UVic Vikes say "Thank You" following record-setting fan turnout on Friday

The University of Victoria Vikes are enthusiastically expressing their appreciation for the outstanding fan turnout for Friday night's home game against SFU, which was organized by Vikes Nation campus ambassadors and brought out a record-setting crowd.

“The support from Vikes Nation and the ambassadors and all the people who made Friday night possible was absolutely incredible,” said third-year forward Luciano Somerville. “It was pretty special to be a part of something like that.”

“It was great having such a great fan base out,” said rookie Thomas Cecchi. “It’s huge for us as a team to have that many people come out and show support.”

With over 515 fans present, the game’s turnout was the largest the Vikes have experienced since they were established nine years ago. Vikes Hockey experienced a different atmosphere than what they are used to in front of such a large crowd, but this only increased their excitement to play.

What made the event such a success was the excellent planning by the Vikes Nation Ambassadors, who put together different activities and events during the week before the game to promote Hockey Night at UVic. Over 160 hours were put into the event by the volunteers and members of Vikes Nation to make the event a huge success.

With that, the team would like to acknowledge the project manager, Kevin Ram, and the Vikes Nation Ambassadors, Jason Wright and UVic Recreation, the volunteers, the fans and UVic’s Athletic Director for all of their hard work and for their attendance at both games.

“The Vikes Nation Ambassadors professionally executed the evening,” said Vikes forward Kelly Loudoun. “The game was exciting for everyone involved and Vikes Hockey looks forward to future successes.”

“It is really important to us that we are being recognized more and more each year,” said Somerville. “I think this event was a huge step in our relationship with Vikes Nation as well as the University, students and fans.”

Although the team was unable to take the win against the Clan on Friday night’s game, they managed to turn the tables in the back-to-back game on Saturday afternoon, coming out with a victory.

The Vikes bounced back to second in the BCIHL standings with 13 points.

“The fans were outstanding and it’s too bad the outcome didn’t go our way,” said Somerville, “but we hope in the future our fan base will continue to grow because it definitely helps.”