The precision-timed offensive chemistry between rookie strikers Cam Hundal and Craig Gorman with the victorious University of Victoria Vikes set the CIS men's soccer national championships alight last fall at Centennial Stadium.
The incisive and intuitive pair find themselves back in Gordon Head today, but this time on opposite sides of the ball. Hundal will line up with the Delta United Hurricanes and Gorman with Gordon Head Applebee's in a Province Cup quarter-final game at 3 p.m. at Tyndall Park.
"I know [Gorman's] tendencies and he knows mine, although we'll be on opposite ends of the park and won't see each other much," said Hundal, of the stealth-like showdown between the strikers. "I know how dangerous Craig can be."
And you can be sure Hundal will make certain the rest of the Hurricanes know, too.
Gorman, a graduate of St. Michaels University School, scored the goal last weekend at Tyndall in Gordon Head's 1-0 victory over Richmond FC Hibernians in the Province Cup Sweet 16 round.
Hundal, a native of Terrace and graduate of Panorama Ridge Secondary in Surrey, set up both Delta United goals in his club's 2-1 Sweet 16 victory over Vic West on the Lower Mainland.
"Vic West was a good team that battled hard and stuck around until we scored late to win it," said Hundal, the CIS national tournament MVP and Canada West rookie of the year.
"It's going to be even harder this week against [Applebee's]."
Because of their varsity commitments at UVic, Gorman has played only two games for Gordon Head this season and Hundal just four for Delta United. But their roots go deeper than that.
"I've known these [Hurricanes] guys for a long time and have developed friendships with them," said Hundal.
It's just another avenue for the 19-year-old sensation who even opened the eyes of Vancouver's MLS brass during the Whitecaps' 2-1 exhibition victory over UVic in February at Centennial Stadium.
"[Hundal] was very dangerous on the left side," noted Whitecaps head coach Martin Rennie, following the game against the Vikes.
"We'll keep an eye on him."
Which is fine by Hundal.
"First, I'm going to use soccer to get an education," said the UVic science major who was named Vikes rookie athlete of the year in any sport for 2011-12.
"Then I want to pursue soccer at the pro level, maybe in the MLS or Europe."
Hundal has certainly managed to send a shiver through the Island soccer season and brought out the fans with the CIS national championship game between UVic and St. Mary's and the WhitecapsVikes friendly both attracting crowds of more than 3,000 to Centennial Stadium.
The Province Cup draws more muted crowds for the men's amateur soccer club championship of British Columbia. In the past, it has been won by Victoria London Boxing Club, led by 1986 World Cup player George Pakos, Vic West six times and Gorge FC on four occasions, the last in 2010.
Gordon Head is the lone Island club left standing in 2012 after Vic West, Bays United Liquor Plus and Jackson Cup champion Cowichan FC all went down to Sweet 16 defeat last weekend. cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
