Vikes looking for three-peat, 14th national title at Toronto

In a battle of two undefeated powerhouses, the Toronto Varsity Blues are set to host the defending U SPORTS champions Victoria Vikes in a best-of-three series for the McCrae Cup.

This year, the Vikes are looking to repeat as national champions on the road after capturing the title at home in 2019. Their opponent, the OUA champion University of Toronto Varsity Blues plays host to the Vikes in Toronto, ON.

After claiming the Canada West title, Victoria is set to appear in their 36^th national championship and fifth championship final in the last six seasons.

The Toronto Varsity Blues enter into the series as the OUA champions, defeating the Guelph Gryphons 3-0 to take the conference banner.

The Vikes’ storied field hockey program is led by head coach Lynne “Buzz” Beecroft, her 37^th season at the helm. Meanwhile, the Varsity Blues are making their bid for their first McCrae Cup since 2010 under head coach Cassius Mendonça.

Mednonça has been the head coach of the Blues for five years but was involved with the team as an assistant coach since 2009, helping lead the team to five OUA banners and a U SPORTS Field Hockey Championship in 2010.

The series opens Friday at the University of Toronto’s Back Campus Fields, with Games 2 and 3 (if necessary), scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Digital coverage can be accessed on cbcsports.ca the free CBC Gem streaming service and the CBC Sports App for iOS and Android devices.

Full championship schedule and previews for each team are available below.