Upcoming post-secondary sporting events you don’t want to miss
This fall, in Kingston, student-athletes are hitting the court – and the field – for competitive matchups. The St. Lawrence College Surge and Queen’s University Gaels are taking centre stage. Read on to learn more about these upcoming sporting events in Kingston.
St. Lawrence College Surge Basketball home opener
October 25, 6 pm & 8 pm
St. Lawrence College Kingston Campus Gymnasium
The St. Lawrence College (SLC) men’s and women’s basketball season is starting with a doubleheader. They host their home opener game against their rivals, the Loyalist Lancers. As part of the Ontario College Athletics Association, these games will be the first of many for the SLC Surge basketball teams.
Amber Perreault, one of the leaders of the SLC women’s basketball team, shares her team’s anticipation of this game, “We’ll face some challenges in this game as Loyalist is one of our biggest competitors. Last year, we faced them in our first home game. We always are neck and neck with them.”
Amber says the team is ready for the season. “We have filled the spots, position-wise. Everyone is well bonded with each other and throughout the season it gets better. I think the expectations for this year are high.”
The SLC men’s basketball team shares the same excitement for their home opener. Abdullah Sheikh, one of the leaders of the SLC men’s basketball team, says, “We’re all pretty psyched and hyped. We’re just looking to play basketball. The atmosphere is good this year.”
He says their focus is on defending and running transition. “We are a smaller team compared to other teams in the league. We are going to run fast and play the best defence we can.”
Abdullah promises the team will put on a show. He says, “We are a good team to come and watch. We dunk a lot!”
For more information about the SLC basketball team’s home openers, visit the SLC Surge website.
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2023 U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship
November 9 – 12
The excitement is palpable as Queen’s University women’s soccer gears up to host the prestigious 2023 U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship. This year’s best university women’s soccer teams from across Canada will converge at the newly renovated Richardson Stadium to compete, with 11 games over four days.
As the host, the Queen’s women’s soccer team will automatically be a competitor in the championship. However, with an undefeated record (as of October 5), they are emerging as strong contenders for the trophy.
Kirstin Tynan, starting goalkeeper and captain alongside Alicia Sutcliffe and Sophie Miranda, says, “We’re grateful for the opportunity and it’s one we don’t take lightly. We want to do the right things here in our regular season to prepare so we come in as a host and competitor. No matter what, we know that if we keep playing the way we want to play and focus on our game we will be successful.”
Throughout the season, the team has only allowed a single goal, a testament to their exceptional teamwork. “That’s from our hard work across the field,” says Kirstin. “We have our forward and midfield players working to be creative offensively. And then our backline is locked down and relentless in their shutting down to players to make it easy for me. Their hard work is why we haven’t conceded as a team.”
Kirstin and the team express their gratitude for the support the team receives. She says, “For the Canadian soccer landscape, this will be the stage for some of the best women’s soccer players in Canada at the university youth sport level. It’s a great opportunity to come out and watch some incredible soccer in the beautiful Richardson Stadium. We’re excited to host seven other teams and a bunch of fans. We would love to see as many people out as possible.”
For more information on the championship and to purchase tournament tickets, visit the Queen’s Gael’s tickets website.
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Vanier Cup
November 25, 1 pm
The historic Vanier Cup is coming to Kingston for the first time this November. Queen’s University will be hosting the 58th and 59th championship games at Richardson Stadium.
The Vanier Cup is the ultimate prize in Canadian university football, often referred to as the “Grey Cup of university football.” Originally called the Canadian College Bowl, the Vanier Cup honours the former Governor General of Canada, Georges P. Vanier. It has been awarded annually to the champion of U SPORTS football.
The championship serves as the culmination of the Canadian university football season, featuring the two best teams from universities across the country. It is a highly anticipated event, showcasing the skill, talent, and determination of young football student-athletes.
“Queen’s University is delighted to be hosting the Vanier Cup in 2023 and 2024,” says Queen’s University Principal Patrick Deane. “Queen’s is home to many traditions, and among our most beloved and celebrated is Queen’s football, which dates back to 1882. We look forward to welcoming the student-athletes and coaches, as well as fans from across the country to Richardson Stadium, our campus, and city.”
The road to the 2023 Vanier Cup is well underway, with four conference championship games that determine the Vanier Cup competitors on November 11.
To buy Vanier Cup tickets, visit the Queen’s Gael’s tickets website.
Looking to extend your stay in Kingston while visiting for the Vanier Cup? Browse personalized packages with tickets and hotel accommodations.
