If you’re looking for some fast-paced sports entertainment in Victoria, check out a Victoria Salmon Kings hockey game. This professional team plays out of Save on Foods Memorial Centre in the ECHL.
The inaugural season for the Salmon Kings was in 2004/5, unfortunately, when the season began, the new arena being constructed on the site of the old Memorial Arena wasn’t ready, so the Salmon Kings maiden season began with a grueling 14 game road trip that kept them away from home until Dec 5th 2004. Even then, their home rink wasn’t ready so they played at Bear Mountain Arena; home to the Victoria Salsa (now called the Grizzlies).
This difficult start has long since been overcome, and the team is well esconced in the Save on Foods Memorial Centre, which can seat 7000, so there’s lots of room, and ticket prices are reasonable, so you can treat the whole family to an exciting hockey game!
As the only Canadian based team in the ECHL, the Victoria Salmon Kings have a roster almost fully Canadian, and have represented our hockey crazy country well. In the 2008/2009 season the team broke out a franchise record 15 game winning streak that stretched from December 6th to January 10th. The streak stands as the second longest in ECHL history!
Players and staff with the Salmon Kings are also involved in the community in various ways to give back to those who support them. Past activities have included:
- Times Colonist Raise-A-Reader Day;
- Mustard Seed Christmas Dinner;
- CFAX Santa’s Anonymous Gift Wrapping;
- Queen Alexandra Children’s Hospital visits;
- Victoria General Hospital visits;
- Miracle on Broad Telethon to support Victoria Food Hampers;
- KOOL FM Feed People to support the Mustard Seed, and
- Victoria Special Olympics Floor Hockey Team.
As well, players have visited many elementary schools, public libraries and seniors’ centres to promote literacy and connect with their fans.
If you want to see some professional sports entertainment in Victoria, the Salmon Kings are the team to watch! Their exciting season starts in mid October, and we are expecting great things from them this year!
*UPDATE* The Victoria Salmon Kings ceased operations after the 2010/2011 season. You can now get your local hockey fix with the Victoria Royals!
