The Victoria Highlanders have made a lot of moves during their off-season. Most of them have been fantastic, and if I were lucky enough to still be living in Victoria, I would be really stoked about the upcoming season. Heck, I’m stoked anyways despite being half-way across the country now.

For those unaware, I lived in Victoria for 3-years, and was a season ticket holder for the last 2 (once I found employment). With my background in event management, I took a look at what they did the first year for running the grounds, made a few comments, and was generally pleased with what came about in the second year. The team wasn’t great, but it was always great fun watching the Highlanders and chanting along with the Lake Side Bouys.

For those who haven’t been following along with the PDL-scene in Victoria, the Highlanders experienced a major ownership change this summer, Marvin Diercks and David Dew are now joined by a star-studded team including Brett Large, Moreno Stefani, Grant Olson, Mark deFrias, and Ryan Wilson. Following that, they flew out and made arrangements with Macron for jerseys, had a new logo designed, and began signing up new and fantastic sponsors, including Island Savings, who are their new title sponsor.

The new kit? Sharp. The sponsor? Fantastic. The management team? Great guys from my vantage point. The new coach, Thomas Niendorf? Nice choice. I’m even happy with the choice of coach for the PCSL squad, Nico Craveiro. Heck, the announcement of an online store, and the new steps to become an involved part of the community? Excellent all around. I guarantee I’ll be one of the first to order a jersey from the site when it opens up. The official barbershop? Ok, that’s a bit much, but while you’re on a roll, why not?

That logo though… At least there isn’t a soccer ball on it. If you like NYCFC and other initial-based logos, then the Highlanders’ new logo will be a hit with you. For me, not so much. I just find it too generic. There’s nothing in this logo that says “Highlanders.” I do find it interesting that they chose to sidestep the Football/Soccer lingo debate by excluding FC completely. Makes me wonder if they’re opening the doors to other potential sports with the Highlanders brand, but that’s well beyond my area.

Moving beyond the logo, the Highlanders have begun to announce their players. So far, we’ve seen a lot of returning players, but there are a couple of new faces as well. Returning we have Blair Sturrock (F), Simon Norgrove (GK), Tyrone Venhola (GK), Jonah Smith (M), Cody Gysbers (M), Mackenzie Cole (M), Owen Pearce (M), Francesco Bartolillo (M), Callum Montgomery (D) and Stuart Heath (D). The fresh faces are Marcus Campanile (M), Peter Schaale (D), Noah Cunningham (D), Cory Bent (F), Mitchell Popadynetz (M), Isaac Koch (F), and Charlie Waters (F). This is far from the full team, but it’s a pretty good core to build around.

It should be noted that Popadynetz played for Highlanders in 2016, before a brief stint with BC-rivals, TSS Rovers last season. As much fun as it was to chant “traitor” from the stands whenever he played, I’m glad he’s back with the Highlanders for another stretch.

I would also like to say that I’m glad to see Montgomery will be back on the field. He was injured early last season, which definitely caused trouble to the Highlanders and to Montgomery’s potential career. Early last season, I had mentioned that he was one to watch, and I maintain he’ll be key to the upcoming season. I expect him in the USL and maybe the CPL within the next few years, so keep your eye on this lad.

It’s already starting to look like a well-rounded team, and I can’t wait to hear their next announcements. The Highlanders play their first match on the road against Calgary Foothills on May 11th.

April 21st Edit: The Highlanders store is live. Get your gear before the first match!

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Shawn Gray Shawn Gray, father of two, has had a varied background, reflecting a life dedicated to learning and exploration. Having spent time living in 7 distinct cities of various sizes and character, Shawn adapts to his location and always aims to make the best of any situation. While in Ottawa, Shawn fell in love with Ottawa Fury FC, which led to him writing soccer-related articles for Northern Starting Eleven. A brief relocation to Victoria, British Columbia, gave him the opportunity to cheer on Victoria Highlanders FC. He stepped in to acquire NSXI in October 2016 and recruited additional authors from across the country to write about the soccer teams they love. Recently, Shawn returned to Greater Sudbury, Ontario. Employed as an Administrative Assistant, he continues to own & edit articles on the NSXI Network while cheering on his favourite teams from afar.

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