VICTORIA - The UVic men's field hockey team tied the United Brothers 2-2 on home turf today, Feb. 11, with second-year Derek Wiggins (Vancouver, B.C.) earning player of the game honours.

Brothers' Ranjit Rai netted the first two goals of the game scoring just before the break and just after the break to put United up 2-0. For the VIkes, Izak Brussow (Victoria, B.C.) and Derrick Norton (Victoria, B.C.) each netted second half goals to tie the game up.

"We had a very good game and all the younger boys stepped up in the absence of some of the junior national players," said head coach #Michael Lee#. "Derek Wiggins performed really well and stepped up when needed. He really controlled the play in the middle."

The Vikes, resuming play after a long break due to the holidays and snowy conditions, competed hard from the opening whistle. The young UVic side were without Junior national team members James Kirkpatrick (Victoria, BC), Matthew Sarmento (Vancouver, BC), Brenden Bissett (Vancouver, B.C.) and Samuel Jones (Vancouver, BC), who were all on the mainland for a training camp. 

The Vikes controlled most of the game with a few threatening opportunities in the first half. Unfortunately, it was the United Brothers who were on the board early with two goals coming from just as many shots.

Wiggins helped the Vikes get their first on the board as he took advantage off a quick free hit and ran the ball from outside the 25-yard line into the circle. Wiggins drew the goalie out and slipped the ball to Brussow.

The Vikes received a bit of assistance in the game with the return of veteran Graeme Nawn (Victoria, BC), who co-captained the team in the 2010-11 season. Nawn was instrumental in the midfield during the game. 

In the 57th minute, veteran Derrick Norton (Victoria, BC) scored the tying goal off a low drag flick to the goalie's stick side.

In the final few minutes of the game, frustration started to boil, as several caution cards were awarded to the United Brothers. The Vikes managed to maintain composure to see the game through to the final 2-2 score line. 

"it is really nice to see our younger boys take more responsibility," said Lee. "We were very strong defensively and they let the ball go past them only twice offensively. The boys grouped well together and had plenty of shots on net. I am happy with the way the boys came back from pressure and regrouped."

Goal Summary:
34' United Brothers (Ranjit Rai)
37' United Brothers (Ranjit Rai)
45' UVic Vikes (#Izak Brussow#)
57' UVic Vikes (#Derrick Norton#)

Players of the Game:
UVic Vikes - #Derek Wiggins#
United Brothers - Ranjit Rai