by Natalie Ramsay | Jul 7, 2023 | Men's News
This article was written by Olivier Laurin and featured in the Comox Valley Record on June 17, 2023. Sebastian Lambert is what many would call a phenom. Humble in nature, Lambert is a man of few words who maintains a timid demeanour. After speaking with the athlete’s surroundings, one thing comes out again and again; Lambert seems to be the embodiment of Twain’s adage: actions speak louder than words. Upbringing and discovering football Born and raised on Denman Island, Lambert had a quiet upbringing, growing up with his two siblings and his single mother. His first introduction to sports was soccer and swimming. It was only years later that Lambert would find his calling in American football. Showcasing natural abilities from the get-go, the young teenager quickly made a name for himself in the local sports scene. Nicknamed “Ninja” by teammates and spectators, Lambert was known for his speed, agility, and strength. At 14, the young athlete was playing on both offence and defence as well as being the team’s kicker for the Comox Valley Raiders. It is this versatility that ultimately earned him the prestigious title of MVP. Today, four years later, the 6’1” 195-pound wide receiver still wears the Raiders’ jersey and was awarded the provincial MVP for his performance in the 2022 season. However, his time with the home team is coming to an end. Freshly graduated from Vanier, Lambert is set to leave the Valley this summer for Victoria. “He’s going to play this year for the West Shore Rebels of the Canadian Junior Football League,” says Lambert’s mentor Aaron Kitto. “Out of all the...
by Natalie Ramsay | Jun 21, 2023 | Men's News
A Comox Valley rugby player has been chosen to represent Canada at the Canadian Classics Rugby tour in Boston this summer. JB Nikkel, who plays for the Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Club, is one of the 41 new players who will join the Canadian Classics, a team of former national and international players who aim to promote and develop rugby in Canada. Nikkel, who plays as a fullback, has been playing rugby for most of his life and has also represented Ashburton Celtic RFC, Mid-Canterbury, South Canterbury Maori and Westshore RFC. He said he was honoured and thrilled to be part of the Canadian Classics and play a highly competitive game against the USA Classics. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to wear the maple leaf on my chest,” Nikkel said. “I’m dedicating this tour to my late brother Konrad, who continues to be my #1 inspiration. He helped shape me into the rugby player and person that I am today. I’ve been blessed with so much support along the way and I hope to make my family, my club, and my community proud.” Nikkel will travel to Boston with his teammates for the Classic Can-Am Summer Series on July 8, 2023, held at the Irish Cultural Heritage Centre. The purpose of this single-match summer event is for the opportunity to trial new players, test new systems, and renew old rivalries in preparation for Bermuda’s World Rugby Classic that occurs each fall. The Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Club President, Aaron L’Arrivee, said he was delighted for Nikkel and his achievement. He said he was...
by Natalie Ramsay | Jun 8, 2023 | Club Events
Last month the Comox Valley Kickers RFC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at the Cumberland Masonic Hall with over 30 members in attendance. The AGM commenced by acknowledging the achievements and milestones of the past year and included reports about the club’s operations and finances. Looking forward to the next season, there was open dialogue, collaborative decision-making and voting to set the path to come. A big portion of the evening was the nomination process for the new members of the Executive Committee. All club members had the opportunity to nominate individuals who they believed possessed the skills, dedication, and passion to guide the team forward. With gratitude, the club expressed their appreciation for the outgoing executive committee members as they welcome the 2023/2024 Comox Valley Kickers RFC Executive Committee: President: Aaron L’ArriveeVice-President: Jenn LundTreasurer: JP LussierSecretary: Jessica LeckDirector of Rugby Operations: Joe GoldesDirector of Socials & Fundraising: Lauren SargentDirector of Sponsorships: Aaron Kitto There were a lot of good ideas put forth during this meeting with renewed enthusiasm to collaborate with the newly elected Executive Committee to achieve the club’s aspirations for the coming year. The AGM reinforced the team’s sense of unity, purpose, and determination to excel. Everyone is excited for the next...
by Natalie Ramsay | Jun 1, 2023 | Club Events
The Comox Valley Kickers RFC celebrated the incredible 2022/2023 rugby season as they came together this past Saturday for the highly anticipated year-end awards banquet, hosted at the lively Beaufort Ave Pub. With over 60 attendees, the evening was a delightful blend of camaraderie, delicious food, heartfelt speeches, and memorable entertainment. The event kicked off with a splendid musical performance by the men’s team rookies, who captivated the audience with their rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from the Lion King. The enchanting melody set the perfect tone for an evening filled with celebration and appreciation. Amidst the cheerful ambiance, the main highlight of the night was the prestigious awards ceremony. The deserving athletes who had displayed outstanding performance and dedication throughout the season were honored with well-deserved accolades. Kickers Women’s Award Winners: MVP: Natalie NguyenBack of the Year: Tyra SchaadForward of the Year: Dara DeMarceRookie of the Year: Jess NikkelMost Improved: Kaitlyn HazelmanMost Tenacious: Audrey JonesMost Sportsmanlike: Lauren SargentCoach’s Award: Chloe Speed Kickers Men’s Award Winners: MVP: Brandon HudsonBack of the Year: Devon MooreForward of the Year: Derek McCubbinRookie of the Year: Nate BiceMost Improved: Raffael TonazziMost Tenacious: Joe HurstMost Sportsmanlike: Riley GaudetCoach’s Award: Justin Thomson A riveting performance of the haka was done by Tosh Wilmott and Jim Robertson honoring JB Nikkel for his outstanding contribution to the club. As the evening progressed, the air was filled with shared stories, laughter, and reminiscence of the unforgettable moments that made the season truly special. It was a fun evening had by all and we look forward to the 2023-2024 rugby...
by Natalie Ramsay | Apr 30, 2023 | Game Reports
The Comox Valley Kickers Men’s Rugby Team has made history by winning the provincial finals for the first time in the club’s history. The Kickers delivered a remarkable performance in a nail-biting match against Richmond RFC at South Surrey Athletic Park this past Saturday, winning 35-29. Tries were scored by Derek McCubbin, Will Perry, JB Nikkel, Nick Gilmour and Devon Moore with Kyle Hall adding 5 successful converts. From the start of the match, the Kickers took control and dominated the first half, leading 28-7 at halftime. They showcased exceptional teamwork and individual skill, scoring try after try, much to the delight of their many supporters on the sidelines. However, the second half of the match saw Richmond RFC come back fighting scoring 22 points, bringing the game within a try and conversion. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the clock ticked down, but the Kickers held on, defending fiercely and denying Richmond the chance of a comeback. When the final whistle blew, there was an eruption of cheers as the Kickers and their supporters celebrated their momentous victory. After the match, Kickers’ Coach Dan Mills commended his players for their hard work and dedication, saying, “I couldn’t be prouder of this group of guys. They’ve worked so hard all season, and it’s amazing to see their efforts pay off in such a big way.” The players themselves were overjoyed, with many expressing disbelief at the fact that they had made history. “I can’t believe it,” said Brandon Hudson, Kickers’ Captain. “To be the first team in our club’s history to win the provincial finals is...
