VICTORIA - Over the course of the next four years, the UVic Vikes will host three National Championships in Victoria beginning with the return of the CIS Field Hockey Championship in November 2009.

The Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) previously announced UVic's successful bids for the 2011 men's soccer championships and the 2012 women's soccer championship, and the Vikes are now able to confirm the 2009 field hockey championship.

"We are thrilled that we can attract these high profile events to our campus and community," said Clint Hamilton, Director of Athletics & Recreation. "I am sure that, as was the case with last year's field hockey championship, our fans will enjoy the excitement and energy of these important national championships."

UVic Championship Schedule:
2009 CIS Field Hockey (Nov. 5-8)
2011 CIS Men's Soccer (Nov 10-13)
2012 CIS Women's Soccer (Nov 8-11)

2009 CIS Field Hockey Championship
UVic will host the CIS championship for a second consecutive year, and their fifth time overall as hosts (2008, 2000, 1996, 1979). Last year the Vikes captured their record-tying 11th McCrae Cup as CIS champs. The five-team round robin tournament ended with the Vikes scoring a 2-1 victory over Alberta in the title match.

2011 CIS Men's Soccer Championship
Centennial Stadium has not hosted the eight-team CIS championship since 1999. UVic also hosted the tournament in 1975, when the Vikes won the school's first-ever CIS title and the team was later inducted into the UVic Sports Hall of Fame. Last season marked the Vikes 10th appearance at the CIS tourney, and have won four titles overall. Next year's championship will be held in Langley, followed by Toronto in 2010.

2012 CIS Women's Soccer Championship
The Vikes hosted the CIS championship in 2006, a year after winning the program's first and only national title. Since the Vikes record run in 2005, the team has made four straight trips to the national tournament. The eight-team tournament will be played in Toronto (2009), Charlottetown (2010), and Montreal (2011) before coming to UVic. The Vikes also hosted in 1998.

Source:

Mike Tucker
Communications Officer
Vikes Athletics and Recreation
Student Affairs
University of Victoria