The Martlet

In their last game of the 2008-2009 regular season, the UVic men’s field hockey team took to the turf against the last-place Surrey Lions.

The Vikes came into the game on a two-game winning streak, shutting out the Jokers 3-0 in their last outing. With a significant improvement in play since the new year, the Vikes had hoped to finish off the season on a winning note and defeat the last-place Lions.

In the first half of the game the Lions had a slight edge in play, but the scoreboard had the two teams knotted at one going into the break.

Both teams were noticeably affected by the moody weather. Despite the conditions, it was an entertaining game for spectators who braved the windy, rainy and, at times, snowy conditions. In the second half, the Lions scored early and Vikes spent the rest of the game trying to force a tie.

UVic developed several quality chances, but failed to capitalize on three back-to-back short corners. In the end, the Vikes came up short losing the game 2-1. Chris Bell scored the Vikes’ last goal of the season.

One consolation for UVic was that a hemisphere away, one of their own was suiting up for Team Canada at the senior men’s Pan-American Field Hockey Championships.

At the same time the UVic men were playing the Lions, Connor Meaken was in Chile stepping onto the field for Team Canada in the tournament final against Team USA. The result was a 2-1 Canadian victory, securing a Canadian spot in the 2010 World Cup in India.

For the Vikes, their playoff hopes had been decided before their Sunday game even began. Not among the top four teams in their league, the Vikes would not make a post-season appearance this year.

Always optimistic, head coach Michael Lee looked back on the season favorably.

“There were many positives this year,” Lee said. “The team has come a long way since September.”

With a solid program working in the right direction, the Vikes look to make even more progress next season.

“All of our players are still eligible for at least one more season,” said Lee. “So I expect that we will have at least the core group returning.”

Lee is also hopeful for a possible influx of new recruits.

“There are some good young players that are expected to try out next season,” he said. “Our team should be very strong.”

Up next for the men is the annual friendly match between the UVic men’s and UVic women’s teams. With the typical format they start the game men against women and then play the second half of the game mixing the teams.