The Holland Hurricanes men’s and women’s soccer teams are set to begin their 2019 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) regular season this weekend on home soil.  The ‘Canes are scheduled to take on the St. Thomas University (STU) Tommies on Saturday with the women in action at 1pm followed by the men at 3pm.  On Sunday the Hurricanes are set to take on the University of New Brunswick-Saint John (UNBSJ) Seawolves at 12 and 2pm (women/men).

The women’s Hurricanes finished the regular season at 8-3-1 (third) in 2018 while the Tommies led the ACAA at 10-0-2.  The ‘Canes went on to fall in the semi-finals of the ACAA Championships while the Tommies were defeated in the championship game.  The UNBSJ Seawolves also were eliminated in the semi-finals last season.

Head coach Kris McKinnon is eager to begin the new season.

“We always look forward to getting the season started.  The players have been focused in training and we have had a couple of good pre-season games.  Playing STU to start the season will be a good test for us.”

The ‘Canes will rely on Nicole McInnis (Hazelbrook, PEI) to handle things in goal this season.  She returns to the Hurricanes after playing with the Acadia University Axewomen (U SPORTS).

“A season opening weekend on home turf is always an exciting experience,” she shares.  “As a team, this weekend we’re looking to create a presence within our conference, and demonstrate the new talent we’ve brought in alongside the returnees.  I’m confident that this team, and our coaching staff, is capable of a successful season beginning this weekend.”

The men’s Hurricanes take to the pitch, winners of the last five ACAA Championships.  Last season they defeated the STU Tommies in the conference championship game after finishing their regular season with a record of 9-2-1; the Tommies finished second at 7-2-3 while the UNBSJ Seawolves failed to qualify for the playoffs.

“To have a rematch of the ACAA finals in our first game of the season will be a good challenge to see where we stand,” shared men’s Hurricanes head coach Jonathan Vos.  “We have a fairly new look to our team this season having only three starters from last year’s final game on our roster; I am excited to get the season started.”

Third-year winger, Alex Lourenso (Stratford, PEI) is happy with the pre-season the Hurricanes have had.

“We are well prepared and ready to come out strong and composed this weekend,” he said.  “Communication and mental toughness are going to be key to playing well at home to start the season.”

Fans are asked to stay tuned to the Hurricanes social media accounts as the weather forecast could cause delays or changes to the scheduled games this weekend.

Hurricanes Soccer Booster Club memberships are now for sale by contacting hollandhurricanes@hollandcollege.com.  For $100, members will receive two season passes to all Hurricanes soccer home games plus two limited edition Hurricanes toques.  As a special bonus, fans will also receive two admission passes to the 2019 ACAA Soccer Championships hosted by the Hurricanes with their booster club membership.

Connect with the soccer Hurricanes by visiting www.twitter.com/caneswsoccer and www.twitter.com/canesmsoccer.

For more information on the Holland Hurricanes please visit www.hollandhurricanes.com, www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.twitter.com/hc_hurricanes and www.instagram.com/hollandhurricanes.

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