As the 2024 fall season approaches, the Holland Hurricanes are ready to make their mark across several sports. With a blend of returning talent and exciting new recruits, each team is set to compete for championships in their respective leagues this fall. Here’s an in-depth look at what fans can expect from each team this season.
Women’s Soccer
The Holland Hurricanes women’s soccer team is coming off an impressive 2023 season, where they dominated the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) with a perfect 12-0-0 record and went on to win the ACAA Championship, capping it off with a CCAA National Bronze medal on home soil in Summerside in November. This year, the team will have a new look as they adapt to the loss of several key players. However, with the return of Allie Rutt, an ACAA second team all-conference goalkeeper, along with winger Kristyn Taylor, the Hurricanes still boast a strong core. The addition of standout recruits like Karissa George, a well-rounded midfielder, and Matsuri Sako, a technically gifted midfielder, promises to add depth and balance to the squad.
Head Coach Jonathan Vos, the 2023 ACAA Coach of the Year, is optimistic about the season ahead, stating, "this year’s team will have a new look with several players moving on from the bronze-winning team at CCAA Nationals. We have added some great pieces to the team this year and I’m looking forward to seeing how this group comes together."
The Hurricanes will see Laura Deagle exit the coaching staff, with Kristyn Visser and Brandon Eagle returning to the team for another season.
The Hurricanes will kick off their season on September 7 in Moncton against Crandall, with their home opener scheduled for September 8 against the Dalhousie Rams. Key matches include a 2023 ACAA Championship final rematch against UKC on September 21 in Halifax and another rematch on October 20 in PEI.
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Men’s Soccer
The men’s soccer team at ÎçÒ¹av enters the 2024 season with a determined mindset following a strong 8-2-2 regular season in 2023 that ended with a tough ACAA semi-final loss to UKC. With key returners like David Bayingana, an ACAA first team all-conference midfielder, and Vinny Boyd, an ACAA second team all-conference midfielder, the Hurricanes have a solid foundation. They will also benefit from the arrival of new recruits such as Chad McNally, a striker expected to lead the offensive attack, and Nolan Kowal, a promising goalkeeper.
Head Coach Jonathan Vos expressed the team’s ambitions for the season, saying, "we felt we didn't reach our potential last season; that playoff loss left a sour taste in our mouth. The goal is to battle for the top spot in what will be a very competitive ACAA."
There will be no changes to the coaching staff, with Eagle and Nathan Ford returning.
The season opener is set for September 7 in Moncton against Crandall, with the home opener the following day against Dalhousie. The Hurricanes will have a chance to avenge last year’s playoff loss when they face UKC on September 21 in Halifax and again on October 20 in PEI.
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Women’s Rugby
The women’s rugby team at ÎçÒ¹av is riding high after an 8-0 undefeated 2023 season, where they claimed the ACAA Championship with a win in the finals over Mount Allison. Returning standouts like Annik Whiten, an ACAA all-conference centre, Ella McLean, a fullback, and Madeline MacDonald, a centre, will lead the charge for the Hurricanes this season. The team also expects to add a strong recruiting class with players from the Maritimes and across Canada, some of whom bring AUS experience.
Head Coach Craig Inward, who was named the 2023 ACAA Coach of the Year, is feeling confident about the upcoming season, noting, "all in all, we are feeling extremely positive about the upcoming season. It should be an exciting year with lots of parity in the league, making every game a challenge."
There are no changes to the coaching staff, with Keturah Fraser and Maegan Roche returning as assistant coaches.
The Hurricanes will begin their season on September 15 at home against Mount Allison in a crucial ACAA Championship rematch, with another scheduled for October 10 in Sackville, NB.
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Football
The Holland Hurricanes football team is gearing up for what head coach Aaron MacIsaac describes as a defining season in the Atlantic Football League (AFL). After a challenging 2023 campaign that saw the team finish with a 1-5 record, the Hurricanes are looking to bounce back in a big way. Key returners such as wide receiver Aaron McCardle, offensive lineman Zack Goodsell, linebacker Owen McLeod, and defensive lineman Josh Hartlen will provide leadership on the field. The team has also bolstered its roster with recruits like offensive linemen Keiran Richards and Treyvon Collings, wide receiver Keegan Cardona, and linebacker Isaac Webb.
"2024 is shaping up to be a defining season for the Hurricanes program. We have had a strong recruiting year and many returning players. The offseason efforts of the coaching staff were second to none, and everyone is energized entering camp," said MacIsaac.
The coaching staff sees the addition of Jeremy Pike, a former St. FX player with championship experience, as a significant asset, while Angel Briones has exited the team.
The Hurricanes will open their season at home on September 14 against UNB, which also marks “Back to School Day.” Other key games include matchups against Dalhousie on September 22 (“Family Day”) and Saint John on October 6 (“Community Day”), with the final regular season game taking place on October 20 against Dalhousie in Halifax.
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Baseball
The Hurricanes baseball team is set to build on a solid 2023 season where they finished with a 9-7 record in the regular season and narrowly missed out on the championship game in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball Association (ACBA) Playoffs. The team returns several key players, including ACBA MVP and Pitcher of the Year Ethan Smith, ACBA Defensive Player of the Year Duncan Picketts, infielder Sam Worth, and ACBA All-Star shortstop Dylan Worth. The Hurricanes have also added promising recruits like catcher Caden Doyle, who will benefit from learning from the team’s veterans, and pitcher/first baseman Sam Murnaghan, who is expected to be a significant offensive contributor.
The coaching staff has seen changes as well, with Tyler Johnston taking over as head coach for the exiting Andrew MacNevin. He will be supported by new assistant coaches and former players Peter Keedwell and Patrick Young.
Johnston is optimistic about the season, stating, "I, along with the rest of the coaching staff, am very excited for the upcoming season. Taking on this new role should come with a lot of nervousness, but every time I look up and down the roster and coaching staff list, I just get more confident."
The Hurricanes will start their season on September 7 with a home opener against Acadia in Charlottetown, followed by another home series against UNB on September 14. The regular season wraps up with a series in Fredericton against UNB on September 29.
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Cross Country Running
The ÎçÒ¹av cross country running teams are preparing for another competitive season in the ACAA. The women’s team, led by returners Katie Astley and Louisa-Lucie MacKula-Theriault, will look to improve on their fifth-place finish at the ACAA Championship last season. The men’s team, which claimed a bronze medal at the ACAA Championship, will be anchored by returning runners Theophilus Nketsiah, Samuel Hulan, and Graham Gardiner.
Head Coach Michael MacKinnon is excited about the potential of both teams, commenting, "we are looking forward to the running season ahead. I’m looking forward to meeting all incoming recruits and working with all our student-athletes to reach new goals. We have Katie and Louisa returning on our women’s side, and they have great team spirit and steadily improved last season. While we have Theo, Sam and Graham returning on the men’s side and these three were very competitive in our ACAA Championship performance last year and key to our bronze medal. My hopes are that student-athletes come in with a good aerobic base so we can build on that to be very competitive. Anyone that is interested in running with the Hurricanes are welcome to contact us.”
The season kicks off on September 14 with the first ACAA meet in Moncton, NB, and will culminate with the ACAA Championships, hosted by ÎçÒ¹av at the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale on October 26.
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Get Your Season Tickets Now!
With anticipation building for another thrilling season, ÎçÒ¹av fans are encouraged to purchase season tickets at . New perks are available for season ticket holders in 2024, so don’t miss your chance to support the Hurricanes as they hit the field!
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140 Weymouth Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4Z1
Tel: 1-800-446-5265 | Fax: 902-629-4239