Starting the Season Off Right – Home Opener Win

Written by: Grace Penner

Over 400 fans filled the Nanaimo Ice Centre for the VIU Mariners home opener against the SFU Red Leafs. Families, friends, and fans – new or old – flooded the arena wearing white and blue to celebrate the start of another successful season.

The Mariners leadership team was announced with Cage Newans leading the pack as captain in his third season as a Mariner. Davis Sato, Landen Stromme, and Cole McGuire were all named as alternates to help work towards another BCIHL Championship Title.

The Mariners had previously played the Red Leafs in a preseason match, taking the win 5-1. With the crowd roaring loud, the Mariners kept their edge, playing strong defence and strategic offence.

The first two periods ended scoreless with neither team able to advance past the goalie. Veteran Matthew Fleet continued to cover the net, corner to corner, aiming for a home opener shutout.

Despite the three penalties issued to the Mariners side, two in the first by Ethan Hofstrand and Davis Sato for tripping, and one in the third by McGuire for handling the puck – the Red Leafs were not able to utilize their one-man advantage. VIU continued to hold down the fort on the penalty kills.

By the third period, Blake Power was ready to leave the scoreless tie behind him. With a pass from Hofstrand at the top of the offensive zone, Bell skates around the net with a quick pass to Power. Power snaps it off quickly from centre point right past the Vikes to score the only goal of the game.

The Mariners continued to hold their own, winning their first game of the regular season, 1-0. VIU led shots on goal 48-23.

Mathieu Catellier was awarded the CUPE 401 Player of the Game while Blake Power’s goal was the Harbourview Volkswagen Play of the Game.

The VIU Mariners will return to home ice against newly formed TRU Wolfpack (formerly Logan Lake Miners) on October 17, 2026.