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Victoria HarbourCats | Vaccination protocols in place for HarbourCats, NightOwls, Golden Tide

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5 years ago

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Staff, coaches, players, host families to require full immunization

For Immediate Release

August 11, 2021

VICTORIA, B.C. — The company that oversees the operations of two West Coast League teams, and a new CCBC team, are putting COVID-19 safety first with sweeping protocols around vaccinations.

As of September 1, 2021, all members of the organization are required to be vaccinated to maintain the privilege of being involved with the three baseball programs under the corporate umbrella.

“Because our programs reach into every corner of the communities in which we are fortunate enough to have baseball teams, this is the right thing to do at this time, while we all watch the continued developments with this pandemic,” said Managing Partner Jim Swanson, who is GM of the Victoria HarbourCats and Nanaimo NightOwls, and oversees the fall/spring collegiate Victoria Golden Tide team that is led by Head Coach Curtis Pelletier.

“It is a privilege to be part of our programs, and that carries a lot of responsibility and accountability. We are active in our office with staff and ownership, with spectators, with corporate sponsors, and with host families, along with many other areas our people are out in the community. Our programs travel — we take ferries, and cross borders — we cannot operate in a bubble, the programs are too complex. With nearly 5 billion people now immunized worldwide, our group believes the various vaccines are proven safe and effective for those over 12, and will be the way this pandemic gets put behind us, along with developing treatments and rapid testing.”

The programs will also have COVID-19 protocols in place in the case where someone tests positive, or there is contact with anyone within the sphere of activities. The programs will also stay well-informed on best practices, and will adjust this and any protocols as this world-wide situation evolves.

Currently, in B.C., 100% of those in ICU with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. “We think that speaks volumes to the importance of getting your shots,” said Swanson. “We don’t want to wade into waters that are outside of baseball, but it’s imperative that we do what’s right to keep people as safe as possible.”

The HarbourCats have seen two dark summers due to COVID-19, and the NightOwls had their WCL debut delayed a year. The Golden Tide, an expansion addition to the now-eight-team Canadian College Baseball Conference (CCBC), begins activities in September at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP, the long-time home of the HarbourCats in the city’s Stadium District.

Any exceptions requested by members will be handled privately, and prudently, with that person — on grounds of medical or other legitimate reasons, said Swanson. “While we recognize the individual rights and freedoms of people, and celebrate those rights, we also have an overriding need to do all we can to ensure all our people, and those we come in contact with, have the utmost in safety considerations,” added Swanson.

The HarbourCats fully anticipate returning to a normal schedule in 2022, with full allotment of fans in attendance. It is undecided at this point if fans will be required to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination to enter the stadium and the team will follow and monitor other sport event and public event protocols over the winter, before making such a decision.

Any further questions can be directed to Jim Swanson.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Vancouver Island Brewing Named Official Craft Beer Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats

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11 hours ago

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March 18, 2026

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New partnership brings classic Vancouver Island craft beer to Wilson’s Group Stadium Royal Athletic Park, celebrating the ultimate Islander summer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2026

VICTORIA, B.C. — Vancouver Island Brewing (VIB) and the Victoria HarbourCats Baseball Club today announced a new long-term partnership that will bring Vancouver Island Brewing to Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park starting at the Home Opener on June 2, 2026. As part of the agreement, Vancouver Island Brewing is now the Official Craft Beer Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats.

At the heart of the partnership is Islander Lager, VIB’s crisp, easy-drinking lager made for laid-back summer adventures, now set to become a game-day staple at Royal Athletic Park. Fans will also find selections from Vancouver Island Brewing’s core lineup on offer throughout the season, along with the new Islander Fan Zone space, creating even more ways to enjoy the best of the Island at the ballpark.

“Vancouver Island summers are all about community, sunshine, and something cold in your hand,” said Ana Wagner-Chazalon, Marketing Manager at Vancouver Island Brewing. “The HarbourCats are one of those classic summer experiences in Victoria, and we’re proud to partner with them to make local craft beer part of the game-day ritual.”

“We’re always looking for partners who share our love for this community and everything that makes Victoria summers so special,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats. “Vancouver Island Brewing is as Island as it gets, and having a local craft beer in the hands of our fans on a warm evening at the ballpark just feels right. We can’t wait for Opening Night.”

The Vancouver Island Brewing and HarbourCats partnership is designed to feel local in the best way: familiar, fun, and undeniably Island. The partnership will extend beyond the ballpark, with collaborative programming and storytelling planned throughout the 2026 season. Additional details, including about the new in-park Islander FanZone experience, will be shared closer to the Home Opener on June 2.

About Vancouver Island Brewing
Vancouver Island Brewing has been crafting beer on the Island since 1984, rooted in the community and landscapes that inspire every pour. Vancouver Island Brewing makes award-winning beers, from classic lagers to innovative ales, using quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods inspired by the island it calls home. Learn more at vibrewing.com.

About the Victoria HarbourCats
The Victoria HarbourCats are a member of the West Coast League, a summer collegiate baseball league featuring top NCAA talent from across North America. The HarbourCats play their home games at historic Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, B.C. Learn more at www.harbourcats.com

Media Contacts:
Ana Wagner-Chazalon, Marketing Manager Vancouver Island Brewing ana@vibrewingcom | 250-216-0701
Jim Swanson, Managing Partner Victoria HarbourCats jim@harbourcats.com | 250-889-5204

Tickets for all 2026 HarbourCats games, as well as the 2026 All-Star Game and Home Run Derby July 14-15, Season Tickets and Flex-Packs are now on sale at harbourcats.com/tickets or at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street just around the corner from the stadium.

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Victoria HarbourCats – New Era Canada, Rawlings, Adidas join with WCL All-Star Game

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23 hours ago

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March 18, 2026

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March 17, 2026

VICTORIA, BC — The best caps, and the best gear, from the best baseball brands.

The organizing committee of the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game is proud to announce the involvement of strategic baseball-brand partners in producing a memorable event, with the WCL All-Star Game Festival slated for July 14-15 in Victoria.

The game itself will be played on Wednesday, July 15, at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, home of the Victoria HarbourCats.

New Era Canada will be providing a special selection of WCL All-Star Game caps, and fan wear, while Rawlings will produce the official player/coach gear along with fan garments. Adidas is providing backpacks for all the coaches and the players who are selected to participate in this spectacular event, that will include community activations, kids camps, off-site socials, and a home run derby (on Tuesday, July 14).

“Everyone involved will love the items that will showcase the branding for this event, and we thank these partners for coming on board,” said Adrian Somers, VP of Business and Operations for the HarbourCats, and a member of the event steering committee. “These brands are synonymous with baseball, and the look and feel of these items will be at that all-star level.”

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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Choo Signs with NightOwls – Son of MLB All-Star!

Published

6 days ago

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March 12, 2026

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Alan Choo has seen a lot of home runs in his life — hundreds from his father, and now a healthy number off his own bat in college.

The son of former MLB all-star outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, a Korean product who hit 218 long balls in his 16-season career, Alan himself has now established himself as a power hitter in the college ranks.

Choo, currently at Orange Coast College, is tied for third in home runs in the CCCAA with nine, including two in a game on Tuesday. He is a legitimate draft prospect for this coming July!!

“I’m so pumped to play for the NightOwls,” said Alan Choo, who turns 21 at the end of this week. “I’ve only heard great things about the organization and coaching staff and the players’ futures that go through the NightOwls. I’m super excited for the summer!”

Choo, a lefty hitter who plays first base and DH, is close friends with returning catcher Clark Springs, who is in D1 baseball at UT-Arlington. Choo, who was born in Phoenix Arizona, is a sophomore and checks in at 6’1” and 225 lbs.

“This is a big signing for us, adding a feared lefty power bat to hit in the middle of the order with returning all-stars Jacob Hayes and Talan Zenk,” said Head Coach Cody Andreychuk. “We will have big bats and depth on our roster, and we think Alan will be a leader for us so we can bring a championship to Nanaimo.”

Choo the senior was an outstanding Major League hitter, starting his big league time as a Seattle Mariner in 2005, then moving on to Cleveland, Cincinnati and Texas, where he played his final season in 2020. He received MVP votes in 2010 and 2013 and went to the all-star game in 2018, representing the Rangers. In seven of his seasons, he hit 20 or more home runs. He also stole 157 bases in his career, with three 20-20 seasons.

Shin-Soo Choo is still involved in the game after retirement, now as a scout.

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