Pump your bod like A-Rod on Halifax's local sports scene. We don't need the Rogers Centre, we've got the Metro Centre. With a rich sporting history that dates back to the first days of hockey, Nova Scotia is home to some of Canada's greatest boxers, ice legends and wrestlers.
And our professional, minor and varsity leagues have been coming up as national competitors, our champs. The 2013-2014 seasons look hot across the board.
So you should probably skip your economics class or whatever for the Saint Mary's Huskies first home game at Huskies Stadium. Vanier Cup winners of the Atlantic University Sport league, with six players drafted to the CFL this year, games are maroon and white showdowns between Atlantic universities.
"Expect to see a passionate team playing inspired football," says coach Perry Marchese. "The Saint Mary's Huskies are Halifax's community team, and the best bang for your entertainment buck in the city." At only $5 for students, coach Marchese is right. The Huskies kick off against the Acadia Axemen on September 6.
But if you're more of a Tiger, head over to Dalhousie University for women's pre-season soccer on August 30 at Wickwire Field. If you're a Dal student, try out for one of 14 Dalhousie Tiger teams this fall. If you're just a fan, keep an eye on the schedule and your wardrobe black and gold.
And then check out our ice stars, The Halifax Mooseheads. Winners of the 2013 President's Cup (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) and 2013 Memorial Cup (QMJHL/Ontario Hockey League/Western Hockey League), the Moose is loose in pre-season, hosting the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles at the Metro Centre on Friday, August 30. With a valid ID, students get in for $10.25. But Moose mania really drops with the first home game of the season on September 12. Moose games are so fun: loyal fans, free t-shirts, flowing beer and six-foot subs. You know Brad Marchand (Boston Bruins) and Alex Tanguay (Colorado Avalanche)? Yeah, they were Mooseheads.
Fans can also watch Moose matches at home on Halifax's Eastlink TV. Right after QJMHL and AUS games, stay tuned for Season 3 of Eastlink's premiere sports and conspiracy show, Flag on the Play. Hosted by Paul Doucette and Hugh Stewart, FOTP throws down hard-hitting pro-football news with rap sensibilities. Yeah, you right dog. Your hometown station has nothing like this. Watch old episodes online and on demand.
Just in time for midterms, The Halifax Rainmen, all-stars of the National Basketball League's Atlantic Division, open court on November 2 at the Metro Centre. With new head coach Chris Terrell, international wizard and former assistant to the Atlanta Hawks, The Rainmen want to take it back to the finals after last year's loss to London Lightning. Dances by The Weather Girls are a highlight. Be there to slam dunk the funk.
For most live games in Halifax, bundle ticket deals are available for students and groups. And when you need a break from school, the only thing better than watching sports is playing sports. If you don't have the time for varsity, the Halifax Sport & Social Club offers indoor and outdoor co-ed leagues from September to December: basketball, floor hockey, soccer, dodge ball, flag football, volleyball and more. Registration ranges from $50 to $100. Teams can group register. Make new friends, get fit and have fun.
With so much action here, why focus on equations, formulas and theorems when you can study stats, scores and sweet assists all season long? Check out schedules and rosters online, and hit the stands as soon as you can to experience the best Atlantic sport.
