The VI Raiders are hard at work preparing for their home opener July 23 versus the Okanagan Sun. (VI Raiders)

By Dan Marshall

Raiders Getting Ready

‘A game changer for the organization:’ new practice facility helping VI Raiders ready for 2022 season

Jun 17, 2022 | 9:28 AM

NANAIMO — The VI Raiders have finished spring camp and have fast forwarded into their player signing window.

Camp featured nearly 60 athletes at the end of May and general manager Josh Williams said he first camp in two years was a chance to shake the rust off before main camp and the BCFC season.

With a number of player signings at the beginning of June the process of building a roster is well underway.

“We’ve got a couple of big offensive lineman out of Saskatchewan and some receivers coming from Alberta. We’ve a couple of kids from Barsby and Ballenas that I’m excited about. Moving forward I think we’ll have a lot more in town guys.”

The Raiders have made several other signings but Williams doesn’t want to tip his hand by revealing every name.

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One significant player announcement was through the addition of Jordan Vearer to the offensive line, becoming the first female player ever added to the Raiders program.

“Signing Jordan was a very unique situation,” Williams said. “We didn’t even know she was female until about 30 minutes before practice. I could tell she was going to fit in right away. She’s played for quite a few years now and we’ve welcomed her with open arms.”

Williams added Vearer is a very intelligent player who is used to the challenge of playing in a male dominated sport.

“She’s heard he same thing every level she’s stepped up. The guys are going to be bigger, faster and a little bit stronger. She says bring it on.”

The Raiders have been practicing on Monday nights since February but Monday, June 13 was the first time they got to practice at Caledonia Park.

Williams said the team will reap the benefits of moving their practices from Comox Field to the full size field on a permanent basis.

“Getting on to a full size practice field is something that hasn’t been done here in ten years. It’s going to be a game changer for the organization.”

This season VI should have strong special teams, a veteran offensive line, depth at running back and some all star calibre players in the secondary.

It will be a transitional year at the quarterback position.

“With the departure of all star Jake Laberge we’ve got Ben Chomolok. He’s a powerhouse but he’s been playing behind Jake. He minds me a little bit of big Ben Roethlisberger. I’m looking for our offense to be pretty strong.”

The Raiders first game of the season will be July 23 against the Okanagan Sun at NDSS Field.

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