FH: New CW Field Hockey Season Begins Saturday
Can the Vikes deliver a sixth straight CW title?
Sept. 5, 2024 - With their status as a historic dynasty already assured, how long can the Victoria Vikes continue their reign of dominance over Canada West and U SPORTS field hockey?
Can they inch closer to UBC's record of nine straight titles (2004-12) with another victory this year?
We'll begin to find out when the ball drops on the 2024 CW Field Hockey season this Saturday.
The Vikes made it five Canada West titles in five years last season, while also winning their fifth straight U SPORTS championship with a thrilling series win over host Toronto.
The Vikes may enter as the favourite, but it's evident the gap between the three Canada West opponents is shrinking. Last year's CW title wasn't decided until the final weekend, as UBC pushed hard to topple the reigning champs. In addition, the Calgary Dinos are on the rise after an exciting 2023 campaign that saw them secure their first win since 2011.
Victoria's key player to watch is fourth year defender Libby Hogg, who's impressive list of accolades includes being named a U SPORTS All-Canadian, U SPORTS Championship MVP, and Canada West All-Star.
For UBC, Sanehpreet Basra will be counted on for leadership as the veteran returns for her fifth season. The midfielder was named both the Canada West and U SPORTS Player of the Year in 2023. The Thunderbirds will also be guided by a new head coach, with Geoff Matthews taking over the reigns of the program. Matthews is an accomplished former player and coach with local and international experience including in his native South Africa.
There's also a new head coach in Calgary, where the Jenn Beagan era will officially get underway this fall. Beagan was named the 13th coach in program history and will count on leaders like third year defender Isabella Green to push the Dinos back into championship contention.
The 2024 season kicks off this weekend as Victoria visits Calgary on Sept. 7 and 8. UBC opens their schedule the following week, also battling the Dinos in Calgary on Sept. 14 and 15.
Expect every matchup between the Vikes and T-Birds to be filled with championship implications, beginning with their first weekend series Sept. 22-23 in Victoria. The pair of teams will also close out the regular season Oct. 19-20 in Vancouver.
The regular season champion becomes the Canada West champion. This year's U SPORTS championship will once again be hosted by the OUA champion, pitting the OUA champions versus the Canada West champion.
View the complete 2024 Canada West Field Hockey schedule.
View Canada West Field Hockey history.
TEAM BY TEAM PREVIEW
Victoria Vikes
2023 Regular Season Record: 4-1-3
Key Performer: Libby Hogg
Defender
Fourth Year
Hometown: Victoria, B.C.
U SPORTS All-Canadian, U SPORTS Championship MVP, and Canada West All-Star Libby Hogg returns to the Vikes for her fourth season in 2024. Hogg will be a leading presence on the field for her team this season as the program shoots for their sixth-straight Canada West banner.
UBC Thunderbirds
2023 Regular Season Record: 3-4-1
Key Performer: Sanehpreet Basra
Midfielder
Fifth Year
Hometown: Delta, B.C.
Named both the Canada West and U SPORTS Player of the Year in 2023, Basra returns for her final season, looking to lead UBC to their first championship in seven years. The Surrey product shows tremendous vision in creating dangerous attacks, while also playing superb and reliable defence. She was instrumental in the success of a UBC squad that challenged for top spot all season long.
Calgary Dinos
2023 Regular Season Record: 2-4-2
Key Performer: Isabella Green
Defender
Fifth Year
Hometown: Duncan, B.C.
The two-time All-Canadian, Isabella Green enters her third season with the Dinos. After spending her off-season with Team Canada at the 2023 World Junior Cup, the Duncan, B.C. product will now be a veteran leader on a young team.