The VIU Mariners men's basketball team is gunning for a national championship in their own gym. The local organizing committee has put in the work to make the CCAA championship a memorable experience for all eight participating teams. (Image Credit: Matt Carter)

By Dan Marshall

Holding Court

VIU Mariners welcome top CCAA men’s basketball teams for nationals

Mar 18, 2026 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — The VIU Mariners are hosting the CCAA men’s basketball nationals.

On the court, the home team won the PACWEST provincial tournament and are looking to earn a gold medal in their home gym, beginning Wednesday, March 18.

Off the court, athletic director Danielle Hyde is trying to put on a memorable event for all eight teams, who said hosting a tournament of this size is both fun and challenging.

“I have such an incredible group of people I get to work with. We have fun together, and part of the fun of this job is being able to host these events. It’s in our own gym, on our own court, and our athletes get to have one of the coolest experiences, and we get to have a part in that.”

The visiting teams are the Mohawk Mountaineers, Humber Hawks (Ontario), Keyano Huskies, Lethbridge Kodiaks (Alberta), Dynamiques de Brebeuf (Quebec), St. Thomas Tommies (New Brunswick) and Camosun Chargers (Victoria).

Holding Court

VIU Mariners welcome top CCAA men's basketball teams for nationals

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The organizing committee wants to make sure everyone comes away with a positive experience.

“It’s in the details,” Hyde said. “The show we want to put on is about engaged crowds and cheering and people having fun and coming out to support the players. For the visiting teams, some will never have seen mountains and ocean, so we’re trying to showcase our region.”

The CCAA nationals is a nearly week-long event with an awards banquet held on Tuesday, March 17 and 13 games over four days, ending with the gold medal game on Saturday, March 21.

It’s a notable economic impact for the region, and it extends well beyond the University gym.

“Hotels alone, we’ve got two hotels as partners and the teams visiting all the local spots in Nanaimo. I think the economic impact for the community will be an interesting exercise to do. We’ll put in our report to Tourism Nanaimo after the event and see what comes back.”

The Mariners’ first game is on Wednesday at 6 p.m. against the Lethbridge Kodiaks.

Meanwhile, the women’s Mariners are in Montreal for their own national tournament starting Wednesday.

They tip off at 10 a.m. against St. Thomas.

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