Al Doran has all the coverage of this past weekend’s Tri-Nation Challenge in Saskatoon:
Full details on the Three Nations Challenge at Alsfastball
Some individual pieces on Al’s News Page as well.
Archive for the ‘Canada’ Category
Al’s Fastball Coverage of Tri-Nation Challenge
Monday, July 7th, 2008Mackintosh rounds third, now heading for home
Monday, July 7th, 2008
From the The StarPhoenix:
Dustin Munroe
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Canada’s Craig Crawford is out on second, with Japan’s Yu Nishimori gunning for a double play in the 3 Nations Challenge on Friday at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Photo Credit: –SP Photo by Richard Marjan
Before the music is cued for Keith Mackintosh, he is looking forward to one more dance.
Mackintosh is competing in the 3 Nations Challenge tournament this weekend at Bob Van Impe Stadium, what he calls the dress rehearsal for the International Softball Federation world men’s championship next summer in Saskatoon.
For the first time in his 13-year career with the Canadian team, Mackintosh got to play with the national team in Melfort, where he was born and raised. The Canadians had an exhibition doubleheader against the U.S. there on Wednesday, winning twice.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to be introduced in your hometown as part of a national team,” said Mackintosh. “I’m nearing the end of my career, so it’s pretty special for me to experience those moments.
“I played all my minor ball in Melfort, we had a good core of players who lived and breathed the game. Our team, coming from a community of 5000 people, won the bantam western championships, bantam national championships and the junior national championships before we all moved on.”
Canada defeated the U.S. 4-2 in the opening game of the Challenge on Thursday. In the late game Japan defeated the U.S. 8-3. Canada played Japan and the U.S. on Friday. Action continues today, with Japan playing Canada at 6:30 p.m. and Japan against the United States at 8:30 p.m. Playoffs are on Sunday.
Mackintosh lives in Saskatoon with his wife, Kim, and sons Riley, 10, and Matthew, 4, and plays club ball with the Aspen Interiors Black Sox.
“They’ve all been involved in the game, Kim played when she was younger,” said Mackintosh. “They’ve all been really supportive of me travelling around.
“I’ve made a deal with my wife and kids that if I don’t make the ’09 team that will play here, I’m retiring this year. I’m not ready to retire this year, but if the Canadian championships (in Saskatoon in late August this year) is my last tournament, then I’ll be good with that.
“This year will be my 19th senior men’s nationals. It would be nice to make the ’09 national team, finish up 20 years (of senior national play), and call it a career.”
He is one of 20 players vying for spots on the 2009 national team.
Mackintosh’s playing career may be in the twilight, but he looks forward to getting a new generation excited about the sport.
“Both of my kids will be playing and I’ll give them the same kind of support my parents did for me,” he said. “There will also be a few more weekends at the lake in the summer.”
Mackintosh’s favourite softball moment is winning gold at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. You get the feeling playing in the 2009 world championship in front of the home crowd would be even sweeter.
© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008
Happy Canada Day
Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
To all of our friends north of the border, including those celebrating Canada’s silver medal at the 8th ISF Jr. World Championships last week, we wish you a Happy Canada Day.
Frequently referred to as “Canada’s birthday,” particularly in the popular press, the occasion marks the joining of the British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a federation of four provinces (the Province of Canada being divided, in the process, into Ontario and Quebec) on July 1, 1867.
Australia 3, Canada 1
Wednesday, June 25th, 2008Record Crowds Gathered
(click logo for official tournament website)
Australia 3, Canada 1
vs. 
There wasn’t a seat to be had last night. Early estimates say between 1500-1800 people gathered to watch Australia take on Canada last night. Both teams went into this game undefeated so it was bound to be a close match up.
Australia is the defending three time world champion. They took Canada 3-1 after 7 innings. Fans can expect to see both these teams continue on to the finals.
Thinking about your weekend plans? Don’t forget that world class softball competition continues until June 29. There is undoubtedly a lot of nail-biting action left to come.
Canadian Junior National Player Profile 6 – Darcy Walushka
Tuesday, June 17th, 2008Young Canadian Junior National Players Ready for ISF Jr. World Championships
This is the sixth in a series of Player Profiles of Canadian National team members, who will be competing in the ISF Jr. World Championships at Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, June 20-29, 2009. Ballparkradio will be broadcasting from Whitehorse, June 26-29, 2008.
#25 Darcy Walushka
Born: April 24th, 1990
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Throws: Right
Bats: Right
Position: Center Field, Utility
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Birthdate: April 24, 1990
Birthplace: Victoria, BC Canada
Hometown: Victoria, BC Canada
Residence: Victoria, BC Canada
Languages spoken: English
Height: 172 cm / 5’8″
Weight: 68 kg / 150 lbs
Throws: Right
Bats: Right
Marital status: Single
Father: Dan
Mother: Tammy
Brothers: Kristopher
Sisters: Shelley
High School: Belmont Senior Secondary
High School Location: Victoria BC
Most Influential Person: Brother Kris.
Who most influence your softball career: My Dad and brother, i was bat boy for my brothers team and travelled with them everywhere.
Softball Goals: Win a Medal as a Member of Team Canada
Club Team: Sooke Smoke
Club Team Coach: Kevin Maycock
Canadian Championships Experience: 2007 Midget Nationals – 1st Place
Years on National Team: 1
Sports Awards: All-Star Outfield 2007 Midget Nationals
Other Sports/Hobbies/Interests: Any Other Sport.
Most Memorable Softball Experience: Winning 5 straight games at 2007 midget nationals to win the title.
Pets: 2 Cats
Favourite Movie: Field of Dreams, 61*
Favourite Food: Pizza, Shrimp
Favourite Athlete: Jose Reyes, Grady Sizemore
Favourite country visited: US
Favourite Hobby: Playing Catch
Favourite Drink: Dr. Pepper
Favourite Quote: Ya Got Good Zip
Canadian Junior National Player Profile 5 – Travis Dauvin
Sunday, June 15th, 2008Young Canadian Junior National Players Ready for ISF Jr. World Championships
This is the fifth in a series of Player Profiles of Canadian National team members, who will be competing in the ISF Jr. World Championships at Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, June 20-29, 2009. Ballparkradio will be broadcasting from Whitehorse, June 26-29, 2008.
#7 Travis Dauvin
Born: April 18th, 1989
Hometown: Saskatoon, SK
Throws: Right
Bats: Right
Position: Pitcher, First Base, Second Base
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Birthdate: April 18, 1989
Birthplace: Saskatoon, SK Canada
Hometown: Saskatoon, SK Canada
Residence: Saskatoon, SK Canada
Languages spoken: English
Height: 185 cm / 6’1″
Weight: 100 kg / 220 lbs
Throws: Right
Bats: Right
Marital status: Single
Father: Mark
Mother: Lynn
Brothers: Curtis,Brandon
Noteable relatives in Sport: Justin Dauvin
High School: St.Joeseph High School
High School Location: Saskatoon
Post Secondary: SIAST
Course of Study: Industrial Mechanic
Most Influential Person: Parents
Who most influence your softball career: My father brought me to the ball park as soon as i could walk to watch him play. He then taught me at a very young age how to play the game and soon retired from his ball career to coach me. He developed myself and other team mates from learning how to play to a national level.
Softball Goals: To win a world tournament and to be a world class pitcher and ball player.
Club Team: Saskatoon Aspen midget Selects
Club Team Coach: Mark Dauvin
Canadian Championships Experience: 2006 Midget Faspitch Champions-F.S.I.N 2007 MIdget Fastpitch Bronze Medalist -Saskatoon Aspen Selects
Sports Awards: MVP and Top pitcher I.S.C 2000 All star pitcher round robin 2007 Midget Canadians
Other Sports/Hobbies/Interests: Building hot rods and customizing vehicles. Drag racing,Snowmobiling, bodybuilding.
Most Memorable Softball Experience: Winning a National title with F.S.I.N Cheifs in the 2006 midget boys Canadian Championships.
Vancouver Grey Sox vs. Team Canada Under 19 Mens National Team
Sunday, June 15th, 2008
[Vancouver, BC ] – The Vancouver Grey Sox played host to Canada’s Under 19 Mens National Team Saturday afternoon at South Memorial Park in Vancouver. The Grey Sox prevailed in both contests by scores of 7 – 0 and 15 – 5. The teams were blessed with warm summer weather conditions. Game details are listed below. The same two teams meet again on Sunday June 15th at South Memorial Park for a single game starting at 11:00 am PDT.
Game 1 – played Saturday June 14th at 3:00 pm PDT
Vancouver Grey Sox 7 – Team Canada Under 19 National Team 0
WP – Nick Underhill, 4IP, 0R, 1H, 4Ks with relief from Scott Lieph, 1IP, 0R, 1BB, 0H
LP – Dustin Keshane, 3IP, 5R, 3BB, 5H with relief from Jordan Graham (4), 1IP, 2R, 3BB, 1H
Sean Cameron led the Grey Sox offense with a 2 for 2 performance at the plate.
Game 2 – played Saturday June 14th at 5:00 pm PDT
Vancouver Grey Sox 15 – Team Canada Under 19 National Team 5
WP – Mike Piechnik, 3IP, 1R, 2H, 6Ks with relief from Scott Leiph (4) 2IP, 4R, 0ER, 3H, 4Ks
LP – Devon McCullough 0IP, 8R, 4ER, 1BB, 5H with relief from Travis Dauvin (1) 4IP, 7R, 3ER, 8H, 1K
Scott Newitt was 4 for 4 at the plate for the Grey Sox with 2RBIs, and Doug Cain was 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs. The Grey Sox opened an early lead and never looked back in this contest, with both teams committing untimely defensive miscues which directly resulted in opposition runs.
Larry Kancs
President
Vancouver Grey Sox
www.vancouvergreysox.com
Vancouver Grey Sox Host New Zealand, Canadian ISF Jrs.
Saturday, June 14th, 2008
[New Westminster, BC] – The Vancouver Grey Sox and the New Zealand Under 19 Mens National Team completed a doubleheader at Moody Park this evening in comfortable mid June west coast weather conditions and a decent gathering of spectators. The Grey Sox downed the Kiwis by scores of 4-1 and 8-1. Results from the games are listed below.
Next action for the Grey Sox is Saturday June 14th when they will play the Canada Under 19 Mens National Team a doubleheader starting at 3:00 pm PDT at South Memorial Park in Vancouver. The same two teams also have scheduled a single game commencing at 11:00 am on Sunday June 15th again at South Memorial Park.
Game 1 – played Friday June 13 at 6:45 pm PDT
Vancouver Grey Sox 4 – New Zealand Under 19 National Team 1
WP – Nick Underhill, 7IP, 3H, 1BB, 1R, 8Ks
LP – Nik Hayes, 3IP, 1H, 2R, 3Ks with relief from David MacKenzie, 3IP, 5H, 2R, 1K
Trevor Johnstone led the Grey Sox offense with a 2 for 2 performance at the plate with a BB and 3 RBIs.
Game 2 – played Friday June 13 at 8:30 pm PDT
Vancouver Grey Sox 8 – New Zealand Under 19 National Team 1
5 innings
WP – Mike Piechnik, 5IP, 1H, OR, 9Ks
LP – T. Eroka with relief from Michael Ernshaw (4)
Larry Kancs
President
Vancouver Grey Sox
www.vancouvergreysox.com
Canada’s 3-Nations Challenge Roster Announced
Thursday, June 12th, 2008
Softball Canada announced the 19 players that will represent Canada in the Three Nations men’s Fastpitch Softball Challenge against the U-S and Japan, July 3rd through 6th at Bob Van Impe Park.
Mark Smith of Nova Scotia is the head coach with Don Bates of Saskatoon one of the assistants. Among the players are pitcher Trevor Ethier of Saskatoon and Melfort natives Dean Holoein and Keith Mackintosh…a pitcher and infielder, respectively. All three play for Aspen Interiors of the Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association. Because of their Melfort roots, that community will host a Canada-United States exhibition doubleheader on July 2nd.
Softball Canada Names Senior Men’s Roster for 3 Nations Challenge
(Ottawa, ON) – Softball Canada is pleased to announce the players who have been selected to the Senior Men’s National Team roster for the3 Nations Challenge. The tournament will be held from July 3-6, 2008 in Saskatoon, SK, when both the United States and Japan will be in town for the event. All tournament games will be held at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Prior to the event, surrounding communities will also be treated to a series of exhibition games, including a doubleheader between Canada and the United States in Melfort, SK on July 2nd.
Following is thelist of athletes who have been chosen to compete at the 3 Nations Challenge:
Frank Cox (Elliot Lake, ON)
Craig Crawford (Kitchener, ON)
Jody Eidt (Mitchell, ON)
Jeff Ellsworth (St. Lawrence, PEI)
Trevor Ethier (Saskatoon, SK)
Blair Ezekiel (Harbour main, NL)
Ian Fehrman (Townsend, ON)
Chad Ghostkeeper (Prince George, BC)
Rob Giesbrecht (Landmark, MB)
Jason Hill (St. John’s, NL)
Dean Holoien (Melfort, SK)
Keith Mackintosh (Melfort, SK)
Derek Mayson (North Vancouver, BC)
Stephen Mullaley (Freshwater, NL)
Grant Patterson (Penetanguishene, ON)
Jason Sanford (Durham, NS)
Kevin Schellenberg (Squamish, BC)
Nick Underhill (Kamloops, BC)
Ryan Wolfe (Melburne, ON)
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Mark Smith (Cambridge, NS)
AssistantCoach: Don Bates (Saskatoon,SK)
AssistantCoach: Marty Kernaghan (Grafton,ON)
Assistant Coach: Ray Tilley (Woodstock, ON)
Schedule:
July 2nd: Exhibition – Canada vs. United States(6:30pm & 8:30pm CST) – Melfort, SK
July 3rd: 3 Nations Challenge – Canada vs. UnitedStates (6:30pm CST) – Saskatoon, SK
July 4th: 3 Nations Challenge – Canada vs. Japan(6:30pm CST) – Saskatoon, SK
July 4th: 3 Nations Challenge – Canada vs. UnitedStates (8:30pm CST) – Saskatoon, SK
July 5th: 3 Nations Challenge – Canada vs. Japan(6:30pm CST) – Saskatoon, SK
July 6th: 3 Nations Challenge – Semi Final (2 vs.3) (1:00pm CST) – Saskatoon, SK
July 6th: 3 Nations Challenge – Final (W vs. 1)(3:30pm CST) – Saskatoon, SK
For more information, please contact:
Gilles LeBlanc
Manager: Marketing and CommunicationsServices
Softball Canada
(613) 523-3386 ext 3105
gleblanc@softball.ca
Canadian Junior National Player Profile 4 – Dylan Cunningham
Thursday, June 12th, 2008Young Canadian Junior National Players Ready for ISF Jr. World Championships
This is the fourth in a series of Player Profiles of Canadian National team members, who will be competing in the ISF Jr. World Championships at Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, June 20-29, 2009. Ballparkradio will be broadcasting from Whitehorse, June 25-29, 2008.
#8 Dylan Cunningham
Born: December 27th, 1989
Hometown: Belwood, ON
5419 kilometers or 3251 miles from Whitehorse
Throws: Right
Bats: Left
Position: Pitcher, Third Base
(Information courtesy of Softball Canada)
Prior Profiles Posted:
1. Derek Arsenie
2. Patrick Avery
3. Shane Boland