2025 Kelowna Classic Teams

Mavericks

The Mavericks Masters are a seasoned squad from Vancouver Island featuring a blend of elite talent and returning players. In goal, Kimberly Hein Morrison brings top-tier experience as a major league goalkeeper for Pacific Storm and a competitor at Water Polo Canada’s Senior Nationals. On the field, Benoit Carriere—originally from Brentwood Bay—draws on his background with Team BC and international training tours to anchor the team’s play. Rounding out the lineup is Kelowna’s Katie Funk, making a strong return to the sport and adding local heart to this dynamic and competitive masters team.

Burnaby Hurricanes

Anchored in the goal by Santiago Popoca Nava, a UBC Thunderbirds alum who brings strong reflexes and collegiate-level performance to the Hurricanes (as seen in his public. The rest of the roster combines local talent—including Ross Evtushenko, Brayden Aspinall, James Anthony, Fran Srbljanin, Luka Vujovic, Jack Waine, Sara Ashariyon, Milos Merkl, and Vito Popovic—bringing competitive club experience and athletic depth from Burnaby's strong water polo community.

Hydra Black

Hydra Black is a high-performance team made up of players from UBC, SFU, and the Vancouver Vipers, known for their tactical discipline and speed. The team is anchored by Erik Makinen, a long-time coach and club manager with the Vipers, and supported by Ally Davies, a former UBC goalkeeper and current Vipers 16U coach, and Andrew Cho, a veteran player and youth swim instructor. With additional talent like Alejandro Garcés, who brings international playing experience, Hydra Black combines elite training, coaching insight, and on-the-ball intensity to challenge top teams in the region.

Kelowna Water Polo Club

Kelowna Water Polo Club fields a competitive and community-driven team led by goalkeeper Ben Halsall and centre Mark Rogaar, who brings European experience from his training with PSV Eindhoven’s water polo program in the Netherlands. The team is anchored by Alex Parrish, a former age group Team Canada player, and reflects a blend of international perspective and local development as Kelowna continues to build a strong water polo presence in the Okanagan.

Hydra White

Hydra White’s roster brings together coaching excellence and varsity-calibre talent. Sierra Tutt, a dedicated youth coach with the North Shore Titans, contributes leadership and player development skills to the squad. Georgia Springate, a Surrey native and former standout with Surrey Water Polo Club, recently completed a strong first season as a centre forward with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, building on her impressive 19-goal campaign at the 17U level. The team reflects Hydra’s deep roots in BC water polo, combining coaching experience and competitive university play.

Burnaby Dawgs

The Burnaby Dawgs are a powerhouse team made up of experienced players with strong roots in BC’s competitive water polo scene. Vukasin Kragovic, known for his physical play and tactical awareness, leads a core group of Serbian-Canadian athletes who bring both chemistry and intensity to the game. Longtime teammates Nemanja, Jovan, and Milan Ivezic provide depth and cohesion, while players like Marko Savic and Evan March contribute to the team’s aggressive, fast-paced style. The Dawgs are a force to watch, built on years of shared play and a deep connection to the Burnaby water polo community.

Making Waves

Making Waves, based in Edmonton, is a vibrant 2SLGBTQ+–inclusive aquatic club that fields a competitive water polo team practicing weekly at MacEwan University. Their roster is led by Karen Roy, a respected former BC provincial-level athlete and coach, while experienced players like Nathan Miko and Fraser Murch strengthen the team with years of club-level play. The club fosters an inclusive environment with regular scrimmages against the University of Alberta and participation in tournaments like IGLA+ championships, blending community, competition, and camaraderie.

Edmonton Nuggets

The Edmonton Nuggets are a competitive team representing Alberta’s growing water polo community, with a mix of experienced athletes and emerging talent. The roster features Kindred Paul, a two-time Olympian and longtime member of Team Canada, whose international experience brings leadership and high-level insight to the group. Alongside her is sister Raine Paul, also a former national team athlete, contributing strength and strategic depth. With teammates like Emily Riddle, Lexi Marissink, Karen Duggan, Robyn Currie, Sabrina Willsey, Lillia Kahanyshyn, and Stephan Vidakovic, the Nuggets reflect a committed and skilled team culture shaped by years of local and national play.