CORNWALL, P.E.I. — The Holland College Hurricanes soccer teams are set to finally begin their Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) regular season this weekend at the Terry Fox Sports Complex in Cornwall after Dorian wiped out last weekend’s action.
On Saturday, the ’Canes host the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics at 2 and 4 p.m., before facing the University of King’s College Blue Devils Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m. The women play the first game of the day.
Women’s
The women’s Hurricanes lost to the Mystics in last year’s semifinal after going 8-3-1 during the regular season to finish third. The Mystics, the eventual ACAA champions, went 9-2-1 during the regular season and was ranked second, while the Blue Devils were fifth at 4-6-2.
Emily Cormier, a first-year Hurricanes’ striker from Charlottetown, is eager to begin the new season.
“This weekend’s games will be our team’s first real challenge, but as long as we bring a strong effort, I think we will have a good showing this weekend,” she said.
Head coach Kris McKinnon is happy with the effort his roster has demonstrated during training camp.
“A home opener against last season’s ACAA champions will be a great test,” he said. “I know the team is ready for it and are eager to put the Hurricanes’ jerseys on for the first time this season.”
Men’s
The men’s Hurricanes are coming off the team’s fifth-straight conference title last season and look to continue this streak.
They compiled a 9-2-1 record last season and defeated the Mystics (6-3-3) in the semifinal. The Blue Devils went 7-4-1 and entered the playoffs as the third-ranked team before losing in the semifinal.
Thomas Ford, a second-year Holland College midfielder from North Wiltshire, looks to get the regular season underway after a lengthy training camp.
“These games at home are really important. By working hard and keeping our good habits we will have a strong weekend.”
Head coach Jonathan Vos is eager for the tests against perennial playoff squads.
“We know it will be a good test this weekend,” he said. “We’ll have to be at our best to get the results we want. The players and staff are anxious and eager after last weekend’s cancellations, but the entire coaching staff is very pleased with the balance of the team this year.”
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