Vikes stun Mariners to win BCIHL Championship crown

March 10, 2025

VICTORIA – As the adage goes, you're only as good as your last game—and the University of Victoria men's hockey team made theirs one to remember. On March 9 at the Q Centre Arena in Victoria, the Vikes shut out the Vancouver Island University Mariners 3-0, capturing their fifth BC Intercollegiate Hockey League Championship in program history.

The win also marks the first BCIHL title since head coach Alec Dillon took over the program in 2021.

"It's so surreal. I knew hosting the championship would add some pressure, but this is a special group of guys, and to win in front of friends and family at home, words can't describe the feeling," said Dillon.

In a rematch of last year's BCIHL final—where VIU claimed the title—the Vikes came out firing against the No. 1-seeded Mariners and never took their foot off the gas. The host team's victory marks their first BCIHL championship since 2017 and their first win over VIU this season.

"I think this win came from our unwavering belief in each other. We have faced a lot of adversity this season, and I'm so proud of the team and how we came together when it mattered most," said team captain Dan Gatenby. "We needed everyone, from the staff and players to the energy from our biggest fan Chris. VIU are great competitors, and it was a pleasure to battle them this season."

After a tough 2-1 loss to VIU in the quarterfinals, the Vikes refused to let their season slip away, rallying with relentless determination to earn another shot at the title. In the semifinals against the Logan Lake Miners, they clawed back from a 3-0 deficit before recently named BCIHL top defender Kyle Crewe delivered the overtime winner—punching their ticket to a championship rematch with VIU.

On Sunday, in front of a home crowd, the Vikes jumped out to an early lead with a goal from Thompson Jenkins in the first period. A scoreless second period saw VIU with more shots on net, but outstanding goalkeeping and a calming presence from Eric Clark helped the Vikes maintain their lead heading into the third.

Owen Evers opened the scoring for the Vikes just 1:48 into the third to give the Vikes a 2-0 lead. A final dagger came from Ryan Strange to seal the deal for the Vikes and bring the trophy back to Victoria.

Captain Dan Gatenby was named first star in the final, with Jenkins earning second star and Clark earning third star.

"Kyle Crewe, Dan Gatenby, Booker Daniel, Thomas Jenkins, Ethan Antsey and Ryan Strange stepped up all tournament when we needed them," said Dillon. "Eric Clark was a massive calming presence in the net for us as well."

For the Vikes, who compete in the non-varsity BC Intercollegiate Hockey League, it may be the best-kept hockey secret in the province. Don't let the non-varsity status fool you; many of the athletes have already gone through Junior A and Junior B- it's a high-calibre hockey.

"This means a lot for our team. We know the heights we want to take our hockey program, and this is a big step in the right direction," continued Dillon.