The Sirens’ rookie defender opened the scoring during the first five minutes of the game, making it 1-0 for the Sirens. Sirens, Sarah Fillier increased their lead with a goal in the last two minutes of the first period.

Less than a minute into the second period, Sirens Paetyn Levis scored. Ten minutes later, Sirens Kristin O’Neil scored, making it 4-0.

The Vancouver Goldeneyes responded in the third with Sophie Jaques scoring in the fifth minute of the third period. Several minutes later, Siren’s player Kristyna Kaltounkova scored, making it 5-1 for the Sirens.

Sirens Head Coach Greg Fargo said, “I thought we did a much better job tonight. In a lot of areas, but especially around their net. We haven’t been around the net in a long time, but now we know enough that if you want to score, that’s where you’ve got to go. I just think, in other words, those goals were just kind of creating some chaos in or around the blue paint tonight, I thought our players did a really nice job with that.”

Goldeneyes Head Coach Brian Idalski said the team is still working on establishing its identity.

“We can play a skill game, but we also can get pucks deep and be tough to play against down low, and so what you see is a mish-mash of the two. So, our identity is still being formed, but first and foremost we have to start with being more physical, winning one-on-one battles, and just a consistent compete, not the ebb and flow that we’re getting shift to shift.”

This was the second game the Goldeneyes have lost on the road, after losing 5-1 to the Ottawa Charge on Wednesday (Nov. 26).

Sarah Nurse was out of the Goldeneyes lineup for the second game in a row after an upper-body injury.

Vancouver’s next game is on Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. PT against the Boston Fleet.

The PWHL entered its third season on Nov. 21 with its original six teams: Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, Ottawa Charge, Minnesota Frost, Boston Fleet, and New York Sirens, along with the two new teams, Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent.

In Canada, Tuesday night games will stream on Prime Video, Wednesday night games will be on TSN, Thursday night games will air on TSN and Sportsnet. Friday, Saturday and Sunday games will air on CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet.

That was the scenario facing the Seaton Sonics and host Vernon Panthers at the B.C. High School Senior Girls AAA Volleyball Championships at the Panther Pit Friday, Nov. 28.

Both teams started play Friday morning in the Round of 16. Vernon and Seaton were in the same part of the tournament’s championship bracket, meaning win Friday morning and they’d face each other for the first time since Nov. 15. That’s when the then-11th seeded Sonics swept the sixth-ranked Panthers at VSS for the Valley title.

Seaton tamed Richmond’s R.A. McMath Wildcats in straight sets, 25-21, 25-22, 25-22, Friday morning at VSS.

Right beside them, the host Panthers, who won their round-robin pool, dispatched the MEI Eagles of Abbotsford 25-7, 25-18, 25-10.

Rematch set.

Before a large, partisan VSS crowd Friday, the Panthers exacted their revenge on their cross-town nemesis, doing to the Sonics what Seaton did to them, sweeping to victory, 25-17, 25-19, 25-22.

The Panthers now draw the tournament’s top seed, the Point Grey Greyhounds of Vancouver, in a Saturday morning semifinal at 10 a.m. at the Panther Pit.

The other quarterfinals were played at Fulton and Kalamalka secondaries, with Surrey’s Holy Cross Crusaders taking on the College Heights Cougars of Prince George, and the Notre Dame Jugglers facing the Crofton House Falcons in an all-Vancouver match.

The Okanagan’s three squads in the 16-team field all advanced to the quarterfinals. The 11th-ranked Valleyview Vikings of Kamloops, who won their round-robin pool, knocked out the York House Tigers of Vancouver 25-21, 25-19, 25-23 to advance to the Elite Eight, where their tournament ended Friday with a loss to Point Grey.

The Sonics can finish no higher than fifth. They will play Valleyview at 8:30 a.m. at Kalamalka Secondary.

The provincial semifinals go at 10 a.m. Saturday at VSS, followed by the bronze-medal game at 1:30 p.m., and the title game at 3 p.m.

SENIOR BOYS A

Vernon Christian School Royals, the second seeds, took on the seventh-ranked Unity Christian Flames of Chilliwack in the quarterfinals in Abbotsford late Friday afternoon.

The Royals won their preliminary round pool, and advanced out of the Round of 16 Friday morning with a 25-20, 25-19, 25-16 win over the 15th-ranked Duncan Christian Chargers.

Will Smith and William Eklund also scored for the Sharks (12-10-3), with Yaroslav Askarov making 32 saves for the goaltening win.

Brock Boeser and forward Elias Pettersson replied for the Canucks (10-13-2). Nikita Tolopilo stopped 21 of 24 shots in goal for Vancouver.

Boeser opened the scoring 4:28 into the first period. After some good puck movement, he fired a shot from the middle of the ice atop the faceoff circles and beat Askarov. It was Boeser’s ninth goal of the season.

San Jose tied it at 1-1 five minutes later, with Smith scoring on the power play with Canucks captain Quinn Hughes in the penalty box. Smith took a cross-crease pass from Alexander Wennberg and beat Tolopilo glove-side.

Shots on goal after 20 minutes favoured San Jose, 12-8.

Petterson gave Vancouver a 2-1 lead three minutes into the middle frame on a terrific individual skill play. He knocked the puck out of the air to himself, spun around, then outwaited Askarov and scored his eighth of the year while falling down.

Ladies and gentleman, Elias Pettersson. pic.twitter.com/l7QNL2kyEj

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 28, 2025

San Jose pulled even at 2-2 on a two-man advantage, with Eklund converting a Celebrini pass, scoring from a sharp angle to the left of Tolopilo.

The Canucks outshot the Sharks 17-7 in the period.

Gaudette, a former Canuck, scored his sixth of the year at 4:43 to give the Sharks a 3-2 lead. He jammed a shot glove-side on Tolopilo which originally wasn’t signalled as a goal, but a replay showed the puck cross the goal-line.

In the final minute and on a power play, the Canucks pulled Tolopilo to create a six-on-four advantage but could not manage the tying goal.

Vancouver visits the L.A. Kings Saturday (7 p.m.).

NOTES: Boeser’s goal gave him 450 points as a Canuck and he passed Todd Bertuzzi for 10th all-time in team history… Celebrini had two assists for the Sharks… Boeser and Jake DeBrusk had five shots apiece for Vancouver, while Gaudettte led the Sharks with five of his own… The Sharks have gone 12-6-1 after starting the season 0-4-2… The Canucks were 0-for-9 on the power play, while the Sharks cashed in on two of their six opportunities.

Held at Winfield Arena, Canadian Blind Hockey hosted the event called the Try Blind Hockey program, giving an introduction to those interested in the game.

“This is our introductory program where we invite local youth who are blind or partially sighted to come to the rink and learn about the parasport of blind hockey for the day,” said Canadian Blind Hockey executive director Matt Morrow. “We’ll teach them the adaptive rules, let them know all the different opportunities that are available to participate.”

Around 12 kids took part in the event as they got to skate with members of the George Elliott Secondary School Hockey Academy. Some of the participants were giving a try at hockey, while for others, it was their first time skating.

Morrow said the program has made appearances in the Central Okanagan for the last six years.

As for the sport itself, it’s very similar to traditional hockey with the exception of a few adaptive rules, the largest being the puck, which is bigger and makes noise and a pass has to be made before shooting when crossing the blue line into the offensive zone.

Morrow said this program has been available thanks in part to the Canucks for Kids Fund.

He also added that Wednesday’s event showed that “hockey is for everybody and Kelowna is really a hockey community.”

A nationally registered charity, Canadian Blind Hockey helps those who are blind or partially sighted through Blind Hockey programs, camps, and tournaments at a multitude of levels.

Jamie Benn figured that out early, and the 36-year-old has spent a career proving it.

On Tuesday, Nov. 25, the Central Saanich product became the first player from Greater Victoria to score 400 NHL goals, and just the second in Dallas Stars history to hit the mark.

The only other Star to ever do it is Mike Modano, widely regarded as the greatest American-born player of all time.

“I’ve got a long way to go,” Benn joked when asked about chasing Modano, speaking with Stars TV after Dallas’ 8-3 win.

Benn’s milestone came in game 1,196 of his career, putting him on the doorstep of 1,200 NHL games.

Within the Stars franchise record book, Benn sits second in goals (400), assists (560), and points (960). He has also played more games in a Dallas sweater than anyone else, suiting up 1,197 times for the club.

His scoring numbers tell one story, but his willingness to live in the heavy areas paints another.

Benn ranks fourth in franchise history with 883 penalty minutes, another reminder of the style that helped shape his career.

This season began with a setback.

Benn missed the first 19 games after suffering a collapsed lung during a pre-season game against the Minnesota Wild. Since returning on Nov. 18, he has collected four points in five games.

His hockey roots run deep in Greater Victoria.

Benn played minor hockey with the Peninsula Eagles, then suited up for the VIJHL’s Peninsula Panthers and the BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies before heading to the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets.

He also attended Stelly’s Secondary School, long before becoming one of the most accomplished NHL players the province has ever produced.

His 960 NHL points are nearly 200 more than any active B.C.-born player in the NHL, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of Burnaby sitting closest at 764.

He is just 29 points shy of breaking into the top five all-time for B.C.-born players, with Paul Kariya of Vancouver holding the fifth spot at 989.

Oh how Vernon Panthers senior varsity football head coach Sean Smith wishes he had another week to prepare his charges for the B.C. High School AA championship.

The Panthers, who have been ranked No. 1 in the provincial polls since the pre-season, play their third consecutive provincial final – sixth in nine years – Sunday, Nov. 30, against the second-seeded Argyle Pipers of North Vancouver.

Kick-off is 3 p.m. at BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver.

“I always find like there’s so much we have to do. Because as you move on, the opponents get tougher, and the challenges that you have to wrinkle out, and get the wrinkles out in practice, get harder,” said Smith prior to an early week practice at Greater Vernon Athletic Park.

“So, you know, the time challenge, especially this year, we play the (final) game on a Sunday, so we didn’t have that extra day on Sunday to prepare, so we’re kind of a little bit under the gun. So I would prefer to have another week if I could like they do in the Super Bowl.”

That being said, Smith and the Panthers will know a bit about their opponents even though they haven’t played one another this year. Each team watches the other’s game films. The Pipers will present a lot of different looks for the Cats offensively and defensively.

“Argyle mixes up its coverages, blitzes, and stunts, so they’ll make it a little bit difficult for us,” said Smith. “We have our work cut out for us. Same thing offensively. They run a lot of different formations, they run some power stuff, spread you out. They can throw the ball, they can run it. We’ve got to be ready.”

The Panthers enter the provincial final undefeated, including a pair of pre-season wins over AAA schools Sardis and Rutland.

In the Interior AA Conference, Vernon went 6-0, outscoring their opponents by nearly 200 points, 246-47, and advanced to the B.C. final with victories over Nechako Valley of Vanderhoof (41-0) and Mt. Douglas of Victoria (45-7)

The Pipers, who will play in the program’s first-ever provincial final, dropped both of their exhibition games to AAA opponents in Carson Graham of Vancouver and Belmont of Victoria, but haven’t lost since.

In the regular season, Argyle ran the table, going 6-0 with four shutouts, including a 36-0 romp in their final game against the defending B.C. champion Windsor Dukes (Windsor beat VSS 17-14 in the 2024 final).

Argyle outscored its opposition 187-14, and advanced to the championship with a 41-14 victory over the Ballenas Whalers of Parksville, and prevented a first-ever all-Interior B.C. final with a 29-22 decision over the South Kamloops Titans. The win over South Kam avenged a triple overtime loss to the Titans in the 2024 post-season.

As one would expect, there’s nothing but respect for both teams in the championship.

“Our team has really come together throughout the year with a balance of offence, defence and special teams,” said Argyle head coach Mac Ward to Bernie Crumb in the B.C. Secondary Schools Football newsletter. “We know we will have to play our best against the always powerful Vernon Secondary.

“The Panthers are led by one of the most dynamic players in the conference (Player of the Year, quarterback Ayden McDonald) and we will need a strong run and pass game defence to keep their offence in check. They are always well-coached and are no strangers to playing in the big game.”

Said Smith: “We’re proud of our playoff performance and excited for another opportunity at a provincial title. Argyle’s program is impressive — their success at both junior and senior levels reflects strong player development and preparation. Having two teams in the AA finals is a remarkable achievement.

“For us, the focus remains on fundamentals: tackling, blocking, and executing the techniques we’ve emphasized all season. This matchup will come down to discipline and precision in every phase.”

Argyle’s Junior Varsity team is ranked No. 1 and will face the John Barsby Bulldogs of Nanaimo in the provincial final. The Bulldogs eliminated the Vernon Panthers’ JV squad, 16-6, in the provincial semifinals.

The Charge defeated the Goldeneyes 5-1 on Wednesday night (Nov. 27) at TD Place in Ottawa.

Jenner opened up the scoring on a power play in the first three minutes of play, giving the Charge a one-point lead going into the second period.

Charge’s Mannon McMahon scored in the 14th minute. Then, just over a minute into the third period, Rebecca Leslie scored for the Charge, with an assist by Brianne Jenner and Rory Gilday.

Several minutes later, on a power play, Claire Thompson scored the only goal of the night for the Vancouver Goldeneyes. The Charge responded with Anna Meixner scoring in the 14th minute with an assist by Jenner.

Then, in the 18th minute, Jenner scored on an empty net, bringing the final score to 5-1 for the Charge.

Brianne Jenner said, “I set a lot of goals in terms of my process, but no so much on outcome. I try to focus on the details that I am doing to help our team win. The power play is something that we’ve been working on in practice. We wanted to create momentum for the team. To be able to execute Gabbie’s (Hughes) draw like we did, and Rory (Guilday) did and then just put one puck on net quickly, it was part of the process that we we’re focusing on. It was nice to see that pay off.”

Charge head coach Carla MacLeod said on moving Brianne Jenner to centre for this game: “We’re always trying to find the right chemistry and put players in a position to be successful. She’s got such a history of playing both wing and centre. It sparked from a conversation we had with her a couple of days ago. I thought it would give us a different look. Obviously, she ran with it and her line was tremendous tonight.”

Former Charge goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer and players Ashton Bell and Tereza Vanišová returned to TD Place Wednesday, but this time in Vancouver Goldeneyes colours.

Maschmeyer made 30 saves during the game for the 12th time in her career.

Vancouver head coach Brian Idalski said, “It’s early in the year, but sometimes we have a tendency to want to make an extra play, because we can and we’re skilled. Sometimes simple is what’s best. I thought when we were playing a little bit like them and getting pucks deep and attacking quick in transition, we looked like a good hockey team. We’re still sorting some things out, but for the most part, I thought there was some good opportunities to grow our roster, to grow our game and get everyone involved. We’ll take the positives, and we’ll work on the things we can tighten up.”

Sarah Nurse was unable to play in Wednesday’s game due to an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

The Goldeneyes won their home opener in overtime in front of a sold-out crowd at the Pacific Coliseum on Nov. 21.

Vancouver plays Saturday again at 9 a.m. PT against the New York Sirens.

The PWHL entered its third season on Nov. 21 with its original six teams: Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, Ottawa Charge, Minnesota Frost, Boston Fleet, and New York Sirens, along with the two new teams, Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent.

In Canada, Tuesday night games will stream on Prime Video, Wednesday night games will be on TSN, Thursday night games will air on TSN and Sportsnet. Friday, Saturday and Sunday games will air on CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet.

Friday’s (Nov. 21) season opener between Toronto Sceptres and Minnesota Frost will air on TSN at 4 p.m. EST, followed by Vancouver Goldeneyes vs. Seattle Torrent at 7 p.m. PT on TSN.

READ MORE: Vancouver Goldeneyes win home opener against Seattle

About the Author: Anna Burns

I cover breaking news, health care, court, Vancouver Rise FC, Vancouver Goldeneyes and social issues-related topics for the Surrey Now-Leader. anna.burns@surreynowleader.com Follow Anna on Twitter.

The Games society rallied the community in a torchlighting ceremony at the Trail Memorial Centre gym on Thursday, Nov. 20.

Rannde Wyatt, former Miss Trail and current Miss B.C. Ambassador, emceed the event and welcomed the Royal Canadian Legion honour guard and Trail Pipe Band as they ushered in the mayors of Trail and Rossland, MP Anne Kang, the games board of directors, local legends, athletes and supporters.

The Winter Games is less than three months away and organizers are expecting up to 1,200 athletes and coaches to compete at several venues in the communities of Trail and Rossland from Feb. 25 to March 1, 2026.

“What a special moment it is for our region,” said Trail Mayor Colleen Jones. “Trail and Rossland cohosting the 2026 BC Winter Games and I think all of us feel a real sense of pride in that. We may be two separate cities, but we are one community when it comes to supporting our young people, our volunteers and the amazing spirit of the Kootenays.”

Jones noted the cooperation the city’s of Trail and Rossland share when it comes to supporting sporting and cultural events that transcend the world of politics.

“So let’s make this torch the first spark of what is going to be an unforgettable BC Winter Games,” said Jones.

Rossland Mayor Andy Morel spoke about the importance of community collaboration and cooperation, and how all seven communities and Regional Districts within Greater Trail and Castlegar play vital roles in making these events a success.

The region has a history of hosting major events such as the 1982 and 2006 B.C. Winter Games, the 1996 B.C. Summer Games and the 2011 B.C. Senior Games.

Greater Trail has also hosted multiple provincial and regional competitions in a variety of sports including swimming, hockey, baseball, soccer, downhill and cross-country skiing, track and field and more.

“Volunteers are going to be critical, as 1,800 visitors are coming to the area, it is going to take potentially that many in volunteers to support that many visitors to the area.

“We want to make this the best Winter Games ever,” added Morel. “Welcome to the 2026 Winter Games … Let it snow!”

Lighting of the torch signifies the beginning of the games for organizers and volunteers, but for athletes the lighting of a new Games’ cauldron will signify the start of the Winter Games competition on Feb. 25.

“There are 15 different sports,” said board president Brian Stefani. “And you can appreciate there is a large number of organizational and logistical challenges to get that done. So we are looking for volunteers, and we’re looking at probably close to 1,700 volunteers. If you can help that would be much appreciated.”

As the speeches closed, local athletes lit the torch and passed it from one to another until it reached the stage, where local legends — Red Mountain ski patrol member and cyclist Rino DiBiasio, ‘61 Smoke Eater Dave Rusnell, and longtime Rossland curler Jim Albo — were recognized, and the countdown to the Games officially underway.

For more information or to volunteer go to the B.C. Winter Games website at bc.games.org.

Linus Karlsson, Evander Kane, Conor Garland and Drew O’Connor also tallied for the Canucks (10-12-2). Nikita Tolopilo, called up after injuries to regular goalies Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen, was solid between the pipes for Vancouver, making 37 stops.

Jackson LaCombe, Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier scored for Anaheim (14-8-1). Petr Mrazek took the loss in goal, stopping 23 of 27 shots.

Karlsson opened the scoring at 9:49 of the first period. Arshdeep Bains made a nice play to get the puck to Marcus Pettersson, whose point shot deflected off the end boards to Karlsson, who deposited his fourth of the year past Mrazek.

Kane upped the lead to 2-0 two minutes later on a power play, winning a faceoff and getting the puck back at the top of the left circle and beating Mrazek. It was Kane’s fourth goal of the year and first in nine games.

The Canucks held the lead through 20 minutes, despite being outshot 13-5.

Anaheim sliced into the deficit just nine seconds into the second period, when LaCombe beat Tolopilo from the deep slot on the power play.

LET CONOR COOK pic.twitter.com/UHIBsgOgIm

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 27, 2025

Garland restored Vancouver’s two-goal margin at 9:04, taking a nice feed from Brock Boeser and dangling around defender Drew Helleson before beating Mrazek. Garland has six goals on the year.

Carlsson pulled the Ducks within 3-2 at 16:19, backhanding a shot past Tolopilo after a net-front scramble.

With just 1:26 to go in the period, McTavish pulled the Ducks event at 3-3, converting a terrific pass from Beckett Sennecke and beating Tolopilo stick-side.

Sasson broke the 3-3 tie with 4:02 to play when he tipped Filip Hronek’s point shot and it deflected off Helleson past Mrazek. Sasson now has five goals for the year. O’Connor tallied into an empty net (his seventh goal of the season) at 18:08 for an insurance marker. Gauthier scored with seven seconds to play to draw the Ducks within 5-4 but the Canucks held on for the win.

The Canucks visit San Jose Friday (1 p.m. Black Friday start) and play in L.A. Saturday night (7 p.m.).

NOTES: Tolopilo was playing in just his third NHL game… Vancouver defenceman Tom Willander had two assists for his career multi-point game… LaCombe finished with three points for the Ducks, while Hronek had two assists for the Canucks… The Ducks were 1-for-6 on the power play, while the Canucks were 1-for-3.

Vernon’s Seaton Sonics – who only two weeks ago at No. 11 were on the outside of the B.C. High School Senior Girls AAA volleyball top-10 rankings, looking in – find themselves seeded fourth and in the top-four Power Pool A for the opening of the provincial championships.

The B.C. finals – which start Thursday, Nov. 27, and finish Saturday, Nov. 29 – are taking place on the same court the Sonics won the Okanagan Valley championship on Nov, 15, the Panther Pit at Vernon Secondary School.

Seaton defeated the sixth-ranked Vernon Panthers for the Valley title. The Panthers are still at No. 6 for the provincials as host team, and in Pool B.

Provincial tournament games are also being played at Fulton Secondary and Kalamalka Secondary.

“I told the girls at the beginning of the year, I didn’t really care about winning or losing in the tournaments, as long as we kept getting better, and that’s proven to have sunk in with the girls,” said Seaton head coach Jay Jackson, helped on the bench by assistant coaches Coralee Hamilton and Melaina Ovington.

Power Pool A features the top four ranked teams. The Sonics will open Thursday, Nov. 27, at 10:15 a.m. against the No. 1-rated Point Grey Greyhounds of Vancouver.

Seaton will play the No. 2 Holy Cross Crusaders of Surrey at 12:45 p.m., and will finish opening day at 3:15 p.m. against the No. 3 seeded Crofton House Falcons of Vancouver. Crofton House is the reigning provincial champion. The Sonics won bronze in 2024, and return four players from that squad.

“They’re like an underdog. Teams don’t take them seriously,” said Jackson of his charges. “We’re peaking at the right time. We haven’t been in the top 10. We should have, but they never put us in there.

“The girls have seen pool and they say, ‘Have you seen who we play?’ Yes, I’ve seen it but I tell them ‘this is what you’ve wanted. This is where you want to be. You play better against the better teams. None of the other teams know. They know nothing about us, we know nothing about them, other than they’re ranked higher than us.’”

The only gym the host Panthers will not play at on opening day in Pool B is their own.

The host Cats will start the provincials Thursday playing the fifth-ranked York House Tigers of Vancouver at 11:30 a.m. at Fulton Secondary.

VSS will face the seventh-seeded Esquimalt Dockers of Victoria at Fulton at 2 p.m., then travel to Coldstream to wrap up opening day with a match against the eighth-ranked College Heights Cougars of Prince George at 4:30 p.m.

The Okanagan’s third representative, the Valleyview Vikings of Kamloops, are in Pool C, ranked No. 11.

Playoffs start Friday morning, Nov. 28, at 9 a.m. at each school.

The gold-medal game is slated for 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Vernon Secondary.

Just who will be in the final, according to one coach, is anybody’s guess.

“I think overall, the majority of teams that are here, any team can beat anybody on any given day,” said Jackson. “I wouldn’t say there’s one clear favourite. It’s wide open.”

Tournament and day passes are available at the doors of all three schools.