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Victoria HarbourCats – Tide Sweep Away Thunderbirds in Sunday Doubleheader

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4 years ago

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Above: Victoria’s Brandon Green is safe at second as the throw escapes UBC second baseman Brett Zazuluk.

Story and Photos by Christian J. Stewart

October 17, 2021, Victoria, BC – The Victoria Golden Tide were not daunted at all by facing the top college baseball program in the country, as they defeated the UBC Thunderbirds in both games of a doubleheader Sunday at Wilson’s Group Stadium in Victoria by identical 9-1 scores.

Tide game one starting pitcher Owen Luchies delivers a pitch during the game with UBC Sunday.

The weatherman cooperated on the day, keeping the rain at bay, and it was Golden Tide pitchers in game one who kept the UBC hitters at bay with Victoria Eagle product Owen Luchies getting the start and giving up a run to UBC in the first, but then settling down to keep them off the board in the second and third.

Victoria’s Brandon Green slides safely into third base ahead of the tag by UBC third baseman Jordan Gamble on this play in game two Sunday.

Cameron Dunn would then take over in relief and shine, giving up just a pair of singles in his four innings of work, with Jacob Popydynec pitching the final two innings, with just a walk, to close out the 9-1 win.

Golden Tide pitchers would get all the offensive support they would need when the Tide put up a four-run third inning, the highlight of which was a Zeke Holt two-run home run over the right field fence.

Zeke Holt had a two-run home run to key a four run third inning in the Tide’s 9-1 win over UBC in game one Sunday.

Also contributing in the 12-hit attack were Dom Biello with a walk, double and run scored, Brendan Morrison with a pair of singles and a run scored and Alex McLauchlan with a pair of runs scored.

Golden Tide third baseman Alex McLauchlan makes a nice play on a ground ball in game two against UBC on Sunday.

In game two, the Thunder would jump into a 1-0 lead thanks to a second inning lead-off home run from Tyler Sharples, but that would be their only run to cross the plate, as once again Golden Tide pitching ruled the day.

UBC’s Tyler Sharples is all smiles after his second inning home run in game two Sunday.

Starter Brady Wilson would follow-up his outstanding three-hit performance last week against Calgary at the CCBC Fall Championship by giving up just one more hit to the Thunderbirds and keeping them off the board the rest of the way in his four full innings of work.

UBC shortstop Daniel Gonzoloz awaits the throw as Tide baserunner Alex McLauchlan slides in safely to second.

Relievers Jackson Belanger (two innings), Haldon Craig (two innings) and Triston Seitz (one inning) would shut the door the rest of the way, with a single against Belanger and one against Seitz in the ninth being the only other UBC hits of the game.

Tide second baseman Myles Wall puts the tag on UBC baserunner Trevor Tong on this play at second during game two Sunday.

Offensively, the Tide once again blew things open in the third inning, this time scoring five runs, with the big blows being a two-RBI triple from Brody Alexandre and an RBI single from Parker Harris.

The Tide would score two more on a two-RBI single from Alex McLauchlan in the fourth and add another two in the sixth to put the game out of reach.

Jordan Bond arrives safely at first as the ball skips away from UBC first baseman Sean Coventry.

Other offensive notables in the game included Zeke Holt, with another strong game, notching a pair of double and two walks, and Jaxson Cordle, with a single and a double.

Victoria’s Jaxson Cordle starts on his way to first during action with UBC on Sunday. Cordle would have a base hit in game two.

The Tide now get ready for another pair of double headers next weekend as on Saturday the VI College Prep Mariners come to town and on Sunday, the BCPBL Parksville Royals pay a visit. Both days have first pitch scheduled for 1:00 pm. Tickets are $5.00 and $10.00 and will be available at the gates.

Victoria’s Ryan Deagle beats out the throw to UBC first baseman Sean Coventry on this play in game one Sunday.

TIDAL WAVES: The two wins Sunday mark the first time this fall season that the Tide have swept a doubleheader; The Tide lineup Sunday was supplemented by five members of the Victoria Eagles BCPBL squad that finished second in this year’s provincials, including game one starter Owen Luchies, Ryder Green, Jai Berezowski, Kai Gray, and Dom Biello. Parksville Royals product Ryan Deagle also played in both games today.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – School Spirit Games partners pleased with near-sellout status

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11 hours ago

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March 6, 2026

By

March 5, 2026

For immediate release

VICTORIA, BC — The kids always bring the energy — and the noise, in sections teeming with students.

The Victoria HarbourCats are pleased to recognize the valuable partners who have helped the team close in (already, in March!) on sellouts for the two SCHOOL SPIRIT GAMES planned for the 2026 West Coast League baseball season — just a part of the big summer plans at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park.

On Thursday, June 4 (11:05am), the MAYFAIR OPTOMETRIC CLINIC SCHOOL SPIRIT GAME has limited seating still available for the meeting with the visiting Edmonton Riverhawks.

Then, the KIDSPORT GREATER VICTORIA SCHOOL SPIRIT GAME on Thursday, June 18 (also 11:05am) vs. the Redmond Dudes, is essentially at capacity already as schools/teachers have already snapped up seats and sections. A wait list is being taken, but schools still wanting to attend a game are urged to book into the June 4th game instead.

“The popularity of these games is undeniable, and they are a perfect match for Mayfair Optometric Clinic and KidSport Greater Victoria to reach an excited audience,” said Christian Stewart, General Manager of the HarbourCats.

The games are such a hot commodity for school field trips that Stewart had teachers getting on the list right after last year’s games, and then inquiries as early as the opening of schools in September.

For any teachers or schools wanting to secure remaining seats for the June 4th game, contact Christian at chris@harbourcats.com or call 778-265-0327. Tickets are just A$9.00 each.

Single game tickets for all HarbourCats games and the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby are now on sale at our Showpass site at harbourcats.com/tickets. Season tickets, 12-pack and 32-pack game vouchers may also be bought on-line or by stopping in to the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street.

SEE SCHEDULE HERE

Need to gear up with HarbourCats merchandise? Then be sure to stop into the office, or else visit The Cat Shop online at https://victoria-harbourcats-official.myshopify.com/

 

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Kentucky Influence Will Be Strong For NightOwls, Nine Players Signed

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2 days ago

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March 4, 2026

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March 4, 2026

Nanaimo NightOwls head coach Cody Andreychuk is from the Harbour City — but spends most of his time now as dugout boss at the University of Pikeville in Kentucky.

So, it’s no surprise the next nine players signed are playing college baseball in the Bluegrass State — talent from UPike, and Western Kentucky.

And two of them? From Nanaimo, of course, continuing the tradition of local flavour with the NightOwls.

Announced today by “Coach Chuk”:

 

LHP Bryson Vawter, Western Kentucky, L/L, 6-1/210, Topeka, Kansas

LHP Rodney Whaley, Western Kentucky, L/L, 6-2/195, Ashland, Nebraska

RHP Jacob O’Day, Western Kentucky, R/R, 6-3/185, Bloomington, Illinois

RHP Jack Schroeder, UPikeville, R/R, 6-1/205, Cody, Wyoming

RHP/IF Reed Sutton UPikeville, L/R, 6-2/215, Nanaimo

LHP Caleb Morrison, UPikeville, L/L, 5-10/170, Georgetown, KY

IF Easton Mould, UPikeville, R/R, 5-10/165, Nanaimo

SS Francis Subero, UPikeville, S/R, 5-11/185 San Jose De Ocoa, Dominican Republic

OF Ethan Reynolds, Western Kentucky, R/R, 5-11/210, Bowling Green, KY

 

“There is a hard-nosed way of playing the game in Kentucky that our fans at Serauxmen Stadium will like — these guys all work hard and grind,” said Andreychuk. “The pitching depth from this group will important, and I really like having Nanaimo guys in Mould and Sutton. I know these players very well, what they can do.”

This is an intriguing group of additions —- it includes returning local second baseman Mould, and fellow Pirates product Sutton, who got a short stint as a NightOwl in 2025. Mould played 37 games for the NightOwls in 2025 and is the double play partner this spring at UPike with Dominican shortstop Subero, who is batting .356 with 11 runs driven in over 13 games.

O’Day fanned 63 hitters in 58 innings for Heartland CC before transferring to WKU. Vawter had a 3.84 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 72 innings at Kansas City CC, while Whaley is another lefty and a product of power junior college program Iowa Western.

Schroeder and Morrison will be counted on for quality bullpen innings, and Reynolds is a versatile fielder with a bat that finds gaps.

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Victoria HarbourCats – Community-first approach for All Star Game committee, leading WCL showcase

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1 week ago

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February 26, 2026

By

February 26, 2026

For immediate release

VICTORIA, BC — With an exciting announcement earlier this week (SEE HERE), and ticket packages available and selling fast, it’s time to publicly unveil the leadership stars of the 2026 West Coast League Baseball All-Star Game committee.

It’s a group that, combined, knows one word well — community.

Dave Cockle and Brenda MacFarlane are the co-chairs, working closely with Victoria HarbourCats leadership — President John Wilson, part owner and community advocate Helen Edwards, Managing Partner Jim Swanson, General Manager Christian Stewart, Marketing Director John Pollard, and Adrian Somers, VP of Operations/Business.

Cindy Kent and Dave Garton, who wear many hats for the HarbourCats including host family and gameday events, are involved in planning and execution.

Cockle is the retired former longtime Oak Bay fire chief who is active with many boards including Kiwanis (Board Chair of Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavillion) and their advocacy for seniors and affordable housing, a director with SVI Rangers, and the HarbourCats advisory committee, and was chair of the 2017 and 2018 Baseball Canada Men’s Championship.

MacFarlane is — well, what isn’t she involved with? With IG Wealth Management, she gives her time to the Victoria Hockey Legacy Society (Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, 100 Year Stanley Cup “Century Celebration”) among other charity work and involvement literally too numerous to list here.

“What a group — seriously, we are so glad to have people who understand what it means to really captivate Victoria with memorable events, who get the vision and logistics mix that make things shine,” said Swanson.

The 2026 WCL All-Star Festival will take over Victoria, helping fill hotels and seats, on July 14 and 15, culminating with the game on Wednesday, July 15. The HarbourCats will also host the festival in 2027.

The leadership group involved goes WAY deeper than those named above.

  • Vince Greco, a well known local sports leader, is spearheading the youth camps component, some of which is still to be announced.
  • Stewart is overseeing ticketing, graphics, photography and media, and stadium planning — yes, the famous HarbourCats food trucks scene will be on full display for the home run derby and game.
  • Veteran pro baseball scouts Walt Burrows and Marti Wolever and coach Gorman Heimueller will direct the WCL player scouting combine, supported by HarbourCats and Collegiate Cats coaches.
  • Nanaimo NightOwls GM Tina Cornett is heavily involved with planning and administration.
  • Doug Sturgeon, known well in local ball circles, is coordinating the community wiffle ball game slated for the B.C. Legislature lawn on July 14.
  • Chris Jaycox of Chris Jaycox Productions is overseeing the broadcast, featuring the play-by-play of Warren Dean, that will allow people from around the world to see many of the events.
  • Samantha Newton will oversee transportation needs for players, team officials and VIPs, with the LA Limousine fleet as a featured addition.
  • Shawn Leckie, Stacey Gillespie, Raphael Oliveira, Kevin Schmidt and Garton will provide setup and logistics leadership both at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP, and for events away from the main venue.
  • Kelly and Rory Kurta will oversee some special projects that have yet to be finalized and able to be announced — stay tuned!

Major partners and sponsors will be recognized as this major event comes closer to reality in Victoria.

The All-Star Festival begins the morning of July 14, 2026 with a kids camp and wiffle ball scrub game on the lawn of the BC Legislature, followed by a Home Run Derby at Wilson’s Group Stadium that evening.  The actual All-Star game takes place on Wednesday evening July 15th at 7:00 pm.

Ticket packages are now on sale for the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game and are available on-line HERE, or by stopping in at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street to order in person.

 

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