Nipissing Lakers Varsity Sports Programs
The Nipissing Lakers offer a diverse range of varsity sports for both men and women, competing at high levels of collegiate athletics. From court sports to winter disciplines, the Lakers provide student-athletes with the opportunity to compete in prestigious leagues such as U Sports (the national governing body of university sport in Canada) and the OUA (Ontario University Athletics).
The university supports a wide array of athletic disciplines, including basketball, cross country, ice hockey, Nordic skiing, rowing, soccer, and volleyball.
Key Facts
- Home Venue: Men's basketball games are hosted at the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre.
- Basketball Milestone: The men's basketball team reached the OUA playoff quarterfinals in the 2016–2017 season.
- Skiing Infrastructure: The Nordic team has access to over 5 kilometers of groomed trails and professional waxing facilities on campus.
- Hockey Transition: The women's ice hockey team moved from the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association to the OUA in the 2013-14 season.
Men's Basketball
The Lakers men's basketball team officially entered U Sports and OUA competition during the 2014–15 season. The program reached a significant milestone in the 2016–2017 season, securing its first and only playoff appearance to date. During this run, the team advanced to the OUA quarterfinals before being eliminated by the Ryerson Rams.
The team is currently led by head coach Thomas Cory, who took over the position in June 2019, succeeding Chris Cheng. The Lakers host their home games at the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre, located on the Nipissing University campus.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Nordic Skiing
The Lakers Nordic team is a competitive force in both the OUA circuit and the Nordiq Canada race circuit. The program is known for its high-performance trajectory, frequently sending athletes to world junior trials and maintaining a near-annual presence at the World University Games.
To support these athletes, the university provides comprehensive on-campus training facilities, which include specialized waxing facilities and more than 5 kilometers of groomed trails.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Women's Ice Hockey
The women's ice hockey program has a history of growth and elevation. Before joining the university-level ranks, the team competed within the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association. A major transition occurred on June 26, 2012, when it was announced that the team would elevate its competition level to the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) starting with the 2013-14 season.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Athletic Program Summary
| Sport | League/Circuit | Key Facility/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Men's Basketball | U Sports / OUA | Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre |
| Nordic Skiing | OUA / Nordiq Canada | 5km+ Groomed Campus Trails |
| Women's Ice Hockey | OUA | Transitioned from OCAA in 2013-14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the men's basketball team play their home games?
The men's basketball team plays its home games at the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre on the Nipissing University campus.
Who is the current head coach of the men's basketball team?
The team is coached by Thomas Cory, who was hired in June 2019.
What training facilities are available for Nordic skiers?
Nordic skiers have access to over 5 kilometers of groomed trails and dedicated waxing facilities located on campus.
When did the women's ice hockey team start competing in the OUA?
The women's ice hockey team began competing in Ontario University Athletics during the 2013-14 season.
Which other sports are offered by the Lakers?
In addition to basketball, skiing, and hockey, the Lakers offer cross country, rowing, soccer, and volleyball.