Ethan Jones (L) and Nolan Wickham are two VIU Mariner hockey players on the BCIHL All-Star team, playing a pair of games at the Nanaimo Ice Centre on Jan. 3 and 4. (VIU Mariners Hockey on Facebook)

By Jordan Davidson

high calibre hockey

VIU Mariners hosting BCIHL All-Star games in Nanaimo

Jan 3, 2025 | 5:24 AM

NANAIMO — Some of the best hockey players in Western Canada will be in Nanaimo this weekend to showcase their talent in a pair of high-anticipated games.

The Vancouver Island University Mariner’s hockey team is hosting the BCIHL All-Star game at the Nanaimo Ice Centre with the All-Star team taking on a pair of teams from a more competitive league.

VIU Hockey Club manager Andrew Riddell said the All-Star team will face the UBC Thunderbirds on Jan. 3 at 7:15 p.m. and then the Trinity Western Spartans on Jan 4 at 4:30 p.m.

“It’s really going to be some of the highest hockey Vancouver Island has seen outside maybe the Victoria Royals, in a very long time with UBC and Trinity playing in the (Canada West) U-Sports level which is a level up from us and some of these guys have professionals who have returned after playing their professional careers.”

A total of seven VIU Mariners players are on the All-Star team, along with representatives from the four other BCIHL teams, the University of Victoria Vikes, the Logan Lake Miners, the Okanagan Lakers, and the Simon Fraser University Red Leafs.

Impaired driver

Attempt to stop suspected impaired driver in Qualicum Beach backfires

19h ago

wood chips

Chipping fundraisers safely disposing of mid-Island Christmas trees

23h ago

POWERFUL POWERPLAY

Clippers pound Dogs to open 2025 on winning note

Jan 04, 2025

Tickets are available at the Nanaimo Ice Centre doors, only $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Riddell said they were unable to put together a hockey showcase like they did earlier this year when they invited five teams to the Island for a three-day tournament, including the Korea University Tigers out of Seoul, South Korea.

So when the opportunity to host the All-Star games came up, they jumped on the opportunity.

“It’s going to be phenomenal hockey with these two teams joining us and then our league making an All-Star game. No tournament style, just great hockey for two days and we’re hoping Nanaimo comes out to support it and enjoy some hockey.”

More information can be found here on the Mariners Facebook page, or by going to viuhockey.ca.

A list of all Mariner player’s participating in the BCHIL All-Star game. (VIU Mariners Hockey on Facebook)

Subscribe to our daily news wrap. Local news delivered to your email inbox every evening. Stay up to date on everything Nanaimo and Oceanside.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook