FH: Vikes edge T-Birds to Claim Canada West Title in Thrilling Final

Oct. 20, 2024 – A season long, tightly contested battle for top spot came down to the final meeting and in the end it was the Victoria Vikes defeating the UBC Thunderbirds 3-0 to claim the 2024 Canada West Field Hockey Championship, Sunday afternoon at Wright Field.

After a back and forth match, it was the Vikes who emerged victorious, netting three goals in the final quarter to secure their sixth consecutive title and tie UBC for most Canada West banners overall. UBC had its moments but struggled to capitalize on opportunities, especially as the rain-soaked pitch made for tricky conditions.

“First and foremost, I’m super proud of the athletes,” said Vikes head coach Krista Thompson. “When you come out and it’s a must-win game, I think that’s lots of expectations and lots of, perhaps, unwanted stress, but I think if you stick true to your values, true to your gameplan, and true to your preparation, then good things come of it. And that’s what happened today.”

In the opening minutes, the pace was electric, with both teams exchanging opportunities. As the first quarter progressed, the Vikes ramped up their intensity, applying significant pressure with just five minutes to go. UBC's defence showcased its resilience, fending off a short corner and relying on a crucial save from Rumble to keep the score level into the first break.

The game continued with the same intensity through two more quarters of scoreless play until a fourth-quarter scramble of Vikes shots at the home net resulted in a penalty stroke for the visitors. Victoria’s Annika Kleinschmidt expertly placed the ball into the net, putting the ‘Birds in a must-score situation.

UBC had a couple of desperate chances, with players slipping and sliding on the wet turf. The Thunderbirds pushed for an equalizer, but their efforts were met with a staunch Vikes defense. In the 56th minute, Chloe Langkammer doubled the lead for Victoria, redirecting a cross past Rumble, and just two minutes later, Amanda Adams sealed the deal with a third goal, sending the Vikes into celebration.

The race for the championship was fiercely competitive throughout the season, with both the Vikes and Thunderbirds contending for the top spot. On Saturday, the Thunderbirds earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Vikes, setting up this championship match with hopes of claiming their first title since 2017. However, the Vikes' experience proved decisive in the final, allowing them to pull through and secure the victory.

“UBC is a very impressive program,” praised Thompson at the end of the match. “If you go back in history, it seems there are battles every year. They played a very good match yesterday, and I would say we got the better of them today, but that’s how the cookie crumbles. In Victoria, it was two draws. So, I think both programs are pretty equal; any team can win on any given day. Kudos to Geoff. He’s come in and done a really good job with the program, good structure and good culture, and you can really see that in their style of play and their behaviour. Geoff has done a really good job this year.”

Despite the loss, UBC had much to celebrate. The team was heavily featured in Saturday’s Canada West major award winners and all-stars announcement, with Sydney Le earning both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honours. Rumble was recognized as Goalie of the Year for the third consecutive season, and first-year head coach Geoff Matthews was named Head Coach of the Year.

“We showed a lot of character,” reflected Matthews. “Obviously, today was tough for us. I think the amount of awards just shows recognition for how much work the girls have put in. I’m really proud of what they’ve achieved. UVic has won this tournament now six times in a row; it’s tough to beat the reigning champions. I think their experience showed today. I think we had a bit of nerves and didn’t play our best game, but I’m really proud of the group and am looking forward to opportunities in the future years and excited for this first start.”

The Vikes will now look ahead to the U SPORTS championships at York University in Toronto, ON, from Thursday, October 31, to Saturday, November 2, while the Thunderbirds prepare for next season.

Oct. 20, 2024 - Victoria 3 at UBC 0

SCORING SUMMARY
​VIC – Annika Kleinschmidt, PS, 48', 1-0 VIC

VIC – Chloe Langkammer, FG, 56’, 2-0 VIC

VIC – Amanda Adams, FG, 58’, 3-0 VIC
​​
​GOALKEEPERS
​UBC – Hannah Rumble, 60MP, 3GA
​VIC – Anais Chace, 60MP, 0GA
​​
​CARDS
​VIC – Katie Bentley, GC, 24’
​VIC – Melanie Robertson, YC, 26'

UBC – Mikayla Stelling, GC, 51'