With the Junior Braves off on Christmas break, heads turn to the Midget Braves teams.
The Midget Tier 1 Braves shake off the turkey and stuffing and head to Richmond Dec. 27 for the New Year’s Richmond International Tournament, wrapping up Dec. 31.
Here at home, the Tier 2 and 3 Braves host the Midget New Year’s Classic, Dec. 28 to 30. The Tier 2s hit the ice first on Monday, playing Peninsula Tier 3 at Oak Bay Rec Centre at 3:15 p.m. On Tuesday, Saanich faces Surrey Tier 3 at 1 p.m. at Naden Arena, then takes on Oceanside Tier 2 at Oak Bay Rec Centre at 8 p.m.
On the Tier 3 side, Saanich takes to the ice Monday, when they challenge Juan de Fuca Tier 2 at Archie Browning Arena at 9:20 a.m. before facing Burnaby Tier 3 at Naden Arena at 5 p.m. On Tuesday, the Saanich Tier 3s play against Powell River Tier 2 at Naden Arena at 3 p.m.
The gold medal game for Tier 2 goes Wednesday at 5:10 p.m. at Archie Browning arena while the Tier 3s vie for gold Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Oak Bay Rec Centre.
Still with hockey, go back to where it all began with the annual initiation and novice Christmas Jamboree for little players age 5 to 8 Dec. 27 to 29. Don your hockey sweater – extra points for a Saanich Braves jersey – and head to Pearkes Rec Centre to relive those precious hockey moments.
Coming up at the University of Victoria Dec. 31 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 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.
For Saanich runners looking ahead to next year, those eyeing May’s Oak Bay Half-Marathon, Relay, 10K and Kid’s Fun Run have until Dec. 31 to choose an early registration package that includes a gift. For more information visit oakbayhalf.com.
Registration is also open for all those Saanich goddesses planning to lace up for the fifth annual Victoria Goddess Run June 5. This 10K and previously half-marathon (new for 2016 is a 15K distance) includes not only the races but a full weekend of activities. The early bird registration special price is available until April 15.
Local lacrosse fans take note: Victoria Shamrocks’ season tickets are available at 250-478-7625 weekdays or visit 967 Langford Pkwy. Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. Those renewing season tickets before Dec. 31 will be entered to win 2016 season tickets.
And for those with February’s Americas Rugby Championship on their calendar, you can now sign up for early bird tickets for games being held at Westhills Feb. 6 and Feb. 20. For details visit events.rugbycanada.ca.
Colin Gall is a Saanich athlete and Grade 11 student at Mt. Douglas secondary.