By Troy Gillard

Sylvan Lake Gulls

WCBL teams to field all-Canadian rosters in 2021

Mar 25, 2021 | 1:28 PM

Issues with COVID-19 restrictions and the Canada-U.S. border have thrown a curveball at the Western Canadian Baseball League.

The league announced Thursday that teams hitting the field for the 2021 season will have only Canadian players on their rosters.

This includes the Sylvan Lake Gulls, who are preparing for their inaugural season.

The Okotoks Dawgs will field two teams in 2021. The Lethbridge Bulls and Edmonton Prospects have also committed to fielding teams.

Non-Canadian players that had been recruited for the 2021 season have been allowed to seek playing opportunities elsewhere.

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“While we’re extremely disappointed that we won’t be seeing U.S. and other foreign players as we would in a normal season, we are confident that the quality of Canadian athletes who play this great game at an extremely-high, competitive level will perform for their respective teams,” said WCBL president Kevin Kvame.

The Fort McMurray Giants and Medicine Hat Mavericks are still discussing their options for 2021. The Swift Current 57’s, Regina Red Sox, Weyburn Beavers, Moose Jaw Miller Express and Brooks Bombers have chosen not to play in 2021.

Kvame noted the decisions have been made in the best interests of players, coaches, staff, officials and fans. He adds the teams are eager to bring baseball back to each community as quickly and safely as possible, with government and health authority consent.

“I can tell you that no rock was left unturned by those teams that opted out,” Kvame added. “They have met, brainstormed, considered roster changes, and looked for funding that could have made it possible. But instead they will become, for one unforeseen season, fans and followers of our other baseball teams who will take the field.”

The WCBL will soon be approaching Alberta Health Services with another “Return To Play” Plan that will include an Alberta cohort, with no fans initially, and a condensed season in mid-June to early August.

Sylvan Lake Gulls General Manager Aqil Samuel says it’s their hope that a number of fans will be allowed at games as the season goes on.

“One year ago when we introduced the Gulls to Sylvan Lake and central Alberta, we never imagined that we would have to make such a difficult decision,” Samuel said.

“Our Ownership Group and Leadership Team from H4 Sports Entertainment Ltd. are fully committed to finishing the stadium construction and being part of the Sylvan Lake community for many years to come.”

Thursday’s decision leaves the Gulls with 14 Canadian players on their roster for the 2021 season, with the goal being to have 20 to 24 players by the time the first pitch crosses the plate.

“Jason (Chatwood, Gulls Head Coach) is really good at recruiting. We’re not too concerned about being able to fill the roster with quality Canadian kids.”

Samuel says a modified schedule and ticket plan details will be released once a plan is approved by the province.