Battle of the Islanders

Written by: Grace Penner

It seemed there was some lingering anger in this game between the island rivals, the Vikes coming back for revenge after losing the BCIHL title last season.

The VIU Mariners and UVIC Vikes battle it out for the first time this season in a exhibition match at Nanaimo Ice Centre, September 26, 2026.

Both teams hit the ice strong, wanting to open up the scoring in their favour. After UVIC is skated off to the penalty box, Brandon Modde shoots in a clean shot from the point with an assist from Luke Robson and Ryan Hunter, just 25 seconds into the powerplay.

The first period ended with a Mariners advantage, 1-0.

Our very own Mariners continue to advance their lead with a goal by Cage Newans almost halfway into the second with an assist by Hunter once again. 

For the second time of the night, UVIC is put in the penalty box for hooking. Blake Power – who has been newly switched over to defense – scored the third goal of the night, Spencer Bell and Nolan Wickham behind him with the assist. 

With seven minutes left in the second, it switches to four on four with a double penalty. Modde has no trouble adding another goal under his belt despite both teams being one man down, leading 4-0. 

The penalty box is a tad crowded for the Vikes, becoming a frequent home for the opposing team, racking in multiple roughing minors. 

Mathieu Catellier starts off the third period with an unassisted shot off the top bar, his fourth of the preseason. Vikes are able to sneak in their only goal of the night while Landen Stromme was held away in the penalty box for interference. The final score was in VIU’s favour, 5-1, while they led shots on goal 35-20.

The Vikes tallied up some frequent flier points in this match, collecting nine minor penalties on their side to the Mariners six. 

The three stars of the night was Mariners led with Brandon Modde at the top, followed by Ryan Hunter and Jaiden Jaubowksi.

This game was just a glimpse of what is to come in this upcoming season. The Mariners return for their home opener on October 3rd at Nanaimo Ice Centre against SFU Red Leafs.