Student Night at the Vancouver Warriors

Jennifer Field/GATG

March 22, 2025 the Vancouver Warriors faced off against the Georgia Swarm for the first time this season. 

There was an electric energy throughout the arena as it was student night for the Warriors. University students from around Vancouver came to take in the game. 

Warriors open the scoring 25 seconds into the first quarter. The Swarm answered back quickly with their first goal of the game. However, the Swarm took two penalties in the quarter, and the Warriors took full advantage of playing a man up scoring on both power plays. 

Warriors played hard throughout the first quarter, and despite a goal going under review the quarter ended 4-4.

During the second quarter the tension and physicality ramped up. The Warriors taking a goaltender interference call, while the Swarm took a penalty for fighting. Putting the game to 4 on 4. However half way through the power play and penalty kill, the Warriors took a second penalty making it 3 on 4 game for the Swarm. 

Playing two men down did not deter the Warriors from scoring. The Warriors ended the first half of the game 10-6. 

During halftime the Mission Mud Dogs lacrosse team played a mini game. While there was girls vs boys dodgeball with university students. The UBC boys taking the win. Black Pontiac performed throughout the night, putting on a small show during halftime. SFU’s lacrosse team were giving out t-shirts during the lululemon dance team performance. 

Energy remained high going into the third quarter. Fans were engaged and vocal. The beginning of the quarter was tense. The Swarm drawing the first penalty of the half. However, they were able to open the scoring with a man down. 

The Swarm starting the half off strong with two back to back goals. While the Warriors took back to back penalties. 

The Warriors scored their first goal of the quarter halfway through the third while shorthanded. Reviving the energy in the arena, getting the Warriors back into the game. 

As the game continued on the tension remained high leading to another 4 on 4 moment. The Swarm capitalized on this scoring their 9th goal of the game. 

The Swarm fought back hard this quarter, however, the Warriors managed to keep the lead. Focusing on playing aggressively and focusing on their defence. 

The Warriors opened the scoring in the 4th and final quarter. The physicality remained high, with both teams fighting for the win. 

The Warriors took a major penalty with just under 9 minutes left in the game. The Swarm took advantage of the 5 on 4 game play scoring multiple goals. 

Fans remained engaged hoping that the Warriors would keep their lead. The Warriors continued fighting hard. 

The Swarm managed to come back, closing the score to a 13-14 game with under 2 minutes left in the game. However, the Warriors scored an empty net goal with 9.9 seconds left in the fourth. Leading them to win 15-13. 

After the game fans 19+ were able to make their way to the pitch to participate in a world record breaking game of flip cup. Which fans enjoyed and the energy was high as the music played, and the competitive spirit took over.