FH: Victoria aims for five as new season starts this weekend

Sept. 7, 2023 - The word dynasty is often thrown around loosely these days, but there's no question about it - the University of Victoria Vikes are in the midst of a field hockey dynasty.

Four straight Canada West conference titles.

Four straight U SPORTS national championships.

Impressive stuff.

But with a new season comes a new set of questions as the Vikes look to hold off conference rivals from UBC and Calgary.

Among them, how will they respond to a changing of the guard? Lynne Beecroft retired as Vikes head coach last season after 39 years at the helm, going out on top after winning her 15th national championship.

There will be big shoes to fill, but first year head coach Krista Thompson appears more than ready. It should be a seamless transition as Thompson has spent the past 26 seasons as an assistant coach with the program.

Victoria will be led by third-year forward Chloe Langkammer, a two-time Canada West All-Star and a 2022 U SPORTS All-Canadian. She led all CW scorers with nine goals last season.

The UBC Thunderbirds remain the winningest team in Canada West history, but the Vikes are quickly catching up. The T-Birds have 25 conference titles to their name, while Victoria now boasts 23.

UBC will count on strong defence in hopes of reclaiming their CW supremacy, led by goalkeeper Hannah Rumble, who will look to build on a breakout season that saw her win Canada West Goalkeeper of the Year. Rumble recorded three shutouts in games in which UBC scored two or fewer goals in 2022, making her the difference between a winning and losing Thunderbirds campaign.

Out east, the Calgary Dinos will also be hoping to take another step forward this season. Third-year defender Madison Gaffney is a player to watch as she brings important experience to a young group filled with promising talent.

The 2023 season kicks off this weekend as UBC visits Calgary on Sept. 9 and 10.

For the complete schedule, click here.