AROUND
the
HORN
A SOFTBALL CANADA PUBLICATION
ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS
Softball Canada
NEWS
•
Canadian
Championships
•
NEW - Slo-Pitch
NEWS and
EVENTS
•
Officiating
•
Softball Canada
Staff
May 2009
George Arcand &
Host Committee
for
2008 ISF Junior Men’s
World Championship
Honoured
The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA) honoured George Arcand and the
organizing committee for the ISF Junior Men’s World Championship at their Awards Gala
held April 16 in Gatineau, Quebec.
George was individually recognized with the CSTA Community Service Award for
his outstanding contributions to his home of Whitehorse and the Yukon in general. George
has played a major role in Whitehorse hosting many softball events over the past 20 years,
is a former President of Sport Yukon and played an important role with the Host Committee for the 2007 Canada Winter Games.
inside
we’ve got it
www.SOFTBALL.ca
On the event side, last year’s World Championship, which was superbly organized, went up against the Roger’s Cup (Men’s Tennis) in Toronto and the World Hockey
Championship (Men’s) held in Quebec City and Halifax for the Sport Event of the Year
(budget over $250,000). While the World Hockey Championship was ultimately selected,
all those that had the opportunity to participate in the Junior Worlds in Whitehorse owe a
huge debt of thanks to the Host organizing committee, which was chaired by George.
Congratulations on the recognition and thank you.
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Make it your Game
in 2009!
In 2008, Softball Canada launched the “Make it your Game!” promotional
campaign to promote the sport of softball across Canada, while also highlighting the
characteristics of the sport and how easily accessible it is to all Canadians. After a
very successful first year, the campaign is back for 2009, as the Public Service Announcement has begun to air on national and regional television and radio stations.
The campaign has certainly reflected extremely positive results on Softball Canada’s
programs, as membership numbers and Learn to Play Program participation numbers
increased significantly in 2008.
2008 was a very positive year for the sport of softball. The Olympic Games
in Beijing brought a spotlight to the sport, and interest in the Canadian Women’s National Softball Team was at an all-time high as they set their sights on earning Canada’s
first summer Olympics medal in a team sport since 1936. After securing a berth in the elimination round with a 3-4 record
(fourth place), the Canadian team narrowly dropped a 5-3 decision which would have guaranteed them a bronze medal.
However, the performance of the Canadian Softball Team brought much needed attention to the sport in our country, which
was certainly evidenced by the nearly 10 million hits on the new Softball Canada website in the months leading up to the
Olympic Games.
Overall Softball membership increased in 2008 highlighted by Softball Canada’s Learn to Play Program which
increased its reach from 75,794 to 109,528 (+31%). Those numbers are very encouraging as we build a larger base of
softball players for the future. The “Make it your Game!” promotional campaign will run through 2010.
Softball Canada released its own Long-Term Player Development Model late in 2008, and this document will serve
as a blueprint that will shape all decisions going forward. Fresh off the publication of the LTPD Guide, an LTPD Implementation Committee has been formed and will begin to plan how to integrate the model at all levels. Softball has been one of the
leading sports on the Long-Term Athlete Development front and this should translate to further increases in participation.
While 2008 was a very successful year for softball, there is much more on the horizon for the 2009 season. The
BackSoftball campaign is in full swing and will garner plenty of attention this summer all over Canada, while many of our athletes will be representing their country. The Senior Men’s National Team will host the XII ISF Men’s World Championships
(Saskatoon, SK - July 17-26) and the Senior Women’s National Team will compete at the Canada Cup (Surrey, BC - July
4-12), the US World Cup (Oklahoma City - July 16-20), and the Pan American Championship (Venezuela – July 31-August
8). In addition, a Canadian team will participate in the inaugural Slo-Pitch Border Battle, a one-game showdown between
some of the best male Canadian Slo-Pitch players and Team USA (Oklahoma City – July 18), and a 16-and-under girls team
will travel to Prague for the Easton Foundation Youth World Cup.
If all those International Competitions were not enough, we only need to look at the national events that will take
place right here on Canadian soil. The City of Charlottetown will host the inaugural U19 International Men’s Softball Championship from July 7-12, followed by the Canada Summer Games for women of the same age group the following month,
from August 15-22. And of course, we cannot forget Softball Canada’s ten Canadian Championships that will be held from
the end of July to the beginning of September!
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Thus, the 2009 season will be another very busy one for Softball Canada, and that is exactly what is
needed to continue to grow our sport. People from all corners of the country will have an opportunity to attend
a variety of national events, as well as follow the progress of all the teams representing our country abroad.
Play ball!
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2009 Canadian Slo-Pitch Border Battle
Coaches Announced
Softball Canada is pleased to announce the individuals who will be coaching the Canadian team at the 2009 SloPitch Border Battle. The Border Battle will take place this summer on July 18th, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The event
will consist of a one-game showdown between the Canadian team and Team USA. Jeff Long (Amherstburg, ON) has been
named Head Coach, and he will be working alongside Assistant Coach Jeff Seguin (Windsor, ON).
Jeff Long is certainly no stranger to softball. He has been a part of the game both at the playing and coaching
level. Jeff has enjoyed numerous occasions of success including several medals, All-Star, MVP and Batting titles. He has
played in seventeen Canadian Championships and has participated as a coach at four others. At these Championships,
Jeff has won eight Gold medals and numerous Silver and Bronze Medals as well. Four of the Gold medals were as an “A”
level player; two Gold were at the 35+ level and one at the 40+ level. He also won Gold as a coach.
Jeff Seguin also brings many years of experience and Coach Long has great confidence that Seguin will be a great
addition to his coaching staff. Long stated: “Jeff is a quality human being as well as a very well respected softball man. He
will be a great ambassador for Canada at this event.”
“Words cannot explain how proud I am and how incredible it will be to represent my country and wear ‘Canada’
on my uniform” said Seguin.
This will be Seguin’s 28th season involved with “A” division Slo-Pitch as a player and a coach. He has participated in the prestigious Ontario Elimination Tournament twenty two times as a player, winning four titles. Jeff has also
participated in eight Canadian Championships as a player, winning four Silver medals. As a coach, Seguin has won an
Ontario Super Series title, an elimination title, and a Provincial Championship. He has also had four top 5 finishes at the
Canadian Championships.
“Jeff Long and Jeff Seguin will be great assets to the success of the team and they will have a great opportunity
to teach and pass their knowledge on to the players” stated Mike Branchaud, Manager of Canadian Championships and
Domestic Services for Softball Canada.
Congratulations!
Softball Canada would like to congratulate Lynda Turton (PWSA
President) received the Syl Apps Special Achievement Award
for her contribution to Sport in Ontario on March 26, 2009.
Master Pitching
Instructor Meeting
During the development of the Long-Term Player Development Guide for Softball in Canada and subsequent
discussions with Provincial/Territorial Softball Associations, a need was identified to create a national standardized curriculum for the development of pitchers. Softball Canada gathered a group of pitching experts and met in Ottawa, ON in
February 2008 to develop the curriculum. The group led by Mark Smith (current Head Coach for Softball
Canada’s Men’s and Women’s National Teams and former Senior Men’s National Team pitcher), Kaila
Holtz (former Olympian and Senior Women’s National Team pitcher), Deb Sonnenberg (former Olympian and Senior Women’s National Team pitcher), Rob Guenter (former Senior Men’s National
Team pitcher), Glen Jevne (former Senior Men’s National Team pitcher), Russ Cooper (New Zealander living and coaching in the US), Lise Jubinville (Softball Canada Manager of Long-Term Player
Development and Coaching Services) and Mike Branchaud (Softball Canada Manager of Canadian
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Championships) created the outline of the program. Subsequent to the meeting, Kaila Holtz and Deb Sonnenberg began to create the curriculum using the framework of the LTPD guide.
On the weekend of April 18th-19th, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Softball Canada held a training session for
Master Pitching Instructors selected by their respective Provincial/Territorial Softball Association. The purpose of the
weekend was to introduce the Master Pitching Instructors to the pitching curriculum. A manual has been created that
outlines the curriculum. The meeting also served to validate the curriculum through discussions and demonstrations.
Softball Canada’s President Kevin Quinn stated, “The Master Pitching Instructor meeting in Toronto the weekend of
April 18th was a huge success. I can anticipate our National Pitching Program will be an outstanding program. All of
the instructors selected to attend the training session were excellent individuals who were extremely positive and excited about rolling out our new pitching program. They all embraced the changes brought forth at the meeting and are
extremely excited about being the leaders of this program. I look forward to some great things as we roll out the first 6
week program during the summer of 2009.”
The following were identified and trained as Master Pitching Instructors:
• Alberta : Jackie Desilets
• British Columbia: Rob Guenter, Rick Smith
• New Brunswick: Richard LeBlanc
• Newfoundland & Labrador: Ward Gosse
• North West Territories: Paul Gard & Floyd Daniels
• Ontario: Jim Cowdrey (OASA) (Note: the PWSA is conducting a formal selection process to select their
Master Pitching Instructor)
• Prince Edward Island: Dayna Angle & Frank Cox
• Saskatchewan: Lisa Down
• Yukon: Jean Poulin
• Manitoba: Greg Bouchard
• Nova Scotia: Tim McCumber
• Quebec: To be determined
The following people were observers at the meeting:
• Kevin Quinn (Softball Canada President)
• Ontario: Jennifer Chadwick-Hartley and Jennifer McCarthy
• Lise Jubinville (Softball Canada Manager of Long-Term Player Development and Coaching Services)
• Angela Murdock (Softball Canada Program Coordinator)
The Master Pitching Instructors were asked to pilot the curriculum in their respective province or territory over
the spring and summer and provide feedback to Softball Canada on how to improve it. Softball Canada will be holding
a conference call with Provincial/Territorial Softball Associations in May to discuss the next steps and full launch of the
program. Resources to complement the program will be finalized in the fall of 2009 and further aid to the implementation of this evolutionary program. The weekend was a successful introduction to this new curriculum. Thank you to
everyone in attendance.
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Learn to Play Program
Popular Throughout Nova Scotia
Softball Nova Scotia (SNS) and the Learn to Play (LTP) Coordinator, Shirley Nepean, have been working together to
promote the Learn to Play program, support communities in the process of implementing the program and support those that
have established it. They have accomplished this by promotional events, conducting coaches’ workshops and model sessions
with children.
Over the past 6 years Softball Nova Scotia has seen the LTP program grow from 3 groups in the first year to 24 groups
throughout the province. To implement the program in new areas of the province, SNS searched the community for leaders who
could continue the legacy, ones who had played ball and wanted to give back to the sport. SNS offered free workshops, informative meetings and provided mentors to these individuals to make their program a success. Information on provincial programs
such as Kidsport and Fair Play were emphasized. Each year, SNS continues to target 2 or 3 new communities to implement LTP
as well as provide continued support service for existing groups.
The LTP program continues to grow every year and existing groups usually double in numbers. To monitor the accomplishments of these programs a LTP newsletter and an email distribution list was developed to share successes and address
issues. Every year SNS encourages existing groups to plan for the next year, especially in the area of bringing in young children
to replace the older, departing children. As we worked with the older children, we realized that we needed to adjust the LTP
program by using more mature activities and language, especially for the more experienced child.
Every year when a new group of children enter the program, they bring a new group of volunteers. SNS offers LTP
volunteer orientation sessions which introduces them to the program, its resources and hands on sessions which teaches them
skill progressions. The most successful workshops are the ones when children are involved with the new volunteers. From our
many experiences, we have learned that we need to be more open and flexible, to adapt to the individual community’s needs.
For many years Softball Nova Scotia has been trying to reach teachers in the schools.
Since 2003 Sport Nova Scotia has organized a Sports Fair twice a year in different regions of the province. At this
fair, local schools are invited to participate and approximately 1500 students per day have the opportunity to participate in our
Learn to Play interactive booth.
SNS has had the opportunity to visit many Learn to Play groups throughout the province and is impressed with the
many ideas that are being used by the coaches and volunteers. The great success of these LTP programs reaffirms that we are
succeeding in providing a fun, active program to develop softball skills for young children in Nova Scotia.
OFFICIATING
SEE you in 2010 in Regina at the
BLUE CONVENTION!
The Regina Inn has now made available on-line hotel reservations for the 2010 Blue Convention. See the Information below
on how to make your 2010 Blue Convention reservations.
The following is a link that sends guests to the website with the group block ready to go:
http://reservations.ihotelier.com/crs/g_reservation.cfm?groupID=332609&hotelID=6877
OR guests can go to the website www.reginainn.com, click reservations, then click group rates and enter in BLUE in the attendee field.
Here is an example:
http://booking.ihotelier.com/istay/istay.jsp?groupID=332609&hotelID=6877 from this link click “Group
Rates” (at the top) and enter in Blue.
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REGISTRATION FORM
BLUE CONVENTION 2010
April 1-4 2010 – Regina, Saskatchewan
Please Fill Out All Sections and Include the registration fee for the workshops.
Softball Canada accepts Certified Cheque, Money Order, Visa, Master Card or American Express.
Payable to - Softball Canada
Name:
Gender (Check one):
Address:
City:
Prov./Terr.:
Postal Code:
H - Telephone:
W - Telephone:
Fax:
Email :
Certification Level :
Shirt Size:
FP
S
M
F
SP
M
L
XL
XXL
Registration: $135 includes participation in your selection of workshops and the Blue Convention 2010 Golf Shirt and Pin, plus a
welcome package. On Thursday, April 1st and on Sunday morning, April 4th, in conjunction with the Umpires of
Saskatchewan and the 2010 Blue Convention, we will be running a Level IV clinic and an Instructor/Evaluator
Clinic. NOTE: As a special inducement to assist people who wish to attend both, we are offering a combined fee of
$250.00 that will give you a full registration to 2010 Blue Convention and to the Level IV clinic or
Instructor/Evaluator Clinic.
You can download a copy of the Pre-convention package from the Softball Canada website by January 1st, 2010. The
package will contain the schedule, workshop selection form. The workshops are allocated on a first-come, firstserved basis. NOTE: Workshops will be presented in English with only the materials translated into French.
You can also order a Canadian Indicator Club Banquet ticket at $55.00 each. The banquet will be held on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010.
You can also order a Closing Presentations Breakfast ticket at $25.00 each. The breakfast will be held on Sunday, April 4th, 2010
Would you be interested in purchasing extra golf shirts at a cost of $40.00 each?
Yes
No
How Many:
1
2
3
4
5
Shirt Size: S
Please Include Payment for Extra Shirts with Registration Fee
M
L
XL
(Indicate Size)
Registration Fee
Registration Fee and Level IV Clinic
Registration Fee and I/E Clinic
Additional Golf Shirts (@$40.00 each)
Banquet Ticket (@$55.00 each)
Breakfast Ticket (@25.00 each)
Please check one: Certified Cheque
Money Order
Cardholder Name
Card Number
Signature
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XXL
$135.00
$250.00
$250.00
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Total Enclosed
American Express
RECEIPT REQUIRED
Expiry Date
Deadline for Registration is March 1, 2010
6Any refunds issued after
February 1, 2010 will be subject to a $50 Administration fee.
To Be Returned To:
Donna Ozarko, Softball Canada, 223 Colonnade Road, Suite 212, Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7K3
Tel: 613-523-3386, ext. 3101 - Fax: 613-523-5761 - [email protected]
WELCOME
AROUNDTO
theREGINA
HORN
2010 Blue Convention
Hotel room rates from
$95*
From your hotel sponsor:
Regina Inn Hotel & Conference Centre
• Full service hotel
BOOK NOW!
Direct: 306 525 6767
Toll Free: 1 800 667 8162
Web: www. ReginaInn.com
Guests are to mention the
Group Code: “Blue”
Group Name: “Softball Canada Blue Convention”
• Great downtown location with easy access
to entertainment and shopping
• 235 spacious rooms with private balconies
• Complimentary high speed Internet access
• botaniCa Restaurant with Starbucks X-press
coffee counter
• Vic’s Lounge
• 24 hour fitness centre
when making reservations.
*Based on availability. Valid from March 30, 2010 to
April 3, 2010.
7
1975 Broad Street, Regina, SK | 1 800 667 8162
www.ReginaInn.com
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Women in Officiating
Committee
The scene is Kars, Ontario, in 2004. I was getting ready to play in the gold medal game at the Senior Women’s
Canadian Championship. Teams were warming up, coaches were chatting and the stands were buzzing. All of a sudden a
hush fell over everyone. I turned to see the gold medal crew walking toward the diamond and I will never forget that moment. There were four female officials who were making their way to the diamond and they were: Genevieve Gaudreau,
Tonya Ribalkin, Joyce Shroeder and Daryl Way. I wondered if the four umpires had any idea how much conversation they
had created amongst the fans, the coaches and the players.
I have had the privilege of playing in many championships where officials have earned the coveted Level V designation. When I think about women in officiating now, I realize how important it is for us as female officials to have a presence
so that female athletes can see what the possibilities can be for them in the future of this sport.
I felt so lucky to have an opportunity like Kars a few years later, in 2008. There were a number of provincial
championships happening on the same weekend in Alberta. I knew Edmonton would be asked for fill-ins and I really wanted
to attend our men’s provincial tournament in Calgary. Instead, I was asked to officiate at the Junior Women’s provincial in
Strathmore. I was so disappointed but, in hindsight it was the best thing I ever did as I had no idea how rewarding this experience would turn out to be. I was assigned to work the plate for the opening game of the Junior Ladies Provincial 2008.
I remember seeing the schedule and commenting that there were three female officials on the game. Up to that point, I had
never had the opportunity to work with two other females before. Amy, Crystal and I walked out to the diamond and we
did not realize that as we approached the diamond everyone stopped what they were doing. Fans ceased to carry on their
conversations, players and coaches stopped warming up. My partners and I continued our pre-game duties as we normally
would - completely oblivious to all that had just transpired. Finally, time for the plate conference, I awaited the arrival of my
partners who were escorting the coaches and players from their respective benches. As everyone gathered and I introduced
my crew, one of the young ladies put up her hand and I smiled and nodded and she said, “I have never, ever seen three
women umpires before – this is so cool!” It was in that moment that I realized why I was there and how important it was,
and is, for young women to see women in officiating.
As part of my work on the Women in Officiating Committee I am writing this article to incite conversation, debate,
discussion and to introduce our committee to you. I feel honored and privileged to be on this committee with such a great
group of people and they are:
Bonnie Gostola (AB – liaison to the ODC), Tonya Ribalkin (BC – chair of the committee), Kelly Hunter (BC), Claire
Austring (BC), Hilary Lewis (AB), Genevieve Gaudreau (QC) , Lesley Pipher (ON), Kelly-jo Murphy (ON), Daryl Way (ON),
Kim Dudzic (ON), Lori Smith (ON), and Sandra Allan (NB).
I look forward to hearing from each and every one of you!
Yours in Officiating,
Frankie Billingsley (AB)
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CONGRATULATIONS
to the 2009 Umpire appointments
INTERNATIONAL Selections
Fast Pitch
ISF XII Men’s World Championship – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, July 17 - 26
(1) Lou Davis, NS
(2) Frank Omoe, AB
(3) Bob Henning, BC
(4) Gary Skjerven, SK
ISF Easton Foundation Youth World Cup 2009, Prague’s Softball Center, August 9 - 16
(1) Genevieve Gaudreau, QC
Women’s Pan American World Qualifier, Maracay, Venezuela, July 31 - August 9
(1) Dave Moore, SK
Canada Cup – Surrey, BC, July 4 - 12
(1) Brent Chadwick, SK
(2) Tim Lederman, BC
ISC, Illinois – August 14 - 22
(1) Gary Schmit, BC
USA World Cup, July 16-20
(1) Bonnie Gostola, AB
Canada Summer Games, Prince Edward Island - August 15 - 22
(1) (UIC) Frank Hughes, PEI
(2) (DUIC) Lucie Carmichael, QC
Slo-Pitch
SP Border Battle – Oklahoma, July 18
(1) Stephane Soucy, AB
SP Sr. World Cup –Salem, Virginia. - June 12 - 14, 2009
(1) Terry Wolowiec, MB
(2) Gerry Zvonkin, ON
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CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
UIC/DUIC - appointments
Slo-Pitch
Senior Men’s SP - Lethbridge, AB, Aug. 10-15
UIC - Len Gorgei, ON
DUIC - Yves Beauregard, QC
DUIC – Mike Robinson, AB
Senior Women’s SP - Lethbridge, AB, Aug. 10-15
UIC - Dave Drake, ON
DUIC - Murray Harvey, ON
Canadian Forces SP (Base Borden, Sept)
(UIC - Moose Gibson)
DUIC - Stephen Doyle, ON
Fast Pitch
Senior Men’s FP - St. Thomas, ON, Aug. 30-Sept. 6
UIC – Mark Gough, NB
DUIC – Gabe Babineau, NB
DUIC – Jim Herbert, ON
Senior Women’s FP – Kitchener, ON, Aug. 12- 16
UIC – Daryl Way, ON
DUIC – Brian MacRae, NB
Junior Men’s FP - Owen Sound, ON, Aug. 2-9
UIC - Brian Sharples, ON
DUIC – Jimm Barr, ON
Junior Women’s - St. Catharines, ON, Aug. 2-9
UIC – Noreen Atkinson, ON
DUIC – Bonnie Gostola, AB
Midget Boys - Prince Albert, SK, Aug. 2-9
UIC - Doug Cundall, ON
DUIC – Aaron Poulin, BC
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Midget Girls - Brampton, ON, Aug. 2-9
UIC - Joyce Schroeder, MB
DUIC – Peter Kluszczynski, ON
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Bantam Girls - Oakville, ON, July 29-Aug. 2
UIC – Tonya Ribalkin, BC
DUIC – Mitch Zuk, ON
Pee Wee Girls - Guelph, ON, Aug. 12-16
UIC – Craig Carr, NB
DUIC – Terry Richter, AB
U-19 Men’s International Championship, Charlottetown, PEI, July 7 - 12
UIC – Jeff Whipple, NB
DUIC – Keith Pender, NF
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2009
Blue Convention
Scholarship award
Jason Hunt - Ontario
NEW Address
Home Run Sports
Home Run Sports – the official umpire supplier - has moved
20 De La Seigneurie Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB
R3X 0E9
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Meet the Men’s Team!
With the XII ISF Men’s World Championships are only a few short months away (Saskatoon, July 17-26), we will be
profiling members of the Senior Men’s National Team who will be representing Canada at the event.
#20 Colin Abbott – Right Field/Designated Player
Date of Birth: October 1st, 1970 • Hometown: St. John’s, NL • Bats: Left
Throws: Right
A 15-year veteran of the Senior Men’s National Team, Colin Abbott is known as one of the best hitters in the World
and has a wealth of experience in major international events, including two Pan American Games Gold Medals (1995, 1999)
and two ISF World Championship Silver Medals (1996 and 2004). At the National level, Colin has collected seven medals
(Gold in 1994, 1997 and 1998; Silver in 1995 and 2007; Bronze in 1989 and 2001) at the Canadian Championships.
Colin works as a Senior Financial Consultant, and completed two Bachelor’s degrees (Economics and Commerce) at
Memorial University in St. John’s before earning his Certified Financial Planner certification in 2000. He also enjoys hockey,
currently serving as an official in his home province, and also had the opportunity to score a goal for the 1988-1989 Canadian
National Hockey Team in an exhibition game against the former Soviet Union.
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#8 Craig Crawford – Catcher
Date of Birth: April 13th, 1971 • Hometown: Markham, ON
• Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Craig Crawford provides Team Canada with another experienced player, having played for the Senior Men’s Team since
1996. He has represented his country at the last three ISF Men’s World Championships (Silver in 1996, 4th in 2000, Silver
in 2004) and also played for two Pan American Games Gold medal teams (1999 and 2003). At the Canadian Championship
level, he won Gold medals in 1992 (Junior), 1995 and 2006 (Senior), as well as a Silver medal in 1999.
A Wilfrid Laurier University graduate, Crawford is married (wife Tanya) and has two children. He also enjoys playing
basketball and volleyball during his free time.
#22 Jody Eidt – Third Base/Second Base
Date of Birth: June 18th, 1974 • Hometown: Mitchell, ON • Bats: LeftThrows: Right
This is Jody’s fifth year with the National Team after joining in 2004, helping Canada secure a Silver medal at the ISF
Men’s World Championships. Although that was Jody’s first taste of Senior Men’s National Team action, he was no stranger
to representing his country as he played in the 1993 ISF IV Junior Men’s World Championships, when Canada won the Gold
medal. His Canadian Championship experience includes a Gold medal (2003) and two Bronze medals (2005 and 2007).
After obtaining a History degree at Colby College (Maine) in 1997, Jody is now a Home Mortgage Consultant and
Branch Manager. His hobbies include hockey, playing cards and reading.
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#19 Jeff Ellsworth – Outfield
Date of Birth: November 8th, 1977 • Hometown: St. Lawrence, PEI • Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Jeff also made his first appearance with the Men’s National Team in 2004, but this year’s ISF Men’s World Championship will be his first. He has represented Canada at the 2006 Pan American Qualifier, and also at the International Test Series
against New Zealand in 2007 and at the 3 Nations Challenge in 2008. At the National level, Jeff has participated in each of the
last nine Canadian Championships, earning a Silver medal in 2008. He is also a three-time All-Star Outfielder (2004-2006)
and was named the Top Batter of the 2006 and 2007 Canadian Championships.
A Recreation Management graduate from Summerside’s Holland College (PEI), Jeff manages a large Sports Facility.
A true “Islander”, Jeff enjoys fishing and hunting in his spare time. His favourite band is Great Big Sea and he enjoys watching
The Score on television.
#17 Trevor Ethier – Pitcher
Date of Birth: October 19th, 1975 • Hometown: Saskatoon, SK • Bats: Right Throws: Right
Trevor Ethier will have the opportunity to play in front of his hometown at this summer’s ISF World Championships.
He has been a part of the Men’s National Team program since 2003, winning a Pan American Games Gold medal that year. He
has also played in nine Canadian Championships, earning a Bronze medal in 2004 and a Gold medal in 2008. He was named
Top Pitcher both in 2003 and 2004, as well as Most Valuable Player of the Qualifying Round in 2008.
Trevor earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 2000 from the University of Saskatchewan, where he played University hockey. His hobbies include hockey, golf, and spending times with his children (two daughters), friends and family.
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#14 Ian Fehrman – Second Base/Shortstop
Date of Birth: January 19th, 1980 • Hometown: Townsend, ON • Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Beginning his fourth year with the Men’s National Team, Ian Fehrman had the opportunity to play for Canada during the 2006 Pan American Qualifier, and also participated at the 2007 International Test Series and the 2008 3 Nations
Challenge. He won a Bronze medal at the 2006 Canadian Championships and a Silver medal in 2008. His individual awards
include All-Star Shortstop and Top Batter in 2005.
A Business graduate from Conestoga College, Ian also enjoys hockey, golf and playing poker. His most memorable
softball experience was when he first put on his Team Canada jersey in Mexico (Pan American Qualifier in 2006).
Meet the
Border Battle Team!
The Slo-Pitch Border Battle will showcase some of the best Canadian and American Slo-Pitch players in a one-game
showdown to be featured on ESPN on July 18, coinciding with the Women’s US World Cup Tournament at Hall of Fame
Stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Leading up to the game, we will be profiling members of the Canadian team who will
be participating at the event.
#63 Tim Bentley – Outfield
Date of Birth: May 21st, 1970
Hometown: Chatham, ON
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Tim Bentley has been on the Slo-Pitch scene for many years, and has 20 years of experience in the sport of softball. He
first got started in Slo-Pitch when his friend brought him out to a tournament and he immediately made the team. For the past three
seasons, he has been a part of the Yardmen playing out of Ontario, and previously played for the Henchmen and M.A.S. At the
National level, he earned All-Star honours at the 2000 and 2005 Canadian Men’s Slo-Pitch Championships.
Tim is married with two children, and enjoys playing sports and working out. His favourite sports team is the
Toronto Maple Leafs, while his favourite food is pizza. In his mind, the keys to success for the Border Battle are
to play solid defense and not give up unnecessary outs.
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#22 Alain Blais – Left Field
Date of Birth: December 4th, 1973
Hometown: Maple, ON
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Alain is also a 20 year veteran of the game, and is currently a member of the Toronto Orioles. He previously played
for the Binbrook Brewers, Auto Depot, and Skaters Edge, all in the province of Ontario. Over his career, he has won three
Gold medals at Canadian Championships (2004, 2005 and 2006), earning co-MVP honours in 2006. Blais was also named
to the Canadian Championships All-Star Team in 2000.
Now a Press Operator in Maple, Ontario, Blais once trained with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Kansas City Royals and
the Florida Marlins. His favourite athletes are Wayne Gretzky and Derek Jeter. When Alain started to play softball, his mother
– a very religious woman – would bless his bats before each tournament. Alain still believes his mother, now deceased, is
blessing his bats from above.
#77 David Boldt – Outfield
Date of Birth: May 13th, 1974
Hometown: St. Thomas, ON
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
David Boldt is one of the most decorated Slo-Pitch players on the Canadian team, having been involved with
the game for 20 years as well. A mainstay with the Toronto Orioles, he won Canadian Championship Gold medals in
2004 and 2005 as well as Bronze in 2003. He is also a five-time Canadian Championship All-Star (2003, 2004, 2005,
2007 and 2008).
David is married with a son. His favourite sports team is the Toronto Blue Jays. He enjoys playing golf. What he
loves the most about Slo-pitch is the competitiveness, and he points out Air Transat (Quebec) as the toughest opponent to
play against.
#23 Todd Cadenhead – Infield
Date of Birth: December 5th, 1972
Hometown: Vaughn, ON
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
A 14 year veteran from Vaughn, Ontario, Todd Cadenhead currently plays for the SPC Padres, Ward & Patch, and
the Toronto Orioles. He also previously played for ProTeam Softball. He won three Canadian Championship Gold medals
(2001, 2004 and 2005), and also won six Provincial Championships and eight Elimination Championships.
Cadenhead is the President of a company called Dedicated Contact Solutions Inc. He is a very enthusiastic person,
and would love to help promote softball in Canada in any capacity. He enjoys hockey and travelling, with his favourite vacation
spot being Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
16
AROUND the HORN
#30 Ryan Caley – Shortstop
Date of Birth: December 12th, 1975 Hometown: London, ON Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Yet another mainstay with the Toronto Orioles, Ryan Caley has been with the team for 12 years. The middle infielder
won three Canadian Championship Gold medals (2001, 2004 and 2005) as well as five Elimination Gold Medals (2002,
2004-2008). He earned an All-Star honour in 2004. The Toronto Orioles were inducted to the Slo-Pitch Ontario Hall of
Fame in 2008.
An electrician by trade, Ryan is married with three sons. He first got involved with the game of Slo-Pitch when he
was 16 and his uncle was short of players for a tournament, and he has played ever since then. Ryan also enjoys golf, and his
dream job is to be a Pro Golfer.
We can’t forget the Blue!!!
To officiate at the Border Battle game, Softball Canada had the opportunity to send one of our umpires. Stephane
Soucy was selected for this assignment.
Stephane Soucy
Date of Birth: June 3rd, 1963
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Stephane has been umpiring for 16 years now, concentrating mostly on the Slo-Pitch game. He obtained his Softball
Canada Level V status in 2003, and his ISF Slow Pitch certification the following year. His National experience includes the
2000 Canadian Senior Women’s Slo-Pitch Championship, as well as the 2001 and 2003 Canadian Senior Men’s Slo-Pitch
Championships. At the International level, Stephane officiated at the 2004 ISF Senior World Cup in Virginia as well as the
2005 World Police and Fire Games in Quebec City.
A very well respected umpire in Alberta and in Canada, Stephane is always willing to help develop umpires around
him. He has instructed several clinics and also takes the time to mentor many local umpires in his province.
Future
Canadian Championships
2009
Pee Wee Girls
Bantam Girls
Midget Girls
Midget Boys
Junior Women’s
Junior Men’s
Senior Women’s
Senior Men’s
Senior Men’s and Women’s SP
Guelph, ON
Oakville, ON
Brampton, ON
Prince Albert, SK
St. Catharines, ON
Owen Sound, ON
Kitchener, ON
St. Thomas, ON
Lethbridge, AB
Aug. 12-16
Jul. 29 - Aug 2
Aug. 2-9
Aug. 2-9
Aug. 2-9
Aug. 2-9
Aug. 12-16
Aug. 30-Sept. 6
Aug. 10-15
17
AROUND the HORN
2010
Pee Wee Girls
Bantam Girls
Midget Girls
Midget Boys
Junior Women’s
Junior Men’s
Senior Women’s
Senior Men’s
Senior Men’s and Women’s SP
2011
Pee Wee Girls
Bantam Girls
Midget Girls
Midget Boys
Junior Women’s
Junior Men’s
Senior Women’s
Senior Men’s
Senior Men’s and Women’s SP
Bid Pending
Bid Pending Saint John, NB
Stratford, ON
Bid Pending
Open Open
Charlottetown, PE
Surrey, BC
Aug. 11-15
TBD
Aug. 1-8
Aug. 1-8
Aug. 1-8
Aug. 1-8
Aug. 11-16
Aug. 29-Sept. 5
Aug. 9-14
Open
Bid pending
Bid pending
Open
Open
Open Open
Open
Open
Aug. 10-14
TBD
TBD
July 31-Aug. 7
July 31 – Aug. 7
July 31-Aug. 7
TBD
Aug. 28-Sept. 4
Aug. 8-13
If you are interested in bidding on any of the open Championships, please contact Mike Branchaud of Softball
Canada at [email protected] or 613-523-3386 ext 3103. Please note that all bids must be approved by your local
Provincial/Territorial office.
18
Join the International Softball Federation’s (ISF) efforts to get
women’s fast pitch softball reinstated in 2009 by the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2016 Summer Games.
Visit www.BackSoftball.com. Read the press release and ten-point
blueprint so you’re well versed on the matter.
Contact the media to have them give more attention to this issue
Speak out on the matter with a posting in the “Support Olympic Softball”
category on the official ISF website’s Message Board
Keep copies of this flyer circulating between now and the IOC’s October
2009 vote to increase the chances of exposure
Contact people that you know in other countries and encourage them to
get involved so that softball can show its universality and not be labeled
as “just a U.S. sport”
Wear Back Softball merchandise to draw more attention to the campaign
Attend international softball events or watch them on TV or online (a
calendar of such tournaments can be found in the Events section of
www.internationalsoftball.com)
Visit Back Softball’s (and the ISF’s) page on Facebook and, while there,
click on ‘Become a Fan’ (registration is free at www.facebook.com)
Watch videos at www.youtube.com/ISFsoftball to help demonstrate the
interest in and demand for interacting with the sport
Make a donation to the reinstatement campaign, either via the YouTube
channel or the Back Softball homepage
Tell others – friends, family, co-workers, neighbors – about the current
situation with Olympic Softball, and get them to act on the above steps.
(NOTE: The ISF has determined that petitions are not appropriate for this campaign. Also,
contact should not be made with IOC Members and the Olympic family.)
www.internationalsoftball.com
the sickest way to live healthy
It’s been called the sickest way
to live healthy.
CANADA’S YOUTH ARE GETTING ACTIVE!
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP
Sogo Active. A program presented by Coca-Cola Canada
in collaboration with ParticipACTION.
Join Sogo Active.
Be Part of the Team
It’s a movement for youth by youth!
Presented by Coca-Cola in Canada,
this five-year initiative is executed by
ParticipACTION along with provincial and
territorial partners to motivate young
Canadians to get active. Sogo Active
puts power in the hands of youth to take charge of
their own lives, and to inspire their peers to get moving.
Now we’re looking for local organizations who can
support youth in accessing equipment, facilities and
resources. We need people who can reach out to teens,
tell them about Sogo Active and connect youth to sogo
groups they’ll love. By joining the sogo team, you’ll help
to nurture stronger, healthier young Canadians who will
become passionate leaders of tomorrow – leaders that
build active communities.
It’s a national network that connects youth with their
peers and with community organizations. Through
www.sogoactive.com, they can set activity goals,
share challenges, celebrate successes,
and use their own ideas to become
the most active young people
on earth. For youth who join the
movement, Coca-Cola is providing
once-in-a-lifetime experiences,
starting with the opportunity to
carry the Olympic Flame in the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
Register at www.sogoactive.com to become part of the
network and to connect with youth in your community.
For Community Hosts who sign-up by January 31, 2009,
Coca-Cola will provide an additional opportunity for
20 of their sogo youth to carry
the Olympic Flame in the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch
Relay, through a merit based
selection process!
Together, let’s help youth get moving!
AROUND the HORN
SOFTBALL CANADA
STAFF Contacts
Chief Executive Officer – Hugh Mitchener – [email protected]
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3106
• General Management
• Board and Provincial/Territorial Liaison
• Strategic and Operational Planning
• Financial Management
• Policy Development
• Liaison with external funding partners (Sport Canada, COC)
• International Liaison and Hosting
[email protected]
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3108
Manager – LTPD/Coaching Services – Lise Ju 2010 binville – • Long Term Player Development Model
• New Provincial/Territorial developmental program initiatives
• Coaching
• University/Colleges initiatives
Manager – Officials/Publications Services – Donna Ozarko–
[email protected]
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3101
• Officials
• Blue Convention
• Newsletters (Around the Horn, Between the Lines, Canadian Indicator Newsletter)
• Rule Book
• Volunteer recognition
• Publications
Manager – Financial Services – Kathy Stewart – [email protected]
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3104
• Budget preparation
• Financial Monitoring/reports
• Accounts receivables/payables
• Tax receipts
• National Teams financial reporting to external funding bodies
• Annual General Meeting organization
Manager - Canadian Championships/
Domestic Services - Mike Branchaud – • Canadian Championships
• Parmalat Learn to Play program
• Slo-Pitch
• Canada Games
• Technical Standards
• Special Projects (Aboriginal, Wheelchair)
[email protected]
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3103
Operations Manager – National Teams – Harvey Stevenson – [email protected]
• Men’s and Women’s Teams program management
• Liaison with organizers/hosts of national team events
• COC Major Games liaison
22
AROUND the HORN
Manager – Marketing/Communications Services – Gilles LeBlanc – • Revenue Generation
• Sponsor/Supplier liaison
• Development of promotional programs
• Media Relations
• Web site
• Hall of Fame and awards
• Ball Approval Program
Manager – Program Coordinator– Angela Murdock
• Long Term Player Development
• Competition Review
• After Learn to Play Program
• Coaching Curriculum Guides
• National Pitching Program
• Administrative Responsibilities (reception, orders, shipping, etc.)
[email protected]
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3105
[email protected]
Phone: 613.523.3386 ext. 3100
Softball Canada
223 Colonnade Road, Suite 212, Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7K3
Phone: 613-523-3386 • Fax: 613-523-5761• Email: [email protected]
Providing Softball
Opportunities to all Canadians
www.softball.ca
23