The Victoria HarbourCats are back at Wilson’s Group Stadium tonight and they’re bringing out a special guest to kick things off.
Micah Zandee-Hart, a proud Saanichton product and one of the brightest stars in women’s hockey, will be in town with her family and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of tonight’s game against the Nanaimo NightOwls.
With the NHL season officially wrapped following the Florida Panthers’ blowout game six win last night, it’s the perfect time to turn the page to summer and settle in for some baseball.
But that doesn’t mean we’re done cheering for hockey heroes, especially when they’re from our own backyard.
Zandee-Hart is the captain of the New York team in the PWHL and has built an international hockey resume that rivals just about anyone’s.
She won Olympic gold with Team Canada in Beijing in 2022, as well as gold and silver at the IIHF Women’s World Championships, and was a three-time captain at Cornell University.
She was also only the second sophomore in the school’s history to be named captain — not to mention one of the top point-producing defenders in NCAA Division I hockey during her senior season.
Tonight, she’s trading skates for sneakers — at least for one pitch — before the HarbourCats hit the field. And they’re coming off a big win.
It’s shaping up to be a big night at the ballpark overall — Pacific FC players will also be in attendance, and a big group from Beacon Hill Little League will be there taking part in many of the in-game contests.
Last night, Victoria blanked their Vancouver Island rivals 9–0 in a dominant performance powered by lockdown pitching and a fourth inning explosion that included a solo homer from Jacob Doyle, a 10-game hit streak extension by Logan Shepherd, and a bases-clearing double from Cayden Munster.
Tyler Patrick made his debut with four scoreless innings, while relievers Logan Saloman and Tristin Thomas held it down the rest of the way. Together, they didn’t walk a single batter all game.
Also, it’s “Winning Wednesday” at the stadium, which means Red Arrow Brewing drinks are just $6 tonight.
The rematch against Nanaimo goes down at 6:35 p.m. and tickets are available online.
With summer in full swing and one of Canada’s most decorated hockey players in the house, there’s no better night to head to the park.
Victoria Harbourcats vs. Nanaimo Owls
- Where: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
- When: Wednesday, June 18th, first pitch at 6:35 p.m.
