By Troy Gillard

stadium plans revised

Sylvan Lake Gulls survive storm to fly on with plans for 2021

Jun 3, 2020 | 4:10 PM

They say timing is everything, and for the Sylvan Lake Gulls the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic came at nearly the worst time possible.

On March 15, the Gulls unveiled their name and logo in front of more than 200 local supporters. Two days later, Alberta declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19 and an already shaky economy was sent into even more turmoil.

Suddenly, the fate of the Gulls was up in the air.

“It’s been a tough couple of months,” Gulls GM Aqil Samuel admitted Wednesday. “But Graham and Jen Schetzsle, the owners, they were really committed to it. There was a chance, for sure, but knowing them like I knew they’d do everything in their power to make sure it happened. It was just that unknown, for a while, that was really hard to take.”

And so after some tense times and tough conversations Samuel says the Gulls will indeed hit the diamond for their inaugural Western Canadian Baseball League season in 2021 in a brand-new stadium, albeit one smaller than planned.

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

22h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

Apr 02, 2026

Prior to the pandemic the Gulls were planning to play out of a $7 million, 2,200 seat stadium at Pogadl Park in Sylvan Lake. Unfortunately, the pandemic led to a number of investment opportunities falling through, forcing the Gulls to reduce their stadium budget by about half.

The team is now moving ahead with a stadium that includes an initial seating capacity of 1,000, along with a fully-lit field with turf infield. Luxury boxes and other features are on hold for the time being.

Samuel says Edmonton-based Select Engineering has been working hard to keep the project moving ahead. Cement forms are currently being poured at Eagle Builders and will soon be moved to the stadium site on the western outskirts of Sylvan Lake.

When it comes to building the team itself, Samuel says what while the pandemic has halted pretty much all baseball for the time being they still expect to get their eyes on potential players later this year.

The Canadian College Baseball League, NCAA, NJCAA and NAIA – the leagues from which the Gulls will recruit the majority of their players – are currently scheduled to play their seasons as per normal this fall.

Meantime, Samuel says a coaching search for the Gulls gets underway this month.

“It’s an important position, obviously. A coach helps with recruiting and getting our name out there in front of college coaches and things like that, it has to be a pretty dynamic person. We’ve got a list started with some potential candidates and we’ll see if we can’t get someone in place this summer.”

Gulls clothing and merchandise will be available soon and that season ticket information will be released next month.

“We want to thank everyone for their support during this process,” Samuel says. “We know it hasn’t been easy. It’s been really tough in the Alberta economy with everything that’s going on. I just want to give a shout out to Sylvan Lakers, Sylvan Lake town council and everyone who’s stuck with us.

“We’re ready to build towards that inaugural season next year. I know everyone’s going to be itching for baseball after all this is over.”