While the Christmas lights are twinkling all over Saanich, there’s still plenty of action on the local sports scene.
The Saanich Junior Braves play their final two games before the Christmas break this week. With two home games, the Braves first host the Peninsula Panthers Friday at Pearkes Rec Centre, then on Saturday, the Braves welcome the Westshore Wolves. Puck drops for both games at 6:30 p.m.
The Saanich Minor Hockey Midget rep squads have a busy weekend ahead.
Coming off two big wins this past weekend in Campbell River and the Comox Valley, the league-leading Midget Tier 1 Saanich Braves are back this weekend with two games. On Saturday, the Braves play the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies on the road at 3:30 p.m. at the Q Centre. On Sunday, the Braves host the Peninsula Eagles at 2:30 p.m. at Pearkes Rec Centre.
Coming off a two-win weekend themselves, the Tier 2 Midget Braves are home for two this weekend, hosting Powell River at Pearkes Arena at 4 p.m. on Saturday, before hosting Cowichan at Pearkes Sunday at 3 p.m.
In Midget Tier 3 play, Saanich welcomes Kerry Park to Pearkes Arena’s Green rink at 5:15 p.m. Saturday, before hosting Juan de Fuca Tier 3 Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
In high school basketball, several Saanich teams join the action at Oak Bay High’s annual Gary Taylor Classic, which opens Thursday. Lambrick took on Cowichan and St. Michaels University School faced Vancouver College in preliminary round play on the senior side.
In the junior division, Lambrick plays Cowichan Thursday and SMUS plays host Oak Bay. The playoff round begins Friday with the junior finals Saturday at 4:15 p.m. and the senior finals following at 6 p.m.
On Friday, the community is invited to the tournament’s “feature game” and dedication of the new school gym in honour of the tournament’s namesake, longtime Oak Bay coach and Saanich principal Gary Taylor. The game begins at 7:30 p.m., with the dedication preceding the tip-off.
For soccer fans wanting to don the stripes in the new year, Gorge Soccer Association is hosting an entry-level referee clinic from Jan. 8 to 10 for anyone over 14 years old. For more information and to register visit bcsoccer.net.
Also coming up at UVic is the Runners of Compassion Run Through Time 5K run, 3K walk and 1K kids’ run on New Year’s Eve. Check-in is from 5 to 5:45 p.m. at UVic’s McKinnon building lobby with the race beginning in front on Ring Road at 6 p.m. Proceeds support Shoes for Youth and YW/MCA Camp Thunderbird. Register online at runnersofcompassion.com or in person at Frontrunners, 1200 Vancouver St. downtown.
Colin Gall is a Saanich athlete and Grade 11 student at Mt. Doug secondary. Email your coming sports events to jocktalk@telus.net.