TCU) was given the ball for the opening game and was lights out through three innings. The freshman struck out four, giving up two hits and walking none.

BOX SCORE

Falcons left fielder Max Trembley’s fourth-inning RBI single cut the HarbourCats’ lead in half after Kyle Slater reached on an error.

Julian Orozco (Cal Baptist) pitched in relief of Bridges and was in control through 2-2/3 innings until a Falcons two-out rally in the sixth inning culminated in a Mathieu Moran bases-loaded single, scoring two and giving the hosts their first lead of the game.

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Victoria answered back immediately in the top of the seventh when Bobby Filler Jr. (Niagara) drove home Beltowski with an infield single, making it all square at 3-3.

Cade Rusch (IUS) got out of the jam in the sixth and followed it up with a three-up, three-down seventh, striking out all four batters he faced on the night. Son of former MLB pitcher Glendon Rusch, Cade is back for his second year as a HarbourCat.

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Another returning HarbourCat, Jack Johnson (Baylor), produced the all-important hit with two outs in the eighth, driving an RBI single up the middle to make it 4-3. Next up was Berezowski, who continued the two-out rally with an RBI single of his own, giving his team a 5-3 cushion.

Dominic Biello (Golden Tide) added an insurance run in the ninth with what should have been an inning-ending groundout, but the right fielder hustled out of the box and beat the throw, allowing a run to score to make it 6-3.

Shea Lake (West Texas A&M), back for his second season in Victoria, earned the save, recording the final six outs of the game, giving up one run on zero hits, while walking two and striking out one.

These two teams are back at it tomorrow at 6:35 PM for game two of the three-game set.

Don’t miss the three exciting events at the ballpark before the HarbourCats return home! The Emery Electric Fastpitch Showcase between the Sooke Loggers and Lacey A’s is SATURDAY, MAY 31 at 4:00 PM. On SUNDAY, JUNE 1 at noon, the Victoria Eagles take on the Langley Blaze in a BCPBL Doubleheader. The Eagles are back on TUESDAY, JUNE 3 at 6:35 PM to take on the Victoria Mariners in BCPBL Regular Season action.

Season Tickets, 10 and 32-Game Flex Passes and Single Game Tickets are now on sale for all 33 home games and four “Showcase” events through the HarbourCats’ new and one-and-only ticketing partner SHOWPASS at harbourcats.com/tickets.

Tickets and merchandise can also be purchased in person at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street or by calling 778-265-0327.

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NorthPaws fight off a late Riverdog rally to secure Exhibition victory

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The Kamloops NorthPaws defeated the Kamloops Riverdogs 18U squad 4-3 in a game that came down to the wire. The NorthPaws scored four runs in the first three innings before the bats went silent. The Riverdogs, however, scored their three runs in the eighth and ninth innings.

The Paws got their offence from Many Recchi, Austin Coyle and a solo home run in the bottom of the first from former Riverdog Matthew MacDonald. The Kamloops native got the start behind the plate and went two for two with a base hit in his second and final at-bat of his night, earning him player of the game honours.

The Riverdogs threatened several times in the later stages of the game, including loading the bases with one out in the fifth inning and coming up empty-handed. They later faced the same situation in the eighth but only mustered one run.

The ninth inning saw the Riverdogs put up a pair of runs off RBI doubles and had runners at second and third with two outs. Reid Williamson hit a ball to the warning track in left field that was caught on the run by Recchi to end the game and secure the win for the NorthPaws.

Paws Head Coach Reily Jepson is also a former Riverdog and got his first taste of coaching against his old youth program.

“It’s different coaching against them; they had me on my toes for sure,” said Jepson.

For many of the players in the Northpaw lineup, this was their first game action in a couple of weeks, providing an excellent opportunity to get game experience before the regular season begins.

“Tonight was all about shaking off the rust for guys who haven’t played in a while and getting their feet under them – This was also the first time they were playing under us as a coaching staff, so they’re all a little nervous, so it’s just to get warm and get ready for the weekend,” said Jepson.

With both teams being local, the fans showed up and cheered on their beloved squads throughout the night.

“It was great to see people in the seats even though there may have been more RiverDogs fans, but it’s great to get the community involved,” Said Jepson.

The NorthPaws will hit the road for six games starting Friday in Port Angeles for a three-game series before heading back south of the border for three more to play the Belling Bells beginning Tuesday. The NorthPaws will be back at Norbrock Stadium for the home opener on Friday, June 6, where they take on their Interior rival, the Kelowna Falcons. The first pitch is set for 6:05; we hope to see you there!

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Victoria HarbourCats – You’re invited! HarbourCats to host pre-season mixer, May 27th!

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Join HarbourCats players, coaches, staff and Harvey the HarbourCat this coming Tuesday at Mayfair Optometric clinic for the HarbourCats annual pre-season mixer! 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE

May 23, 2025

Victoria, BC – The Victoria HarbourCats would like to invite all fans, season ticket holders, host families, partners and sponsors to our annual pre-season mixer, this year hosted by our fine friends at Mayfair Optometric Clinic, on Tuesday, May 27th at 5:00 pm.

Join us as we celebrate the start of another great season of West Coast League baseball and meet some of the players and coaches, grab some merchandise and enjoy a beverage and snack on us!

Red Arrow Brewing will be providing some of our signature Ballpark Blonde Ale, Ooh La La Cupcakes will be providing some tasty treats, various other food and snacks will be available and Samuel the Bartender will be on hand to help with serving drinks.

HarbourCats merchandise will also be available and we will have some door prizes to give away too!

Please be sure to join us and kick-off another great season of HarbourCats baseball!

The HarbourCats open their 2025 home schedule on Friday, June 6, with the Port Angeles Lefties visiting Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP. Season Tickets, 10 and 32-Game Flex Passes and Single Game Tickets are now on sale for all 33 home games and four “Showcase” events through the HarbourCats new and one-and-only ticketing partner SHOWPASS at harbourcats.com/tickets.

Tickets and merchandise can also be purchased in person at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street or by calling 778-265-0327.

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED! The HarbourCats are in need to host families for the 2025 season! If you would love to host a collegiate level athlete for three months this summer and become an integral part of the HarbourCats family, please contact Host Family Coordinator Cindy Kent at hostfamily@harbourcats.com.  Compensation, grocery stipend and season tickets provided.  More details HERE

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